Description of the attraction
The Aburi Botanical Garden is one of the most tranquil and beautiful places in Ghana. Opened in March 1890, covers 64.8 hectares of land, overlooking the coastal Accra Plain, the height difference in the territory is from 370 to 460 m above sea level.
The uniqueness of this garden lies in the favorable climate and picturesque setting. The surrounding tranquility makes it an ideal destination for writers seeking privacy, honeymooners, campers, nature lovers, outdoor activities and picnics. A multitude of birds and butterflies, a mixture of local and exotic trees have truly medicinal properties.
Before the creation of the garden, in 1875, a government sanatorium for officials was built on this site. In 1899, during the governorship of W. Bradford-Griffith, several hectares of land near the sanatorium were cleared for the development of the Botanical Department. The first project manager arrived in the Gold Coast from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in 1890, and was a student, Mr. William Crowther.
At the entrance to the garden, visitors are greeted by a guide who will lead a detailed excursion for a small fee. On a walk along the central alley, guests will be told about the origin, age and medicinal properties of most plants.
Popular tourist spots in the park are Bush House, Rock Garden, Gazebo, Ceiba tree, a wrecked helicopter, and a horticultural school. Bush House is a historical monument, an open barn with a thatched roof, resting on stone pillars. The floor is made of red clay and is renewed weekly, as is customary in rural Ghana. There are two bamboo groves on either side of the house. They act as a hedge for a collection of exotic flowers. A very sensitive plant is planted on the lawn in front of the old house - bashful mimosa. Touch it and see what happens. The horticultural school grows many types of medicinal plants, as well as breeding, studying and preserving the local flora.
At various times, Aburi was visited by famous personalities, including Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles, Gen Olusegun Obasanjo, and others. Recently, the infrastructure of the park has been improved, in addition to walking tours, mountain bikes are available for rent, an original rest house has been preserved on the territory, where you can stay. and there are also hotels in nearby villages.
The Botanical Garden has regular minibus routes from Accra, or can be reached by taxi or private transport.
