Things To Do
in Aflao
Aflao is a busy coastal border town in the Ketu South Municipality of Ghana's Volta Region, sitting directly on the border with Togo and adjoining Lomé's suburbs. It is a commercial hub where cross-border trade, fishing and market life shape everyday rhythms, and the beach and lagoon landscapes frame much of the activity. Aflao mixes Ewe culture, informal markets and small-scale industry with easy access to both Ghanaian and Togolese goods and influences.
Visitors find a lively, down-to-earth place best experienced by foot, by the water, and at the markets.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the bustling Aflao Market, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere filled with local vendors selling colorful textiles, fresh produce, and handmade crafts. Engage with friendly locals as you sample traditional snacks like 'kuli-kuli' and fresh coconut water. The morning sun casts a warm glow over the market, making it the perfect time to capture some stunning photographs of the lively scenes around you.
After lunch, stroll through the nearby Ewe Cultural Center, where you can learn about the rich history and traditions of the Ewe people through various art exhibits and performances. Participate in a workshop to try your hand at traditional weaving or drumming, allowing you to connect deeper with the local culture. As the sun begins to set, you can enjoy a refreshing drink while watching a cultural dance performance that showcases the region's vibrant heritage.
As night falls, head to a local eatery for dinner, savoring authentic Ghanaian dishes like jollof rice and tilapia grilled to perfection. Enjoy the lively ambiance filled with music and laughter as you share your day's experiences with new friends. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the beachfront, where the sound of waves lapping against the shore creates a serene atmosphere perfect for reflection.
Begin your day with a refreshing swim in the Atlantic Ocean at Agbozume Beach, where the gentle waves invite you to relax and enjoy the sun. Settle onto the soft sands with a good book or engage in beach games with fellow travelers and locals. The morning breeze carries the scent of saltwater and adds to the overall sense of tranquility as you soak up the sun.
After a leisurely morning, head to a beachfront café for lunch, enjoying fresh seafood dishes while overlooking the stunning ocean views. Spend the afternoon exploring the coastline, taking part in water sports such as jet skiing or paddleboarding, or simply lounging with a refreshing drink in hand. The vibrant atmosphere of the beach provides the perfect backdrop for making lasting memories.
As the sun begins to set, gather around a bonfire on the beach with locals and fellow travelers, sharing stories and laughter under the starry sky. Indulge in grilled fish and plantains prepared by local vendors, savoring the flavors of the region. The sound of traditional music fills the air, creating an unforgettable evening that captures the essence of Aflao’s beach culture.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-6 |
| 🍺Bottle of local beer | $1-2 |
| 🚌Local tro-tro/short taxi ride | $0.30-1.50 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse per night | $10-30 |
| ☕Coffee/refreshment in café | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close to the border with Togo—easy cross-border cultural and market experiences
- Authentic market life, fresh seafood and coastal scenery
- Affordable travel costs and a strong sense of local community
- Good base for exploring the eastern Volta coastal region and nearby natural sites
- Limited high-end tourist infrastructure and fewer modern amenities than larger cities
- Border congestion and occasional bureaucratic delays for cross-border travel
- ATMs and card acceptance can be unreliable—cash dependence
- Periods of heavy rain can make some roads and activities difficult
- "Woezɔ (Ewe)" - Welcome
- "Akpe (Ewe)" - Thank you
- "Maakye (Twi)" - Good morning
- "Medaase (Twi)" - Thank you
- "Ɛte sɛn? (Twi)" - How are you?
Places to Visit in Aflao
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide coastal stretches good for sunrise/sunset shots, fishing boats, shore life, and long exposures; expect colorful local boats and drying fish racks.
Vibrant market scenes with produce, fabrics and traders — ideal for candid street and portrait photography (ask permission before photographing people).
Dynamic scenes of trucks, traders and cross-border activity that capture the commercial lifeblood of the town; best for documentary-style images.
Quiet water reflections, birdlife and rural compositions—great for nature and landscape shots early in the morning.
Food in Aflao
Aflao Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fermented corn and cassava dough (banku) served with grilled tilapia and pepper sauce — find it at beachside grills and local eateries.
Must-Try!
Corn dough (akple) often eaten with a light, spicy fish or tomato-based soup; common at traditional food stalls.
