Places of Interest - Ghana

"axim"




introduction


Axim is the largest city on the coast of Ghana west of the city of Takoradi. You would not say it but in the 16th century the city was one of the busiest trading posts on the West African coast. Wood and gold were traded mainly in this port. This decreased when a new port was dug in nearby the city of Takoradi. Today, the city survives mostly on tourism and fishing. Most tourists come to this sleepy town for its beautiful beaches; Axim lies in a beautiful natural bay and the wide sandy beaches are full of swaying palm trees and clean. But in the center you still find enough colonial buildings of a very rich past; the most important thing is still the "San Antonio" fort which lies directly on the sea. It is the second oldest fort of West Africa and was once built by the Portuguese in the year of 1515. San Antonio was conquered by the Dutch in 1642 and exchanged hands a number of times before it was taken by the British. It is probable that this fort will once again be used as a hostel. Now it is only a museum.


highlights


The beach (Axim and Akwidaa)

The coast between Takoradi and the border with country “Ivory Coast” seems to be the most beautiful of Ghana, and perhaps of the entire Gold Coast (West Africa). Besides that the sandy beaches are clean and pretty wide there stand here rosw of  swaying palm trees that will give everything a real tropical atmosphere. The water is clear and refreshing too. On the beaches are beach shacks and huts belonging to sometimes expensive but sometimes very well affordable hotels. If you’re lucky this will come together with hammocks and (romantic) wooden benches where you can enjoy the setting sun. Perfect to enjoy this fairytale in Ghana a few days or longer, even though this has nothing to do with the real Ghanaian life. 

 

Other attractions:

The Fort of “St. Anthony” (Axim).



tips & advice (2012)


In Axim, near the sea there is an open area with a number of “tro-tro's” (mini-vans). Most of these depart to "Agona" junction (crossing) which is the transport hub of this region. You can also find a “tro tro” here to Akwidaa via Dixcove. Some go in one shot to Takoradi (1.5 hours).


  • Name: Hotel "Axim Beach Hotel"

Price: 36 C (incl. Breakfast, toilet, shower)

Phone nr. : 22260

Website: http://www.aximbeach.com

 

Content:

This pearl of a hotel is situated about 2 or 3 kilometers east of the center of the town of Axim. Built on a high cliff with a beautiful view over the palm trees and the beach, this is a very developed, good-looking Western hotel. It has expensive wedding suites but also a perfect single rooms. Bright and clean in African style you get TV, a hot shower and clean sheets. There is toilet paper, soap and clean towels. There is a large restaurant with perfect food in the main building where also the breakfast buffet is served and there is (paid) WIFI. You can also book tours. At the bottom of the beautiful beach is a beach hut where you can order lunch and enjoy the sea and a beer.

 

TIP; order the grilled cassava fish (white fish).



see also: