Things To Do
in Ho
Ho is the capital of Ghana's Volta Region, situated in the southeastern part of the country along the Volta River. It serves as a gateway to the region's nature, culture, and markets, with a relaxed pace and friendly locals. The city is a hub for nearby attractions like Wli Waterfalls and Mount Afadjato, making it a practical base for short nature escapes.
The tropical climate and vibrant street life give Ho a distinctive Ghanaian town atmosphere with plenty of culinary and craft options.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the impressive Ho Central Market, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture and pick up some unique crafts. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll to the nearby St. Mary's Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture that showcases the history of Christianity in the region. Don't forget to grab a local breakfast delicacy, like kelewele, from a nearby vendor to fuel your adventures.
After lunch, take a guided tour of the Volta Regional Museum to learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Ewe people and their traditional practices. Spend some time exploring the surrounding area, where you can admire traditional Ewe houses and local artisans at work. As the afternoon sun begins to set, head to the nearby riverbank for a peaceful moment along the river.
In the evening, enjoy a traditional Ghanaian dinner at a local eatery, where you can savor dishes like jollof rice and grilled tilapia. After your meal, immerse yourself in the local music scene by visiting a nearby bar or cultural center where you can listen to live performances of traditional Ewe music. Wind down your day with a walk through the town, experiencing the warm hospitality of the locals.
Begin your day with a visit to the stunning Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary, where you can observe the playful Mona monkeys in their natural habitat. A guided tour will provide fascinating insights into the conservation efforts in the area and the importance of preserving wildlife. Enjoy a light breakfast picnic amidst the lush surroundings, surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Continue your nature exploration by hiking in the nearby Akwamu Gorge, where you can enjoy breathtaking views and diverse flora and fauna. Take time to relax by the water and keep an eye out for colorful birds and butterflies that inhabit the area. After a few hours of hiking, stop for lunch at a local eatery known for its fresh, organic produce.
As the sun sets, return to Ho and visit a local art gallery to appreciate the vibrant works of Ghanaian artists. Engage with the artists themselves to learn about their inspirations and techniques. Cap off your day with a dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients, celebrating the flavors of the Volta Region.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Inexpensive coffee/tea | $1-3 |
| 🥘Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $15-30 |
| 🛏️One-night stay in budget hotel | $25-60 |
| 🚌Local short transport ride | $1-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly locals and a relaxed travel pace
- Proximity to Wli Falls and Mount Afadjato for nature lovers
- Limited nightlife and fewer high-end amenities compared to major cities
- Roads and transport can be uneven; plan for travel times
- "Akpe" - Thank you
- "Meda wo ase" - Thank you (Twi) / I am grateful
- "Wo ho te sɛn?" - How are you?
- "Mepa wo kyɛw" - Please / Excuse me
- "Ɛyɛ dɛ" - That’s nice / It’s good
Places to Visit in Ho
Visit one of these nice places.
A dramatic waterfall set in lush green forest; great for wide landscape shots and misty spray photography.
Panoramic views from the highest peak in Ghana; ideal for sunrise shots and sweeping valley photography.
Calm river scenes, bridge lines, and sunsets over the water; excellent for golden-hour photography.
Rolling green hills and traditional huts offering scenic portraits and nature shots.
Food in Ho
Ho Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fermented corn and cassava dough served with grilled tilapia and pepper sauce; a quintessential coastal-Ghana pairing.
Must-Try!
Corn dough dumplings paired with fried fish and shito (spicy pepper sauce); a common street-food combo near markets.
Soft fufu (made from cassava or plantain) served with a light, flavorful soup; widely enjoyed across the region.
Beans and rice dish often served with sides like gari, eggs, and salad; popular for breakfast or lunch.
Beans cooked in palm oil with fried plantains; a hearty, vegetarian-friendly option frequently found at stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The bustling hub for fresh produce, meat, spices, and street-side bites; great for sampling local snacks and pointing to regional specialties.
Along the market perimeter and riverfront, offering grilled fish, kebabs, kenkey, and other quick bites cooked to order.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet elders with a smile and a handshake; small talk is valued and politeness is important in daily interactions.
Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites; avoid loud behavior in public and show respect when inside homes and sacred spaces.
Ask for permission before taking photos of people or private property; some communities appreciate courtesy and a brief introduction.
If offered hospitality or a small gift, accept graciously and express gratitude; return visits are appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Ho
Ensure a smooth experience
Tips are appreciated but not always expected; round up bills in casual eateries and leave small amounts for guides or drivers based on service quality.
Cash (GHS) is widely used; mobile money is common in towns; many places may accept bank transfers or occasional card payments in larger hotels; confirm before paying.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mostly sunny and hot days with cooler mornings; perfect for outdoor activities but can be dusty during harmattan winds.
Frequent afternoon showers; trails can be slippery, but landscapes are lush and photography benefits from dramatic skies.
Dry, dusty air with cooler mornings; good for comfortable daytime sightseeing but powers up the need for eye protection and mask usage on dusty days.
Ho at Night
Hiking in Ho
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forest trail leading to West Africa’s tallest waterfall; popular for a rewarding hike and photography.
The highest peak in Ghana; provides panoramic views after a climb through lush vegetation.
Scenic hills and rural settlements offering quieter hikes with scenic overlooks.
Airports
How to reach Ho by plane.
Ghana's main international gateway; serves most international and many domestic flights. From Accra to Ho expect several hours by road or a domestic flight option where available; road travel takes several hours depending on traffic and road conditions.
Northern Ghana airport serving regional flights; not near Ho but useful if connecting from northern routes before continuing to the Volta Region by road.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The dominant ethnic group in the Volta Region, with distinct languages, customs, and crafts.
Communities in the hill regions contributing to the region’s cultural diversity and language variety.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport; local teams and casual pickup games are common across towns and markets.
Running and track events; regional schools and clubs participate in local competitions.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ho.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most vegetarian-friendly dishes include waakye without meat, stews with vegetables, plantain, yucca, beans, and fresh fruit. When ordering, ask for oil-free or minimal oil preparation and confirm no fish stock is used in soups.