Aburi, Akosombo & the Eastern hills

An hour or two out of Accra the temperature drops and the hills begin: Aburi's botanical gardens and carving village, the Akosombo Dam holding back Lake Volta, and forest reserves along the ridge. It suits a short break, families, and anyone who wants a cool night without a long drive.

Tro-tros to Aburi leave from Accra's Tudu and Kaneshie stations and take 1-1.5 hours up the winding Accra-Aburi road. Akosombo is about 2-2.5 hours from Accra by road. A taxi or hired car makes the loop easier if you want Aburi, the dam and the craft villages in one day.

Tro-tros run between Aburi, Akosombo and the surrounding towns, but you'll want a hired car or taxi for the craft village, the gardens and the dam viewpoints. The roads are steep and winding, so avoid arriving after dark if you're driving yourself.

• Aburi's gardens get busy with Accra day-trippers on Sundays and public holidays; a weekday visit is much calmer.
• The carving village sells wholesale to traders, so prices are negotiable and quality varies. Look at several stalls before buying.
• Bring a layer for the evening; the hills are noticeably cooler and damper than Accra.
• Check whether dam tours are running before you go. Access is controlled and has been suspended at times for security reasons.