(24th October, 2020).
Aburi Botanical Gardens is a very interesting tourists attraction in the Eastern Region.
It is full of trees and green grass. There is a lot of air around that place and it will be a great experience if you go ahead and visit the place to have a feel of the cool environment and you will learn a lot too from that place.
The entrance to Aburi Botanical Gardens.
History.
Aburi is located on the Akwapim-Togo Range of Ghana. It’s just three quarters of an hour drive from Accra, the capital of Ghana. The cool mountainous weather of Aburi makes it a destination for people who love the cool side of life. Located in this cool tranquil environment is the Aburi Botanical Gardens. The garden covers a total land area of about one hundred and sixty (160) acres. However it is only three (3) acres that have been developed and the remaining serving as a botanical reserve.
Some white people toiled lot to put up this beautiful gardens because they thought of it to be a good idea. The early toils of the forbearers have not gone to waste since today at Aburi stands a beautiful botanical garden that is among the 1800 of such kinds in the world with the primary purpose of preserving and conserving what is left of the earth’s rare plants species. It can be said without any shred of doubt that Aburi Botanic Gardens is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Ghana.
Features of Aburi Gardens.
To reduce the features of this garden to just seeing of plants will be a great undervaluation of the essence of the garden. This garden offers edifying, aesthetic and spiritual experience for all groups of people. And this becomes very important if one consider the fact that human beings have been genetically coded to remain closer to nature and draw from it healing, peace and replenishment their energies.
The main entrance welcoming with the palm walk comprising of an avenue of elegant palm (Roystonea regia) of about 274 meters long to the car park.
In fact the silk cotton tree is acclaimed to be one of the biggest trees in West Africa (how they came to that conclusion is not known). But the sheer girth of about 5-7 metres and a height of about 48 metres indeed make it one of the biggest in the sub region. It is not surprising to see tour guides asking people to form circles around the tree to demonstrate how big the tree is. To add to the growing attributes of the cotton tree, many people in the sub region believe it is a sacred tree and therefore revere it.
One significant thing with all flower bearing plants is the fragrance that they leave behind and Aburi Botanic Gardens is not to be left out. The sweet scents and aroma from some of the carefully selected both exotic and local plant species is something to behold.
For lovers of nature the following special species of ornamental plant collection are available in the Gardens: Araucaria spp., Bambusa nana, Brownea grandiceps, Calophyllum mophyllum, Cedrela spp., Delonix regia, Dillenia indica, Elaeocarpus searratus, Enterolobium cyclocarpum, Ficus leprieuri, Garcinia xanthochymus, Murraya exotica, Naulea latifolia.
You need not be gobsmacked with these scientific names. The knowledgeable tour guides on duty will take you through all the names and sometimes provide local names as well. On my visit to the place I was surprised to find the nut meg tree in the garden (I cannot remember the scientific name now though!). One plant species that visitors to the garden should not miss is the mimosa pudica. It is a very sensitive plant that literally recoils into its shell by the slightest contact.
On arriving at the bush house, one will find the bamboo citadel. These are very beautiful highland bamboos which have formed a nice canopy.
There are other attractive features at the Aburi Botanical Gardens.... below are some images of them ....
The retired helicopter.
A carved tree is a true work of art, depicting everyday citizens “climbing” the tree to the leader/monarch to ask for support and help.
How to get to Aburi
Aburi is about 30 Km away from Accra, and can be reached via a modern dual-carry way.
By public transport - Mini-Bus or TroTro can be boarded at Tema Station in Accra central or at Odawna station near Kwame Nkrumah Circle or at Madina. There is also a METRO-Mass Bus from Accra, via Aburi. (Best choice)
Aburi is about 30 Km away from Accra, and can be reached via a modern dual-carry way.
The Aburi Botanic Gardens is one of the most fascinating places in Ghana.
Opened in March, 1890, and covering 64 hectares and overlooking thplain from an elevation of up to 460 meters above sea level, Aburi Botanic Gardens is a must experience for every visitor to Ghana as well as Ghanaians. Accommodation close by Peduase Hills Villa Awo Denkyira Guesthouse Hillburi Peduase Valley Resort Nearby Attraction Adom Falls Chenku Waterfalls Opening Hours Aburi Botanic Gardens, opening hours from 08.30 - 17.00, daily from Monday - Sunday. Aburi town - Just a 35 min drive from Accra - capital city of the Republic of Ghana (West Africa).
Aburi and Aburi Gardens are within the best places to visit when travelling to Ghana. Interesting history, nice Town and friendly people. You may like to stay at the Aburi Garden Hotel, an old colonial building, with charm. (located within the Gardens)
Entrance Fees Ghanaians Currency in Ghana Cedi Adults 5.00 Tertiary 3.00 Children Below 23yrs 2.00 1st &2nd Cycle 2.00 Non-Ghanaians Adults 10.00 Childrens Below 12yrs 3.00 Both Ghanaians and Non-Ghanaians Religious Group 5.00
Photo & Video - Photography is free. (private). If you would like to use a video camera, there are different fees to pay, depending on use.
How to reach Aburi Botanical Gardens on phone for your bookings.
Direct Contact
Aburi Botanical Gardens.
P.O Box 23 Aburi
Akuapim South,
Eastern Region -
Ghana.
Please try follow 4 numbers:
Curator:+233 244 074 040
Telephone:+233 505 234 604
Telephone:+233 342 197 473
Telephone: (+233) 030 2764337