Things To Do
in Nkawkaw

Nkawkaw is a market town in Ghana’s Eastern Region that sits at the foot of the Kwahu Plateau and serves as a gateway to the highlands. It’s a lively transit hub with bustling markets, roadside eateries, and colorful daily life reflective of the Akan (Akyem) culture. The town is practical for travelers heading to the Kwahu Ridge, Atibie, and nearby waterfalls, offering affordable accommodation and local guides.

Visitors will find a mix of roadside commerce, scenic hill views, and warm, community-oriented hospitality.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring the Nkawkaw Market
morning
:

Start your day at the vibrant Nkawkaw Market, where the hustle and bustle of local vendors fills the air. As you stroll through the colorful stalls, take in the sights and sounds of traditional Ghanaian goods, from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Engage with the friendly locals, who are eager to share stories and showcase their wares.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the market's food stalls, sampling local delicacies such as fufu and light soup. After your meal, visit the nearby Nkawkaw Cultural Centre to learn more about the history and traditions of the Kwahu people. Participate in a craft workshop, where you can try your hand at making traditional Ghanaian crafts.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a local eatery to enjoy dinner while listening to live traditional music. Reflect on your day and indulge in some jollof rice or kelewele, while mingling with locals and fellow travelers. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the town, soaking in the warm evening ambiance.

day 2
Nature Walks at Aburi Botanical Gardens
morning
:

Travel to the picturesque Aburi Botanical Gardens, located just a short drive from Nkawkaw. Begin your morning by exploring the lush landscapes filled with exotic plants and vibrant flowers, while enjoying the fresh mountain air. Take a guided tour to learn about the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in this beautiful setting.

afternoon
:

After your morning exploration, enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the serene surroundings of the gardens. Continue your adventure with a guided nature walk, where you can observe the local wildlife and learn about the ecological significance of the area. Capture stunning photographs of the lush greenery and scenic views from the hilltop.

evening
:

Return to Nkawkaw and unwind at a local café, sipping on a refreshing drink as you reflect on the day’s natural beauty. As evening approaches, head to a nearby restaurant for a delightful dinner featuring grilled tilapia and banku. Enjoy the warm hospitality and share stories with the locals about your day in the gardens.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$2-5
🍺Local beer (bottle)$1-2
🚕Short taxi / tro-tro ride$0.50-2
🏨Mid-range guesthouse (per night)$20-40
Coffee / tea at a café$0.50-2

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Gateway to the scenic Kwahu Plateau with easy access to hikes and viewpoints
  • Affordable local food and accommodations with warm community hospitality
  • Vibrant market life offering authentic Ghanaian experiences
  • Less touristy than major cities, good for cultural immersion
  • Limited nightlife and fewer tourist facilities compared with larger cities
  • Weather can affect road access in heavy rains; some attractions require a vehicle
  • Fewer specialized services (e.g., international-standard hospitals, upscale restaurants)
  • Spotty card and internet connectivity in some areas
  • "Meda wo akpe / Meda wo ase" - Thank you
  • "Mema wo akwaaba" - Welcome
  • "Ɛte sɛn? / Wo ho te sɛn?" - How are you?
  • "Yɛfrɛ me ..." - My name is ...
  • "Me pa wo kyɛw" - Please / Excuse me

Places to Visit in Nkawkaw

Visit one of these nice places.

Kwahu Ridge Viewpoints

Panoramic views over the plains and nearby towns, ideal for sunrise and sunset landscape shots with dramatic ridgeline silhouettes.

Nkawkaw Central Market

Vibrant market scenes with colorful produce, textiles, and lively vendors—great for street photography and candid portraits.

Atibie Lookout

Highpoint on the plateau offering sweeping vistas, terraced farmland, and occasional mist—good for wide-angle and drone photography (check local rules).

Roadside Grill Spots and Streets

Evening scenes of smoke, light, and local gatherings; captures everyday life and food culture in atmospheric conditions.

