A Weekend Trip to Busua Beach from Accra
A weekend trip from Accra to Busua Beach is entirely doable — and for many Accra residents and visitors, it's becoming the go-to escape when the city gets too much. Here's how to plan it.
The Journey: Accra to Busua
Busua Beach is roughly 280 kilometers west of Accra, which translates to around 4 to 5 hours by road depending on traffic and road conditions. The most comfortable option is to rent a car or hire a private driver for the journey. Shared taxis and trotros can get you to Takoradi, from where you'll need to arrange onward transport to Busua.
The best strategy: leave Accra early on Saturday morning (before 7am if possible) to avoid traffic through the city. You'll be in Busua by midday with the whole afternoon ahead of you.
Friday Night: Arrive or Prepare
If you can take Friday afternoon off, consider driving to Takoradi on Friday evening and spending the night there. This puts you just 45 minutes from Busua and lets you arrive fresh on Saturday morning with the full day ahead.
Alternatively, pack your bag Thursday night so you can leave Accra at first light on Saturday.
Saturday: Full Beach Day
Your Saturday in Busua should be unplanned. Arrive, check in, and walk to the beach. If you've never surfed before, book a morning lesson with West Coast Surf School — it's one of those experiences you won't forget. Spend the afternoon swimming, eating grilled fish by the shore, and doing absolutely nothing productive.
In the evening, watch the sunset over the Atlantic. Then find somewhere simple to eat — fresh seafood is the obvious choice — and sleep early. The ocean air does something to your sleep quality.
Sunday: Explore Before the Drive Back
Wake up early for one more swim or surf session before the beach gets busy. If you have time, make the short trip to Dixcove to see Fort Metal Cross — the views from the fort over the coastline are worth the detour.
Start your drive back to Accra by early afternoon to avoid arriving late at night. The return trip is the same route in reverse, and traffic into Accra on Sunday evenings can add an hour or more to the journey.
What to Pack
- Sunscreen (high SPF — the Ghanaian sun on the coast is intense)
- Swimwear and a rash guard if you plan to surf
- Cash — Busua has limited ATM access, so withdraw in Takoradi or before you leave Accra
- A good book or two for the beach and the drive
- Light clothing — evenings on the coast are warm but a light layer can be useful
Laughing Goat Lodge
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