We believe it’s important for you to spend time experiencing the culture and customs that make Ghana such a wonderful destination. You’ll be the honorary guest for many of the traditional rituals and customs of your host community, and even the day-to-day routines will be eye-opening. Whether you’re moved by the natural beauty of Ghana’s mountains and beaches or you’re eager to get a taste of the local crafts and artwork, we ensure that you will get to know Ghana! Here are a few of the points of interest that we recommend – many of these are close to Ho and our host communities, but several are in other parts of Ghana and require longer travel. However, DIVOG volunteer programs are 100% customizable and flexible – send us an email and we can outline a potential itinerary for your visit!

 

 

Wili Waterfalls – Tallest Waterfalls in West Africa

The tallest waterfalls in West Africa – the Wli Waterfalls – are located just two hours from Ho and are a favorite destination of many visiting DIVOG volunteers.  A scenic walk through the Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary brings you to the lower waterfall, where you’ll be able to have a relaxing picnic just meters away from the roaring base of the falls. You can take a challenging hike up to the isolated, upper waterfall, and afterwards, cool off in the serene pools at the base of the falls. The Wli Waterfalls can be experienced year round and are a consistent volunteer favorite!

 

 

 

 

 

Tafi-Atome Monkey Sanctuary

A trip to the Tafi-Atome Monkey Sanctuary is the perfect complement to visiting Wli Falls; the two destinations are just 45 minutes apart. For optimal viewing, it is best to visit the sanctuary in the early morning, so after your time at the sanctuary the majority of the day is left to experience the waterfalls! Walk along peaceful trails of the sanctuary and hand-feed bananas to the Mona Monkeys–they are considered sacred by the community of Tafi-Atome. The sanctuary was established as an environmental conservation effort to protect the forest and monkeys, and to promote community development through cross-cultural exchange and eco-tourism.

 

 

 

 

Meet Me There Beach Resort

Once you finish volunteering in the Volta, you will have plenty of emotions and memories that must be processed. What better way to holistically comprehend your experience than by spending a few days relaxing with your DIVOG team? Meet Me There is an eco-tourist African Home Lodge situated on the eastern coast between two villages. Decompress and enjoy the view, the cool African breeze, and the delicious menu with the knowledge that you are doing so responsibly. For more information: www.meetmethereghana.com

 

 

 

 

 

Elmina & Cape Coast – Historical Slave Castles

It is not often that an American or European can easily visit a castle used during the transatlantic slave trade—being in Ghana provides volunteers with this opportunity. Along the western coast there are numerous castles previously used in the slave trade; Elima Castle and Cape Coast Castle have been deemed UNESCO World Heritage Sites and have consequently been well-preserved. Informative and thought-provoking guided tours are available at both sites. Visiting a slave trade castle will leave a lasting impression with any volunteer who takes the time to venture west. You will not regret it.

 

 

 

 

 

Kakum National Park – Canopy Walkway in the Rainforest

Kakum National Park is one of the famous national parks in Ghana, located 33km north of Cape Coast. The park is composed of mostly undisturbed virgin rainforest, and is home to 40 species of mammal (including forest elephants, leopard, and more!), over 200 species of bird, reptiles and amphibians, and over 400 species of butterfly. Kakum features a 40m high canopy walkway, hiking trails, guided tours, and camping facilities. If you plan to visit Elmina or Cape Coast, adding Kakum National Park to your itinerary is a no-brainer!

 

 

 

 

 

Kente Weaving

Visit the village of Kpetoe, just 25km southeast of Ho, to witness Kente weavers at work. Kpetoe is renowned throughout the country for the quality of their Kente cloth, produced on 40ft looms that are woven to be approximately 5 inches wide and 4 feet long; individual strips are then sewn together to make clothing and accessories. Kente cloth is rooted in tradition and has symbolic meaning—buying Kente cloth is a great way to support local weavers and leave Ghana with a beautiful souvenir!

 

 

 

 

 

Ghanaian Bead Making

Perhaps the perfect way to end your stay in Ghana is a trip to Somanya, in the Central Region of Ghana. This area has, for centuries, been a hotbed of Ghanaian bead production, as opposed to the Volta Region where Kente Weaving has a stronger cultural presence. Visit a bead shop to see how the beads are created using recycled glass, see a local artisan at work, and browse the beautiful selection of beads and jewelry available for sale.

 

 

 

 

 

Ho Market Day

“Market day” takes place in Ghana every fourth day (the amount of time it takes food to spoil), and Ho is home to the largest market in the Volta Region. Come hear vendors and customers bargain in Ewe, smell the freshly smoked fish, and see crowds from all over the Volta move through the colorful and lively marketplace. Don’t hesitate to participate and experience firsthand what it’s like to grocery shop in Ghana!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aburi Botanical Gardens

Located just 30km north of Accra, the Aburi Botanical Gardens were established in 1890 and cover 160 acres in total. The gardens are a lovely place to reflect and relax, stroll along palm-lined lanes, or have a picnic. Only 3 acres have been developed into formal gardens, the majority of the acres are a botanical reserve composed of a vast array of indigenous and exotic flora. For instance, the silk cotton tree in the gardens is a sole survivor of the original forest that once covered the Aburi hills, and is a sacred tree of West Africa.

 

 

 

 

 

Lake Volta & Akosombo Dam

Only in Ghana can you witness the largest reservoir of water by surface area in the world – Lake Volta. In 1965, under the direction of Kwame Nkrumah, the Akosombo Dam was completed, creating the largest man-made body of water in the world. Engineer and layman alike will be in awe of the vastness of Akosombo Dam; see first-hand the largest source of electricity in West Africa, as the hydroelectric power from Akosombo powers most of Ghana as well as areas in neighboring countries.