A popular Ewe dish made from gari (cassava flakes) with tomato, vegetable and fish or meat — sold at markets and small restaurants.
Sweet and spicy fried plantain snacks available from street sellers, great for tasting while walking the market.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central trading spot where you can try hot street foods, fresh fish, fruits and local snacks — ideal for sampling snack-sized portions while bargaining for produce.
Small stalls and grills clustered around the border and beaches offering grilled fish, kebabs, and quick local meals; a lively place to try seafood and pepper sauces.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people respectfully before starting conversations; a simple 'hello' and handshake go a long way. Use local greetings when possible and ask older people first to show respect.
Deferential behavior toward elders and community leaders is important; ask permission before photographing ceremonies or entering enstooled chief areas.
Dress modestly in public, especially in rural or religious settings—cover shoulders and avoid overly revealing clothes.
Haggling is normal in markets; be friendly and expect to negotiate prices on souvenirs and produce.
Always ask before photographing people; some individuals prefer not to be photographed or expect a small fee for posed portraits.
Safety
Tipping in Aflao
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; small tips (a few cedis or rounding up) for good service at restaurants, for porters or tour guides are common. For taxi drivers and market helpers, tipping is discretionary—rounding up fares is common.
Cash (Ghana cedi, GHS) is king in Aflao; small businesses rarely accept cards. Mobile money (MTN Mobile Money, Vodafone Cash) is widely used in Ghana. If crossing into Togo, the CFA franc is common there, so carry appropriate currency or use cross-border exchange at official bureaus. ATMs exist but can be limited—carry enough cash for local needs.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Drier weather, lower humidity and easier travel conditions; Harmattan (late Dec–Feb) can bring dusty winds and reduced visibility but cooler mornings. This is a comfortable time for beach activities, market visits and day trips.
Heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely, especially April–June; some rural roads and small boat services may be disrupted. Expect lush scenery and fewer tourists but pack a rain jacket and plan indoor alternatives.
Shorter rains and variable weather in transition months—useful for travel bargains but keep flexible plans in case of sudden downpours or rough seas for small boats.
Aflao at Night
Hiking in Aflao
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Ghana’s highest peak located in the Volta Region (a few hours' drive from Aflao) offering guided hikes through forest, scenic views and cultural visits to surrounding Ewe communities.
A prominent, accessible hike near Ho with trails, panoramic views and village visits; a good day-trip hike for moderate fitness levels.
Hiking routes to West Africa’s highest waterfall near Hohoe; lush forest trails, opportunities for birding and swimming near the falls—best arranged as a day trip from Aflao with a local guide.
Airports
How to reach Aflao by plane.
Located in Lomé, Togo, this is the closest international airport to Aflao — around a short drive from the border. Convenient for international arrivals and cross-border travelers; check visa and customs requirements before using it.
Ghana’s main international airport in Accra, approximately a 2.5–4 hour drive from Aflao depending on traffic. Offers more international connections and ground transport options to Aflao.
A regional airport west of Aflao; useful for domestic connections though less convenient for Aflao than Accra or Lomé. Overland transfers from Takoradi are long.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Aflao and the surrounding Volta Region; Ewe language and customs shape local culture, markets, music and food.
Regular cross-border movement of traders, shoppers and families from Togo creates a bicultural commercial environment with shared languages and influences.
Communities whose livelihoods center on fishing, fish processing and small-scale coastal commerce.
Young people are highly visible in street trade, markets, moto-taxi services and small enterprises; entrepreneurship is common.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport — local matches and neighborhood games are common and a major community pastime.
Small-scale fishing competitions, boat races and informal beach sports are part of coastal life.
Running and informal athletics are popular among youth, often organized locally at schools and community fields.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Aflao.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options include dishes based on plantain, yams, cassava, beans and vegetable stews; ask for meals without fish or meat and be clear about broths (many use fish stock). Markets have fresh produce for self-catering.
Possible but more limited: request meals without palm oil fish sauces or small fish inclusions; stick to vegetable stews, plain banku/akple and plantain but verify preparation methods.
Many staples (banku, akple, rice, plantain) are naturally gluten-free, but confirm with cooks about cross-contamination and sauces.
Be explicit about allergies (nuts, shellfish). Street-food vendors may not speak English fluently—use clear phrases and avoid unknown sauces.