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Accra, Ghana: Mosquitoes, Plantain Chips, and a Whole Lotta Hustle

@Aria Bennett3/11/2026blog

okay, so. accra. wow. just…wow. i’m still buzzing, and not just from the malaria pills, if you catch my drift. i’m a botanist, right? so, naturally, i came here for the plants. but accra? it’s so much more than just leaves and roots. it’s a feeling. a chaotic, vibrant, slightly overwhelming feeling.


I just checked and the air feels like a warm hug that’s also trying to steal your breath. thirty-four point something degrees, humidity clinging to you like a second skin. it’s… persistent. i’m not complaining, though. i’m used to greenhouses, so this is practically a breeze.


I spent most of my time wandering through *Makola Market. seriously, you need to go. it’s a sensory overload in the best possible way. Mountains of colorful fabrics, the smell of spices i can’t even name, the constant bartering… it’s a performance. i picked up some gorgeous kente cloth - definitely going to try and incorporate it into some botanical prints back home. I’m thinking a series on the symbiosis of traditional textiles and local flora. Big plans, you know?

Someone told me that if you’re not prepared to haggle, you’re basically donating to the economy. Apparently, the first price they give you is just a starting point. I definitely got taken advantage of a few times, but hey, it’s part of the experience, right? I even tried some of those fried plantain chips everyone raves about. They were… addictive. I think I ate my weight in them.

“Don’t trust anyone who offers you ‘authentic’ street food without a line. That’s how you end up with a dodgy stomach and a regretful evening.”


I also spent a day at the Aburi Botanical Gardens. It was a welcome escape from the city’s hustle. The diversity of plant life is insane! Giant ferns, towering palms, medicinal herbs… it was a botanist’s dream. I even spotted a few rare orchids. I’m trying to get permission to do some research there - fingers crossed! You can check out some of their conservation efforts here: https://www.forestry.gov.gh/.

If you get bored, Kumasi is just a short drive away. Apparently, it’s the heart of the Ashanti region and has a completely different vibe. I didn’t have time to go this trip, but it’s definitely on the list for next time.

I overheard some drunk advice at a bar near Osu Castle - apparently, the best time to visit the castle is early in the morning before the crowds arrive. Also, someone said the ghosts of former colonial officials still roam the halls. I’m not usually one for ghost stories, but… it added a certain je ne sais quoi to the experience.

“The taxis are a scam. Always agree on a price before* you get in. And don’t be afraid to walk away if they try to rip you off.”


Getting around accra is… an adventure. Tro tros (shared taxis) are the way to go if you’re feeling brave. They’re cheap, chaotic, and a great way to experience local life. Just be prepared to be crammed in with a bunch of strangers and blaring music. I also used Uber a few times - much more comfortable, but pricier. You can find some helpful tips on navigating Accra's transport system here: https://www.lonelyplanet.com/ghana/accra/transport.

“Don’t drink the tap water. Seriously. Just don’t.”


I’m already planning my return trip. There’s so much more to explore - the Volta Region, the Kakum National Park… the list goes on. Accra is a city that gets under your skin. It’s messy, it’s loud, it’s challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. And the plant life? Unforgettable. Check out some reviews on TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g298321-Accra-Vacations.html. And if you're looking for a place to eat, Yelp has some good recommendations: https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=restaurants&find_loc=Accra,+Ghana.

Okay, gotta go. My mosquito net is calling. And I need more plantain chips.

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About the author: Aria Bennett

Believer in lifelong learning (and unlearning).

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