//
Kumasi is the main city of the Ashanti-Kwahu region of Ghana. It is a vibrant city and the cultural cradle of Ghana. Kumasi is famous for its vast Kejetia market, the largest in West Africa, and for the traditional Asante buildings of the region, which are on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Kumasi Zoo
All of the animals from the former Accra Zoo were transferred here.
Largest market in West Africa, with subsections selling clothes, fabrics, home goods, and most anything else including hot meals. The new enclosed market centre is laid out in grids, but the surrounding streets are more crowded and lined with vendors. Can be loud and overwhelming or a rewarding, local experience; use your own judgement.
The legendary site of the foundation of the Ashanti Empire in Kumasi in 1701, where the 'immovable' sword driven into the ground by Okomfo Anokye remains.
A Kumasi landmark, next to the Kejetia Market, built in 1913.
This cathedral has been a long-standing feature in Adum. It is said that the missionaries who came to plant the church were killed by lions, and that the statue of a man standing on a lion in front of the church is testament of victory over that or something like that.
Rattray park is one of Kumasi's premier recreational parks, developed by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and opened in 2015 as part of efforts to restore Kumasi's reputation as the Garden City of West Africa. The park is named after Captain Robert Sutherland Rattray, a Scottish anthropologist and colonial administrator who documented the history and customs of the Ashanti Kingdom. The park offers beautifully landscaped gardens, paved walking paths, an artificial lake, a children's playground, restaurants and cafes. It's a popular destination for picnics, photographs, exercise, and leisure.
The Knust Botanical Garden is a peaceful green space on the campus of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi. he Garden has a wide variety of indigenous and exotic trees, flowering plants, medicinal species, and ornamental vegetation, making it an important ecological resource for students, researchers, and visitors alike. Beyond its academic role, the garden has become a popular recreational destination for residents and tourists seeking a quiet escape from the city's bustle.
Built in 1925 by the British as the residence of King Asantehene Prempeh I, this museum is also a palace. Walking through the museum, you will learn about the function of each room when it was used by the kings, as well as seeing artwork and artefacts from the Asante kings.
Features artefacts and personal belongings of former Asante kings including a reproduction of the golden stool.
Kumasi Fort
The museum buildings is housed in the Kumasi Fort, built by the British in 1896 after they destroyed the Asante Fort that used to stand here. The museum predominantly features information and artefacts related to the British-Asante War, but also includes many artefacts from World War I, World War II, and information about modern Ghanaian military history. Tour guides are friendly and very knowledgeable. Highly recommended.
A collection of some 2,000 hats from around the world belonging to Chief Nana Kofi Gyemfi II at the top of the Nurom Hotel, but it may no longer be open.
This is the only natural lake in Ghana and interestingly created by a meteor impact. It has very lush and green surroundings, being 8 km in diameter and 82 m deep, although the water quality itself may not be that clean. It is a sacred lake, as Ashanti believe it is where departed souls come to bid farewell to goddess Asase Ya. It can be reached by tro-tro or private taxis. The private taxi price should be about 50 cedis (September 2013). Lodging available at Paradise Resort. Do not go to the tourist information center "Jakad" in Abono, the town you will most likely be dropped off at, it is just a guy trying to extract 200 cedis through a community donation scam (December 2023).
Sanctuary with about 161 bird species, and butterflies, antelope, bushbuck, bushpig, and monkeys. The only inland Ramsar site in Ghana. Guided walks can be arranged at the visitor centre. The Bamboo Temple is very pretty and worthwhile. It can be reached by tro-tro to Esaase or Owabi tro-tro stops. From the Esasie tro-tro stop it is a walk of about 1–2 km, or else get a private taxi. May want to call to confirm price/location.
Serves fufu with fish soup and you eat it with yours hands. Of course only Ghanaians eat here. You eat alfresco in a quiet road.
Tasty local African dishes.
Indian cuisine.
Local and intercontinental. Good but not cheap.
An atmospheric, well-furnished, hostel, where you can usually meet many other travellers. The price includes breakfast, and dinner is another $6. The hostel funds the TUMI Foundation for women's empowerment; clothes and accessories can be bought on location.
Contemporary lodging with Wi-Fi, laundry, breakfast, a/c, parking in the craziness of Kumasi centre.
Roses Guest House
Sort of outlying hotel location with laundry, restaurant, pub (smoky), casino, billiards, Wi-Fi. Gated.
Full amenities: Wi-Fi, a/c, pool, bar, restaurant, buffet breakfast, gym, room service, airport shuttle, security cameras, conference room, tennis courts. Pool and grounds and dining room are very nice.
Kente fabric strips, glass beads, Ashanti sandals, batik – pretty much everything under the sun.
This is a craft workshop where you can take tours but also especially buy authentic Ghanaian products like adrinka clothing and kente cloth.
Kumasi Central Market
This market stands as the largest single marketplace in West Africa. It have over 12 hectares, the massive commercial hub houses upwards of about 10,000 stores and stalls, bringing thousands of traders and visitors daily. A lot of items and goods such as traditional Items, fashion and footwear, electronics and home goods, fresh produce and Foodstuffs can all be found in the market.
Nkrumah Market
This is one of the major commercial trading centres of Ghana. Originally named Nkrumah Market, it serves as a place for local foodstuff, textiles, and household goods. It has undergone redevelopment by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly.
By plane
Flights from Accra to Kumasi are about 45 minutes long, limited on luggage allowance. Small planes, yet short trip.
By car
By bus
To travel by road to Kumasi from Accra you will need to allow 6 hours travel time.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Kumasi · International · KMS
Loading places around the airport…
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.