Kumasi is the main city of Ashanti-Kwahu region of Ghana. It is a vibrant city and the cultural cradle of Ghana. Kumasi is famous for its vast Kejetia market, the largest in West Africa, and for the traditional Asante buildings of the region, which are on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Kumasi was established by the King Osei Tutu I with guidance from the priest Okomfo Anokye. The city is the home of the Ashanti King, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II (as of 2023), to whom Ashantis from all walks of life pay homage. The king presides over the traditional courts that some residents use instead of the official judicial system. Prior to the British colonisation, Kumasi was the capital of the Ashanti Empire, one of the great civilisations of Africa. Once one of the most impressive pre-colonial cities in Africa, it was largely destroyed by the British in a series of wars at the end of the 19th century. Little remains of its former glory.
The tro-tro station in the city centre offers the widest range of destinations. The disadvantage of this tro-tro station is that it is extremely chaotic and that it is right in the city centre: getting out of the city is often problematic due to a plethora of traffic jams. If you can't find your tro-tro, ask one of the tro-tro mates or one of the ticket sellers. The destinations are posted on signs above the bus station. Another alternative is to catch a tro-tro from the ring road instead. This saves you the hassle of navigating through the Kumasi traffic jams.
1 Kumasi Zoological Garden, ☏ +233 24 534 2317. 09:00–17:00. All of the animals from the former Accra Zoo were transferred here a couple years ago, so there is now more to see. (updated Feb 2020) 2 Kejetia Market, Kejetia Road, ☏ +233 24 607 6903. Largest market in West Africa, with subsections selling clothes, fabrics, home goods, and most anything else including hot meals. The new enclosed market centre is laid out in grids, but the surrounding streets are more crowded and lined with vendors. Can be loud and overwhelming or a rewarding, local experience; use your own judgement.
A tour of the Palace grounds explains the history of the Ashanti people and the significance of the Ashanti cultural history. 1 Lake Bosumtwi (take Lake Rd SW for about 35 km from Kumasi, may take about 1 hour). This is the only natural lake in Ghana and interestingly created by a meteor impact. It has very lush and green surroundings, being 8 km in diameter and 82 metres (270 ft) deep, although the water quality itself may not be that clean. It is a sacred lake, as Ashanti believe it is where departed souls come to bid farewell to goddess Asase Ya. It can be reached by tro-tro or private taxis. The private taxi price should be about 50 cedis (September 2013).
The Noble House Hotel serves excellent Indian and Chinese food. Prices are higher than the average Ghanaian restaurant: expect to pay GH₵30–40 for a curry, some rice and a drink. Noble House has the same owners as the Heritage Restaurant in Osu, Accra. Other options with local cuisine include: African Pot and Grill and Mukyia Delight Cafe & Restaurant. For an unforgettable dinner, try Maame Serwaa Chop Bar. They serve fufu with fish soup and you eat it with yours hands. Of course only Ghanaians eat here. You eat alfresco in a quiet road. 1 Friends Gardens. Tasty local African dishes. (updated Aug 2020) 2 Moti Mahal, Top Martins Complex, ☏ +233 32 202 9698. Daily 12:00–15:00, 18:30–23:00.
Vic Baboo's (Prempeh II Rd) is not the most atmospheric place in town, but it had an impressive cocktail menu. It is a place to meet backpackers, expats and volunteers. The menu features a variety of different Indian, Chinese, Continental, and fast food dishes. The lassi and milkshakes are especially good, staff are friendly and it has a homely atmosphere.
There are safe guides in hotels. Be mindful of pickpockets at the Kejetia Market.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
Top-rated tours and tickets from €88 — book ahead for the popular ones.
Tours and tickets provided by Viator (a Tripadvisor company). Some links earn Stayonomy a commission.
In Aug, Kumasi typically sees ~28°C daytime highs and 26 rainy days.
Cheapest destinations travellers searched recently — refreshed daily.
Flight prices are real fares travellers found in the last 48 hours, refreshed daily — the booking site confirms the final price. Train, bus and ferry fares are shown on the operators' booking sites. Weather data by Open-Meteo; exchange rates: ECB reference. Data updated 2026-08-10. Some links earn Stayonomy a commission at no cost to you.
stayonomy