Best Things to Do in Ho

Ho, the serene capital of Ghana's Volta Region, provides travellers with a refreshing escape framed by rolling hills, lush greenery, and rich Ewe heritage. Nestled beneath the Kabakaba Hills, this relaxed city combines traditional charm with quick access to some of the country's most dramatic natural landscapes. Whether you are interested in exploring local history, sampling distinctive regional dishes, or setting out on treks to mist-shrouded peaks, the city serves as an ideal base. Understanding the best things to do in Ho allows you to curate an unforgettable itinerary across one of Ghana's most scenic districts.

Cultural Highlights: Best Things to Do in Ho

To appreciate the heart of the Volta Region, begin by immersing yourself in Ho's storied history and community life. The city maintains a slower, more welcoming pace than Accra, making cultural sightseeing exceptionally pleasant.

• Explore the Volta Regional Museum: Situated near the centre of town, this museum offers an educational introduction to the traditions and crafts of the Ewe people. The exhibits display ethnographic artefacts, traditional chieftaincy regalia, historical German and British colonial relics, and indigenous woodcarvings. It provides valuable context before you explore the broader region.
• Experience Ho Central Market: Held fully every four days on market day, this sprawling commercial hub fills with traders from surrounding farming communities. Stalls overflow with fresh garden eggs, fiery Volta peppers, cassava, and locally woven textiles. Walking through the market lets you observe daily commerce and sample street-side snacks in an energetic setting.
• Witness the Asogli Yam Festival: If you travel in September, you may experience the annual Te Za (Asogli Yam Festival). Celebrated by the chiefs and people of the Asogli State under the leadership of the Agbogbomefia, this vibrant festival features colourful durbar gatherings, traditional drumming, and ancestral rites thanking the earth for a bountiful harvest.

Outdoor Adventures: Best Things to Do in Ho and Surrounds

Beyond the municipal borders, the terrain rises into steep ridgelines, forest sanctuaries, and cascading rivers. Exploring these natural wonders ranks among the best things to do in Ho for active travellers.

• Hike the Kabakaba Hills: Rising directly behind the town, the Kabakaba Hills offer an invigorating morning hike. A trek to the ridgeline rewards you with sweeping panoramic views across Ho and the expansive green plains stretching towards Lake Volta. Remember to carry ample drinking water, as the tropical humidity can make even moderate climbs challenging.
• Day Trip to Amedzofe and Mount Gemi: Located an easy drive north of Ho, Amedzofe is renowned as the highest human settlement in Ghana. Perched high in the Avatime hills, the settlement enjoys a brisk, temperate climate. From here, visitors can hike to the summit of Mount Gemi, crowned by a tall cross erected by German missionaries in the late nineteenth century, or navigate the canopy walkway near the village waterfall.
• Visit the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary: A short journey from Ho brings you to Tafi Atome, a community where endangered true mona monkeys have been revered and protected for centuries. Local guides lead quiet walks into the sacred grove, where these wild primates swing through the trees and often descend gently to take bananas directly from visitors' hands.
• Excursions to Wli and Tagbo Falls: Although situated further north towards Hohoe, the dramatic waterfalls of the Volta Region remain accessible for dedicated day-trippers based in Ho. Tagbo Falls near Liati Wote nestles in dense rainforest, while Wli Waterfalls stands proudly as the highest waterfall in West Africa.

Regional Flavours to Enjoy in Ho

No journey to the Volta Region is complete without savouring its celebrated food culture. The culinary landscape here features rich ingredients, fresh fish, and distinct staple starches.

• Akple and Fetri Detsi: This iconic dish consists of a smooth, warm cornmeal dumpling served with a mucilaginous okra soup rich in fresh seafood, salted fish, and tender beef. It represents the quintessential culinary experience in Ho.
• Abolo and One Man Thousand: Sold by vendors along main thoroughfares and market stands, abolo is a slightly sweet, steamed rice-and-corn cake. It is traditionally paired with pepper sauce and fried micro-fish locally known as "one man thousand".
• Fresh Palm Wine: The countryside around Ho produces fresh palm wine harvested daily. When drunk sweet and cold in the afternoon, it provides an authentic taste of rural Volta life.

Connecting the Volta Hills to the Western Coast

A thorough exploration of Ghana often begins with the rugged mountains of the east before turning towards the tranquil, palm-fringed shorelines of the south-west. After tackling hill climbs and waterfall paths in Ho, travellers frequently seek a restorative coastal haven to recharge.

For a change of pace, journey to the pristine coast of the Western Region. Here, Venice View Beach Resort offers a luxurious coastal sanctuary situated in Baku, near Ngalekyi, Eikwe, and Atuabo in the historic Nzema district. While Ho showcases the heights of Ghana's forested ridges, Venice View Beach Resort unveils the untouched grandeur of the Atlantic coastline under the banner of "Redefining luxury".

Guests can choose from well-appointed Standard Chalets, spacious Luxury Chalets, or an expansive Presidential Suite. Take a soothing dip in the outdoor pool, stroll along an uncrowded beach, or arrange horseback rides along the water's edge. You can discover the resort's stunning grounds in the gallery or review our tailored experiences to plan coastal outings, including a trip to the nearby Nzulezo stilt village, situated only about 8 minutes' drive away. It is the perfect tropical complement to an active walking holiday in Ho.

Practical Tips for Visiting Ho

• Getting Around: Shared taxis and commercial minibuses (trotros) operate continuously across Ho. For day trips to Amedzofe or Tafi Atome, negotiating a charter with a private taxi driver for the day is generally the most comfortable option.
• Cash and Payments: While bank branches and automated teller machines are available in Ho town, smaller village attractions, trail guides, and roadside eateries deal strictly in cash. Carry sufficient Ghanaian Cedis for your excursions.
• Entry Requirements: Visa policies and conservation site fees change periodically. Always verify current entry requirements and park rates with official tourism boards or local embassy resources before setting off.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Things to Do in Ho

What is the best time of year to visit Ho?

The dry months between November and March are generally the most comfortable for hiking and road travel, offering dry paths and sunny skies. Alternatively, visiting in September provides an opportunity to experience the traditional Asogli Yam Festival.

How long should I stay in Ho?

A stay of two to three full days allows sufficient time to tour the town's historical spots, hike the surrounding hills, and complete day trips to nearby sanctuaries such as Amedzofe or Tafi Atome.

Can I visit Wli Waterfalls from Ho in a single day?

Yes. An early departure by private vehicle makes it entirely possible to visit Wli Waterfalls or Tagbo Falls and return to Ho by nightfall, though the drive takes approximately two hours each way depending on road conditions.

Book your stay at Venice View

When your highland explorations come to an end, treat yourself to the ultimate seaside escape. Relax in refined beachfront chalets, savour delicious dining, and experience true Ghanaian hospitality right beside the ocean waves. Visit our reservation platform to book your stay directly using your credit card or Mobile Money, or contact us to arrange your dream getaway in the Western Region.