Kumasi

Kumasi is the main city of Ashanti-Kwahu region of Ghana. Understand Kumasi is considered the home of the Ashanti King, the current one being Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. Kumasi is widely regarded as the cultural cradle of Ghana as the vibrancy of Ghana's culture is more evident here than any part of the country. The Asantehene still sits in state as Ashanti's from all walks of life pay homage. He even presides over traditional courts and some residents use this instead of the judicial system. Kumasi was established by the King Osei Tutu I with guidance from the priest Okomfo Anokye. It is said he planted two Kuma trees at two locations. One died and that place was called Kumawu (thus the Kuma tree died) and the one at Kumasi flourised and was named Kumasi (Kuma tree has flourished). Population of about 2 million, the language is predominantly Akan Twi. Get in Kumasi is a cosmopolitan city with a good road network and one can travel on local buses which ply predetermined routes or charter/hire taxis to take one to his preferred destination. By plane Flights from Accra to Kumasi are in the morning and afternoon on the three carriers: Fly540Africa, CitiLink and Antrak. The flight is about 45 minutes long, limited on luggage allowance. Excellent way to get to Kumasi, preferred by most. Small planes, yet short trip. The cost on CitiLink is +-$90 USD one way, and $95 on Antrak as of June 2011 and $86 with Fly540Africa as of March 2012. From may 2012 star bow airlines are flying this and other routes from Accra. Morning and afternoon flights, 100 seated planes and standard 20kg luggage, costs vary but typically around $60. By train Railroads connect Kumasi to Accra and Takoradi, however, as of October 2010, all passenger trains to Kumasi have been suspended. By car Car rental in Kumasi is available at the lowest cost of about USD $75-100 per day. By bus To travel by road to Kumasi from Accra you will need to allow 6 hours travel time. Bus service is available by O.A. and STC, two private bus lines ($12 for bus with AC). Get around See Asantehene's Palace. A visit to this former king's residence is a most worthwhile activity.  edit Prempeh II Jubilee Museum, ☎ +2335122822. 9 AM to 6 PM. Features artifacts and personal belongings of former Asante kings including a reproduction of the golden stool.  edit Manhyia Palace Museum, [1]. 9 AM to 5 PM. Built in 1925 by the British as the residence of King Asantehene Prempeh I, this museum is also a palace. Walking through the museum, you will learn about the function of each room when it was used by the kings, as well as seeing artwork and artifacts from the Asante kings.  edit Ghana Armed Forces Museum, 22 Steward Ave, ☎ +2335123103. 9 AM to 5 PM Tues. through Sat. The museum buildings once served as Kumasi Fort, built by the British in 1896 after they destroyed the Asante Fort that originally stood here. The museum predominantly features information and artifacts related to the British-Asante War, but also includes many artifacts from World War I, World War II, and information about modern Ghanaian military history. Tour guides are friendly and very knowledgeable. Highly recommended.  edit Kumasi Zoo. All of the animals from the former Accra Zoo were transferred here a couple years ago, so there is now more to see. However, the conditions are not good for the animals, so visiting is not encouraged.  edit Kumasi Market. Largest market in West Africa  edit Tafo Kumasi Fort Kumasi built by the British in 1896 to replace an Asante fort and now a museum Kumasi Hat Museum Do A tour of the Palace grounds explains the history of the Ashanti people and the significance of the Ashanti cultural history. The Adae Kese Festival is a very important, albeit rare, celebration of the Ashanti's. It is held in a large open space in Kumasi. The festival is normally well attended and embraced by Ashanti's from all walks of life. The Adae Kese celebrations are magnified forms of Sunday Adae festivals, celebrated every six weeks in accordance with the Akan calendar which is based on a cycle of 42 days and nine months in a year. Invariably, the last Akwasidae festival is set aside for the celebration of Adae Kese.The public celebrations take the form of a colourful durbar of chiefs and queen mothers presided over by the Asantehene. It involves the display of cherished regalia and paraphernalia accompanied by traditional drumming and dancing as well as firing of musketry amidst pomp and pageantry. The Adae festival is a continuous demonstration of faith in the vision and heritage of the Asante Kingdom, which has existed since the introduction of the Golden Stool in 1700. The festival is also to commemorate and re-enforce the independence of the Ashanti people and an occasion to re-affirm each state's loyalty to the confederacy instituted in the aftermath of the Ashanti war of independence fought against the Denkyeras between 1697–1699. It provides a platform for the King to meet and share his thoughts with his sub-chiefs and subjects and also reward deserving ones. Only a 45 minute drive from Kumasi is Lake Bosumtwe. It's a meteor-formed lake about 270 feet deep and 8 km in diameter. It's a must see if in the Kumasi region. Paradise Resort is recommended lodging for $50 per night and up. Learn Work Buy Eat The newly opened Guestline Lodge is a affordable hotel located right in the centre of town. access around Kumasi becames very easy. the hotel offers all basic facilities, its clean and its perfect for backpackers. On my stay there i had a good time. All their staff were helpful. they also provide services of car rental which was convenient for me. Mid-range Splurge O'Neills/Shields Irish Bar Drink Vic Baboo's (Prempeh II Rd) is not the most athmospheric place in town, but it had an imressive cocktail menu. It is thé place to meet backpackers, expats and volunteers. The menu features a rich collection of local, oriental and western dishes as well. Sleep Bek Egg Premier Hotel & Conference Centre (Bek Egg Premier Hotel & Conference Centre), T.U.C. Estate, Behind C.A.C. Fankyenbra, ☎ +233(0)51-35031, [2]. checkin: 13.00; checkout: 11.00. The Bek Egg Premier Hotel & Conference Centre is a family operated hotel and business situated in the heart of Kumasi, just about five miles from the local (national) airport. from GH¢ 35.00 to GH¢ 60.00.  edit Budget Guestline Lodge (Guest Line Hotel), Adum Street. (White building with stars painted on. Right next to the STC bus station). checkin: 13.00; checkout: 12.30. Guestline lodge is a great backpacker joint located right next to the STC bus station. The same owner as Vic Baboo's Cafe offering the same friendly service and many like-minded travelers. Reasonable selection of books for sale at reception for 2GH¢ or you can exchange for free. Balcony with view over street below open to all residents. Electric shower with warm(ish) water. Lower priced rooms share shower and toilet which are both clean. Some breakfast option available: tea/Instant coffee 2GH¢, toast and butter 3GH¢, Cornflakes 4GH¢ or an omelet 4GH¢. Beers (3GH¢) and "minerals" (2GH¢) available throughout the day. Staff range from mildly indifferent to extremely helpful. from 8 GH¢ to 35 GH¢.  edit Mid-range Four Villages Inn Run by Charity and Chris, very nice people, comfortable location. Recommend a Kumasi market tour with Comfort. Friend Garden- South Suntreso Mothi Mahal Cumba Delight Hotel Rexmar Vic Baboo's Cafe....in the centre of Kumasi, where all volunteers normally gather. Food is great and it's a nice feel when you're a bit home sick! A variety of different food Indian, Chinese, Continental, fast food. Especially the lassi and milkshakes, staff are friendly and it has a homely atmosphere. Contact Stay safe Cope Get out This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!