Culinary Guide

Food in Nkawkaw

Nkawkaw’s cuisine reflects broader Ghanaian flavors—starchy staples (banku, kenkey, fufu), stews, grilled fish and meat, and spicy condiments—served at family-run eateries and street stalls. Meals are fresh, affordable, and often seasonal, featuring local vegetables and smoked fish.

Nkawkaw Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Banku and Tilapia

Fermented corn and cassava dough served with peppery grilled tilapia and okra or palm nut soup; available at local restaurants and fish grills in town.

Must-Try!

Fufu with Light Soup

Pounded cassava and plantain or yam served with a light tomato-and-pepper soup with chicken, goat, or fish; common at family eateries and special lunches.

Waakye

Rice and beans cooked together and served with sides like gari, spaghetti, boiled egg, shito (hot pepper paste), and stewed meat — a popular roadside breakfast or lunch.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Nkawkaw Central Market

Busy daily market where you can try roasted plantain, kelewele (spicy fried plantain), fresh fruits, and buy smoked fish and local spices; mornings are the liveliest.

Roadside Stalls and Grill Spots

Look for small grills selling kebabs, fried yam, and fish along main roads—ideal for quick, inexpensive bites and social atmosphere.

Climate Guide

Weather

Nkawkaw has a tropical climate moderated by its elevation near the Kwahu Plateau: warm and humid in the lowlands with slightly cooler temperatures on the plateau. Typical year-round temperatures range from mid-20s°C (mid-70s°F) in the mornings to low 30s°C (high 80s°F) in the afternoons. The area has two rainy seasons (major and minor) and a dry Harmattan period; humidity and rainfall peak during the wet months.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respectful greeting

Greet people with a handshake or a polite 'Good morning/afternoon'—use Akan (Twi) greetings like 'Meda wo akye' or 'Maaha' if you can. Always greet elders first.

Dress modestly

Dress conservatively in towns and villages—avoid overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites.

Ask before photographing people

Always ask permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, particularly at markets and in villages; small courtesy gestures go a long way.

Accepting hospitality

If invited into a home, accept small offers of food or drink and reciprocate with politeness—removing shoes may be appropriate in some homes.

Safety Guide

Safety

Nkawkaw is generally safe for visitors but exercise normal precautions: keep belongings secure, avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas, and be cautious with valuables. Road conditions can be challenging during heavy rains—drive carefully and avoid flooded stretches. Use reputable transport providers, agree fares in advance for taxis or tro-tros, and follow local advice when swimming or hiking (seasonal hazards, slippery paths).

Tipping in Nkawkaw

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated for exceptional service—round up fares, give small tips to guides, and leave a modest amount for hotel staff or porters.

Payment Methods

Cash (Ghanaian cedi) is king in Nkawkaw, especially for markets and small shops. Mobile money (MTN Mobile Money, Vodafone Cash) is widely used; some restaurants and hotels accept card payments but expect limited POS reliability.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Dry season / Harmattan (November–February)

Cooler mornings and dusty trade winds (harmattan) can reduce visibility and make mornings chilly; bring a light jacket and protect camera gear from dust.

Main rainy season (April–June)

Frequent heavy showers and occasional flooding on low roads; pack waterproofs and plan outdoor activities in the mornings when skies are clearer.

Second rainy season (September–November)

Another period of increased rain with warm temperatures; good for lush landscapes and waterfalls but expect muddy trails.

Hot season (February–March)

Hottest months before the rains; daytime heat can be intense—carry water, sun protection, and plan strenuous hikes for early morning or late afternoon.

Nightlife Guide

Nkawkaw at Night

Nkawkaw’s nightlife is low-key compared with regional cities: expect late-afternoon socializing at palm wine bars, small live-music spots, and occasional community parties. Bars and guesthouse lounges are where locals gather for football matches, music, and conversation; big clubs are found in larger towns like Koforidua or Accra. During Kwahu festival season, evenings become lively with events, concerts, and street parties.

