Have you ever craved a peaceful escape from Accra’s busy lifestyle? Ghana’s capital has a hidden gem called the Legon Botanical Gardens, which offers peace and adventure in one place.

Located minutes from the University of Ghana campus, the Legon Botanical Gardens feature exotic plants and exciting recreational activities. The natural haven was founded in the 1950s as a plant conservation area but has evolved into one of Ghana’s most popular outdoor destinations for nature lovers, families, and adventure seekers.

Why is the Legon Botanical Gardens so special?

Do you know why locals and tourists visit this green haven right in the middle of Accra? The reason is that Legon Botanical Gardens have a unique blend of natural beauty and recreational fun that you won’t find anywhere else in Ghana.

The gardens display a variety of native and exotic plant species, showcasing Ghana’s rich biodiversity. Walking along shaded pathways and open fields, you are surrounded by a peaceful atmosphere that instantly calms your mind.

Aside from the plants, what makes Legon Botanical Gardens unique is its perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. A typical botanical garden consists solely of plant collections, but this one also serves as an adventure park.

Things to do at Legon Botanical Gardens

Are you looking for more than just a quiet walk among plants? Legon Botanical Gardens offers many activities that will keep you busy for hours.

• One of the most popular attractions is the canopy walkway. Located 25 feet above ground, this 100-meter walkway provides breathtaking views of the gardens.
• A high ropes course presents an exciting challenge for adventure lovers. It’s a fun way to challenge your balance and courage while navigating obstacles suspended in the air. As part of the course, you will receive safety equipment and be accompanied by a trained staff member.
• In contrast to more adventurous activities, boating on the serene lake is a peaceful alternative. Rowboats and paddleboats are available for rent so that you can glide peacefully along the calm water.
• The design of the garden takes children into account. Dedicated playgrounds for kids offer swings, slides, and climbing frames where they can burn off energy.
• There are several picnic areas with tables and benches scattered throughout the landscape. Visitors often bring food baskets for a relaxing lunch in the natural setting. For those who don’t want to bring food, there’s an on-site restaurant that serves delicious international and local dishes.

What Is the Cost of Visiting Legon Botanical Gardens?

There are surprisingly affordable entrance fees, making it affordable for most budgets.

For adults, the entrance fee is approximately 20-30 Ghana Cedis (approximately $2-3 USD), while for children, it is around 10-15 Ghana Cedis. Garden, picnic, and walking trails are all accessible with this basic entry.

Additional fees apply to activities beyond basic garden access. You can expect to pay between 35-45 Ghana Cedis per person for the canopy walkway and 50-70 Ghana Cedis for the high ropes course, depending on the package you choose.

Packages with combined activities are available at discounted rates for schools and groups. A team-building package for corporate events, typically with exclusive access to certain areas, is also popular.

Prices may change during special events. Additionally, weekend rates might be slightly higher because of more demand over the weekend. If you want the most accurate and up-to-date price information, use the Akwaaba app, which gives you real-time gate fees and activity prices at Legon Botanical Gardens.

When is the Best Time to Visit Legon Botanical Gardens?

The dry season, between November and March, is generally the best time to explore the gardens. These months offer clear skies and comfortable temperatures around 75-85°F (24-29°C). In order to avoid crowds, visit during the weekday mornings. The gardens open at 8 AM. If you arrive before 10 AM, you’ll be able to enjoy the gardens almost privately. 

Plant lovers will find the gardens a lush paradise during the minor rainy season (September-October). Showers may occasionally disrupt outdoor activities, but the beautiful surroundings compensate. Special events and festivals at the gardens offer unique cultural experiences. During your visit, you can stay up to date with Akwaaba’s app.

How Do You Get to Legon Botanical Gardens?

The Legon Botanical Garden is located near the University of Ghana in Accra and is surprisingly accessible. Taking a car from central Accra takes approximately 20-30 minutes. If you live in East Legon or the Airport Residential Area, you can reach the gardens within 15 minutes. Taxis or a 15-minute walk are other public transportation options to the university’s main entrance.

What Should You Bring to Legon Botanical Gardens?

Sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat are essential in Ghana’s tropical climate. Despite overcast skies, UV rays remain powerful. Water bottles are essential for staying hydrated during your visit. Drinks are available at the garden’s restaurant, but you can bring your own to save money.

If you are going to picnic in grassy areas, bring along a blanket or portable mat for comfort. If you are planning a picnic, don’t forget utensils, food containers, and napkins. It’s worth capturing the diverse landscapes of Legon Botanical Gardens with your camera. It is always a good idea to carry Ghana Cedis despite the increasing acceptance of credit cards in Accra. There are some smaller vendors within the gardens who only accept cash.

Attractions Near Legon Botanical Gardens 

Legon Botanical Gardens is just a short distance away from several fascinating attractions that can easily be combined into a full day or weekend trip.

University of Ghana

You can explore the peaceful grounds of the University of Ghana campus, just minutes from the gardens. Balme Library and Great Hall are two impressive historical structures at the university.

W.E.B. DuBois

An African-American scholar who made Ghana home, W.E.B. DuBois, is commemorated at the W.E.B. DuBois Centre, located about 15 minutes from the gardens. Among the center’s features are DuBois’ former residence, the museum displaying his personal effects, and the final resting place of the poet.

A.A. Pharmaceuticals Herbal Garden

Another nearby botanical attraction, A.A. Pharmaceuticals Herbal Garden, spotlights traditional Ghanaian healing plants. There are guided tours that explain the properties and uses of various herbs.

Legon Mall

The Legon Mall, which houses a supermarket, clothing stores, and restaurants, is only a few minutes away from the gardens.

If you use the Akwaaba App, you can plan an efficient route between these attractions. It can also provide directions, operating hours, and even suggest logical visiting sequences based on location and average duration of visits.

Canopy Walkway Experience

Explore Ghana’s widest canopy walkway, offering ample space to move freely while enjoying breathtaking panoramic views from every angle. Suspended 13 metres above the ground and stretching 138 metres in length, this immersive experience lets you connect with nature from an exhilarating vantage point.

How Does the Akwaaba App Enhance Your Experience?

Do you want to make your visit to Legon Botanical Gardens even more enjoyable? The Akwaaba App can transform an ordinary garden visit into a seamless, personalized experience. This app provides comprehensive information about Legon Botanical Gardens, such as current prices, operating hours, and special events. The feature eliminates unwanted surprises and helps you stay on top of your budget.

The app’s navigation feature leads you to specific points of interest in the gardens, such as the canopy walkway and picnic spots. For first-time visitors, this is especially useful, since they may otherwise miss hidden treasures within the 65 acres. There are also exclusive discounts on activities and dining at Legon Botanical Gardens via the Akwaaba App.