Aburi Botanical Gardens is a beautiful site located in the town of Aburi, about 30km north of Accra in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The gardens, which were officially opened in March 1890, cover an impressive 160 acres, with 157 acres reserved for the preservation of plant life and the remaining 3 acres used for infrastructure.

History of the Botanical Garden

Prior to the establishment of the gardens, the Gold Coast Government had built a sanatorium in the area in 1875 for the purpose of providing a place for convalescing Government officials to rest and recuperate. In 1899, during the Governorship of Sir W. Brandford-Griffith K.G.M.G., the Botanic Department was established on a few hectares of land that had been cleared in the vicinity of the sanatorium. The clearing was done under the supervision of a German serving the Basel Mission.

In 1890, Mr. William Crowther, a student from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, was appointed as the first curator of the Botanic Garden. Over the years, the garden has undergone significant development, including the construction of a dam, a reservoir, and a network of walking trails.

Today, Aburi Botanical Gardens is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ghana, attracting both locals and visitors from all over the world. The gardens are home to a stunning variety of plant life, including several rare and exotic species that are difficult to find anywhere else.

Visiting the Aburi Gardens is a calming and rejuvenating experience that can take your mind off the stresses of everyday life. Because it is located just a 45-minute drive from Accra, it is easy to visit for a day trip or weekend getaway.

The gardens are an ideal location for picnics, hiking, birdwatching, or simply relaxing and enjoying the beauty of nature. The walking trails wind their way through the gardens, passing by beautiful streams, waterfalls, and ponds, and offering visitors the opportunity to see a wide variety of plants and wildlife up close.

About the Botanical Garden

One of the most popular features of the gardens is the Bamboo Grove, which is home to a stunning collection of bamboo plants that have been carefully cultivated over the years. The Grove is a peaceful and serene spot, and visitors often spend hours admiring the beauty of these majestic plants.

In addition to its natural beauty, Aburi Botanical Gardens is also home to several historic buildings and structures that are worth exploring. The most notable of these is the former sanatorium, which has been preserved and converted into a museum that showcases the history of the garden and its development over the years.

Another popular attraction is the Fernery, a beautiful glasshouse that is home to a stunning collection of ferns from all over the world. The glasshouse is a peaceful and serene spot, and visitors often spend hours admiring the beauty of these delicate plants.

Aburi Botanical Gardens is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Ghana. Whether you are a nature lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a peaceful and relaxing place to spend some time, the gardens offer something for everyone. So the next time you are in Ghana, be sure to take a trip to Aburi and experience the beauty and tranquility of this amazing destination.

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