Hiking in Nkawkaw

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Kwahu Plateau Trails

Various informal trails along the plateau offering ridge walks, village-to-village routes, and scenic overlooks—best explored with a local guide to navigate paths and farm tracks.

Atibie Lookout Walks

Short hikes near Atibie with panoramic views and accessible paths popular for sunrise and landscape photography; moderate difficulty.

Mount Afadja (Afadjato) — Day Trip Option

Although farther away (a few hours' drive), Ghana’s highest peak is a possible day-trip for determined hikers—offers a well-known trail, rainforest scenery, and waterfall stops; plan transport in advance.

Airports

How to reach Nkawkaw by plane.

Kotoka International Airport (ACC) – Accra

The main international gateway to Ghana (about 1.5–3 hours by car depending on traffic and route); buses, shared taxis, or private transfers connect Accra to Nkawkaw. Domestic flights from Accra connect to Kumasi and other cities.

Kumasi Airport (KMS)

Regional airport serving Kumasi (roughly 2–3 hours drive from Nkawkaw); useful if combining visits to Ashanti and Eastern regions—ground transport options available from Kumasi to Nkawkaw.

Koforidua Airstrip / Local Airfields

There are smaller airstrips and helipads in the Eastern Region for private charters; commercial service is limited, so most travelers use Accra or Kumasi and continue by road.

Getting Around

Walkability

Nkawkaw is moderately walkable in central areas—markets, shops, and eateries are clustered and easy to explore on foot. However, services and sights spread toward the outskirts and up the plateau require motor transport; sidewalks may be uneven and streets can be busy, so wear comfortable shoes and be cautious crossing roads.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Akan (Akyem) communities

The dominant ethnic group in the area, with strong cultural traditions, language (Twi/Akan), and festivals tied to the Kwahu identity.

Migrants and Traders

Nkawkaw’s market attracts traders and migrants from different regions of Ghana, contributing to ethnic and cultural diversity.

Youth and Students

A significant young population engaged in commerce, transport, and seasonal migration to larger cities for work or study.

Farming Communities

Surrounding villages are home to smallholder farmers growing cassava, plantain, maize, and cash crops that supply the market.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The dominant sport—locals avidly follow national and club matches, and informal community games are common on weekends.

Athletics and Running

The highland terrain near the Kwahu Plateau makes the area popular for running and endurance training; local events and community runs occur during festival times.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic around Nkawkaw is generally moderate; main roads and market areas can be congested during peak hours. Tro-tros (shared minibuses) are the most common public transport for intercity travel; taxis and private cars are available. Road quality varies—main highways are passable but secondary routes can be rough and affected by rain; allow extra time for travel during the rainy season.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Nkawkaw.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options exist but can be limited; order plantain, yam, rice dishes, vegetable stews, and bean-based meals (waakye without meat). Ask cooks to omit fish or meat broths and specify preferences in English or Twi.

Vegan and Gluten-free

Vegan choices are mostly starchy staples and vegetable stews—confirm that stews are not cooked with fish or shrimp. Gluten-free diets are manageable (maize, cassava, plantain) but ask about wheat in sauces or fried foods to avoid cross-contamination.

Halal/Kosher

Halal options are available in some places—look for Muslim-run eateries or ask vendors. Kosher options are rare; travelers usually adapt by choosing simple plant-based meals.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare services are available in Nkawkaw, including clinics and a district hospital for common ailments and minor emergencies. For serious medical conditions or specialized care you may need transfer to larger hospitals in Koforidua, Kumasi, or Accra. Travel health insurance, routine vaccinations, and malaria prevention (prophylaxis, mosquito nets, repellent) are recommended.

Discover Ghana

Read more in our Ghana 2025 Travel Guide.

Ghana Travel Guide