Akosombo is where Ghana's biggest river was harnessed. The Akosombo Dam, built across the Volta River in the 1960s, created Lake Volta, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world, and it still supplies a large share of the country's hydroelectric power. It lies roughly two hours by road from Accra, so most visitors see it on an organised day trip. This popular tour combines a safari and hike in Shai Hills Reserve with a boat cruise on the lake, which makes for a varied day: wildlife and caves in the morning, then a slow cruise past green shores and fishing canoes. It is an easy, relaxed counterpart to the heavier history of the coast, and a good choice when you want scenery and fresh air rather than museums and castles.
How the day works
The tour is a five to seven hour outing with a morning safari and hike at Shai Hills, followed by a drive up the Tema to Akosombo road to the lake and a boat cruise. Because it shares the road with the Shai Hills stop, the two pair naturally, and that is why operators sell them together.
Check the booking page for what is included, such as transport, entry fees, the cruise and any meal, as this varies between operators and group sizes. The tour has a strong guest rating, and free cancellation is typically offered up to a day before.
On the water
The cruise is the relaxing part, with a breeze off the lake and a chance to see the dam's scale and the wooded hills that now ring the water. Lake Volta is vast, so you see only a small corner on a short cruise, but the setting is calm and photogenic, and the contrast with Accra's traffic is welcome.
The dam itself is a landmark of modern Ghana, linked to the early years of independence and the national ambition to industrialise. Ask your guide about the dam's history and about the communities that were resettled when the lake filled.
Tips
Wear sun protection, a hat and shoes that suit both hiking and a boat, and bring water. Life jackets are normally provided on the boat, but ask if you have children. Weekdays are generally quieter, and the dry season from roughly November to March gives the clearest weather.
If you only have time for one excursion beyond the castles, this is the best nature-and-scenery option from Accra, and it is easy to combine with a stay near the airport since the road east starts at Tema. Expect a long day in a vehicle and plan a late lunch.
Planning your day
Because this is a shared road and a fairly full programme, it helps to eat a good breakfast before you leave and to bring a few snacks in your bag. Keep a light layer for the boat, where the breeze can be cool even on a hot day, and a waterproof pouch for your phone.
If you enjoy photography, the light is best on the water in the late morning and early afternoon. Ask your guide whether the schedule allows a stop at a roadside stall for fruit or local snacks on the drive back to Accra.
What to expect
The experience
A guided day trip combining a Shai Hills safari and hike with a boat cruise on Lake Volta near the Akosombo Dam.
Best time
The dry season, roughly November to March, gives the clearest skies and most comfortable hiking.
How long
Five to seven hours including the drive from Accra.
Tips
Wear sun protection and shoes for both hiking and boarding a boat, bring water, and check what the booking includes.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want scenery, wildlife and a relaxed boat ride in one day.
- Families
- A good mix of animals and water; check life jackets and age rules.
- Couples
- A calm cruise with lake views is a pleasant change from the city.
- Pair with
- Shai Hills Safari, already part of the tour, and a quiet evening at your hotel.
- Time needed
- A full day with the drive.
Good questions
How far is Akosombo from Accra?+
It is roughly two hours by road, so most visitors go on a guided day trip.
What is Lake Volta?+
It is the reservoir created by the Akosombo Dam on the Volta River in the 1960s, one of the largest man-made lakes in the world.
What does the tour include?+
It combines a Shai Hills safari and hike with a boat cruise. Check the booking page for transport, fees and meals.
How long is the trip?+
The tour lasts about five to seven hours, including travel from Accra.
What should I wear?+
Sun protection, a hat, closed shoes for hiking and a light layer for the water. Bring drinking water.
