Cycling in Ghana
Including Aburi Scarp and Ridge Route, Ghana Atlantic Coast Route, and Kakum and Assin Central Gravel. On the map.
The vibe
Cycling here is a test of endurance against narrow, busy roads where you share the asphalt with heavy transport and local traffic. The cooler, drier months of the harmattan season offer the most bearable temperatures for long-distance riding. It feels like a raw, unfiltered expedition where you are constantly interacting with the rhythm of roadside markets and passing transit.
Aburi Scarp and Ridge Route
Eastern Region
Freedom Nyagbenu / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
A favorite weekend training ground for local cyclists, offering a steady, winding climb from the capital up to the cooler mountain air of the Akwapim Ridge. The route features lush botanical gardens and sweeping views over the Accra plains.
Access. Easily reached directly by bike or support vehicle from Accra, located about 30 kilometers to the south.
Notes. Popular weekend route with moderate traffic on the main ascent; ideal for morning road rides.
Ghana Atlantic Coast Route
Western Region
Mac-Jordan Degadjor / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
A classic long-distance coastal tour following the Gulf of Guinea from Takoradi through historic fishing towns, palm-fringed beaches, and colonial forts down to the capital. The route combines flat to rolling coastal tarmac with vibrant cultural stops.
Access. Start in Takoradi or the coastal hub of Cape Coast; accessible via regional transport networks.
Notes. Watch for heavy local traffic near larger towns; plan stages between major coastal fishing settlements.
Kakum and Assin Central Gravel
Central Region
ROBSKREATIVE.inc / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Explore a network of quiet rural tracks and red-dirt plantation roads weaving through secondary forests and farming communities north of Cape Coast. This region provides immersive mixed-surface touring past cocoa farms and traditional homesteads.
Access. Base yourself in Cape Coast or Jukwa, accessible via a 2.5-hour drive from Accra.
Notes. Best during the dry seasons; expect unpaved surfaces, rolling hills, and occasional humidity.
Mole National Park Buffer Zone
Savannah Region
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Pedal along remote savannah tracks and park boundary roads in northern Ghana, where open vistas and wildlife encounters create a unique safari-cycling experience. The wide-open dirt roads are ideal for adventurous gravel riders and multi-day bike packers.
Access. Fly or take a long-distance bus to Tamale, then travel onward to Larabanga and the park entrance.
Notes. Best visited during the dry season (November to April). Guided rides or support vehicles are strongly recommended due to wildlife presence and remote tracks.
Volta Region and Mount Afadja
Volta Region
Dangbe23 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Experience challenging climbs and scenic rolling hills through Ghana's lush eastern highlands. The routes wind past cascading waterfalls, traditional villages, and panoramic viewpoints near the border with Togo.
Access. Accessible from Accra via a 3-hour drive to Hohoe, which serves as the primary base for cycling tours and rentals.
Notes. Best ridden between November and February during the dry season. Hilly terrain with steep gradients; suitable for experienced road and touring cyclists.