GH
Kumasi
The proud Ashanti capital of kente, gold and giant markets
The proud Ashanti capital of kente, gold and giant markets
The seat of the Asantehene, king of the Ashanti, includes a museum in the former palace with wax figures, royal regalia and the history of one of Africa’s most powerful kingdoms.
💡 Time a visit for an Akwasidae festival to see the king in full regalia.
A vast, dizzying sea of stalls said to be among the largest markets in West Africa, selling everything imaginable, from fabrics and food to beads, tools and traditional medicine.
💡 Go with a guide first time; the newly rebuilt section is easier to navigate.
The birthplace of kente weaving, where artisans still work narrow looms to create the vivid, symbol-rich cloth of Ashanti royalty. Watch, learn and buy direct from the weavers.
💡 Buying directly supports the weavers and gets you the best prices.
Ghana’s only natural lake fills a meteorite crater an hour from the city, a sacred and serene spot ringed by hills and villages, good for swimming, boating and a peaceful overnight.
💡 A few lakeside guesthouses make a relaxing escape from the city.
The Prempeh II Jubilee Museum displays Ashanti royal artefacts, including a replica of the sacred Golden Stool, symbol of the nation’s soul and unity.
💡 Small but rich; a knowledgeable guide brings the exhibits alive.
Kumasi’s food is hearty Ashanti fare: fufu with light or groundnut soup, banku, jollof, grilled meats and plenty of plantain. The markets and roadside chop bars serve cheap, delicious local dishes, while a handful of restaurants offer Chinese, Lebanese and continental options. Try ampesi with garden-egg stew and cool off with fresh pineapple or a bottle of malt.
Tour Manhyia Palace and the Prempeh II Museum for the Ashanti story, then plunge into the vast Kejetia Market with a guide.
Visit the kente weavers of Bonwire and nearby craft villages, then unwind at the sacred crater Lake Bosomtwe.
Visit Bonwire, Ahwiaa and Ntonso to buy kente, carvings and adinkra directly from the artisans.
If your dates align with an Akwasidae festival, you can see Ashanti royal culture at its most vivid.
Ride-hailing makes getting around easy; the market and villages are best with a guide or driver.
Cash rules at markets and craft villages; mobile money is widely accepted too.
High-energy Accra, the castles of Cape Coast and Elmina, Ashanti Kumasi and the savanna safari at Mole — history, culture and wildlife across Ghana.