Aburi Botanical Gardens is one of the most tranquil and beautiful places in Ghana. Opened in March 1890, it covers 64.8 hectares of land, overlooking the coastal Accra plain, the elevation difference in the area ranges from 370 to 460 metres above sea level.
The uniqueness of this garden lies in its favourable climate and picturesque setting. The surrounding tranquillity makes it an ideal place for writers craving solitude, honeymooners, campers, nature lovers, outdoor activities and picnics. The many birds and butterflies, the mix of native and exotic trees have truly therapeutic properties.
Before the garden was established, in 1875, a government sanatorium for officials was built on the site. In 1899, during the governorship of W. Bradford-Griffith, several hectares of land in the vicinity of the sanatorium were cleared for the establishment of a Botanical Department. The first project leader arrived in the Gold Coast from the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in 1890, this was a student, Mr William Crowther.
At the entrance to the garden visitors are met by a guide who will give a detailed tour for a small fee. On a walk down the central avenue, guests will be told about the origin, age and medicinal properties of most plants.
Popular tourist spots in the park include Bush House, the Stone Garden, the Gazebo, the seiba tree, the crashed helicopter and the horticulture school. Bush House, a historical monument, is an open shed with a thatched roof supported on stone pillars. The floor is made of red clay and is renewed weekly, as is customary in rural Ghana. Two bamboo groves grow on either side of the house. They act as hedges for a collection of exotic flowers. The lawn in front of the old house is planted with a very sensitive plant, the bashful mimosa. Touch it and see what happens. The school of horticulture grows many species of medicinal plants and is dedicated to the breeding, study and conservation of the local flora.
At different times, Aburi has been visited by famous personalities including Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles, Gen Olusegun Obasanjo among others. In recent times, the park's infrastructure has been improved, in addition to hiking tours, mountain bike hire is offered, the original holiday home has been preserved on the grounds and there are hotels in nearby villages.
There are regular minibus routes to the Botanical Gardens from Accra, or you can get there by taxi or private vehicle.
