Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE EAST
The Volta region has to be Ghana's most underrated gem. The area is covered in lush, fer-
tile farmland flanked by rocks, and mountains offering beautiful vistas. It is prime hiking
territory and has great ecotourism ventures.
Having your own car to explore the area really pays off here as the main points of in-
terest are relatively scattered;
tro-tros
and charter taxis will get you everywhere - just not
as quickly. Ho and Hohoe are the two main cities and transport hubs in the region, with
regular buses and
tro-tros
to and from Accra (from Tudu station); allow three hours from
Ho, four hours from Hohoe.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Akosombo
Built in the early 1960s to house construction workers involved in the completion of the
hydroelectric dam of the same name, Akosombo is the site of the world's second-largest ar-
tificial lake (it was the largest until the Three Gorges Dam was completed in China).
Amazingly, you can visit the dam: the
Volta River Authority
( 034-30220658)
organises daily
tours
(per person C5; on the hour, 10am-3pm)
, which explain its history and the essential role
Akosombo plays in Ghana's economy. The agency also organises tours of the hydroelectric
plant, although these must be booked in advance.
Sleeping & Eating
Aylos Bay
LODGE
$$
( 024-3374443, 034-3020093; aylosbay@yahoo.com; Atimpoku; campsites C15, bungalows with fan/air-con C70/80;
)
Set in lush green grounds right on the Volta River, Aylos Bay has lovely bungalows.
The air-con waterside bungalows are well worth the extra C10. There's a garden bar-res-
taurant and a beach, and you can rent canoes (C10). It's located just 500m from the Adomi
Bridge on the Akosombo Rd.
Volta Hotel
HOTEL
$$$
( 034-3020731;
www.voltahotel
; Akosombo; s/d/ste US$150/180/250; )
Built on a hill over-
looking the dam and the lake, it offers the most breathtaking panoramas. The interior looks
