A Rippling Tour of Ghana's Waterfalls
“There is a hidden message in every waterfall. It says, if you are flexible, falling will not hurt you!” This statement by Turkish author Mehmet Murat ildan echoes through as we delve and explore the enchanting waterfalls in Ghana and fall in admiration constantly with eight of the most amazing falls in a country which ranks as one of the biggest tourist destinations in West Africa.
Wli Falls
The Wli Falls are known locally as Agumatsa waterfalls, meaning “Allow me to flow.” With upper and lower sections, the Wli Falls are undoubtedly the highest waterfalls, not only in Ghana but also the whole of West Africa. Around 20 kilometers from Hohoe in the Volta region and approximately 280 kilometers from Accra, the falls, which are active year-round, can be found in the Wli Natural Reserve. It is quite an arduous feat to reach the upper falls at Wli but the view of the mesmerizing landscape of rolling hills, extensive forests, and bubbling streams, plus the chance to see wild fruit bats from the top makes it worth the effort. Waterfall Lodge at Wli is a comfy guest house and camping site, 17 kilometers east of Hohoe near the border of Togo and 235 kilometers from Accra.
Location and Phone Number:
Wli Afegame, +23320 511 5388
Boti Falls
The 30 meter-high Boti waterfall is located at Boti in Manya Krobo, Eastern Region. A flight of 250 steps takes you to the lower part of the falls. A 20-minute hike away, you’ll find the suspended Umbrella Rock and the three-headed palm tree. There are seasonal fluctuations but from June to August the falls flow pretty consistently. The waterfalls are twins, known as male and female, and whenever they merge (mate), there’s a rainbow formation. There’s food and accommodation at the forest reserve of Huhunya; which is about 17 kilometers northeast of Koforidua, where the Boti falls can be found.
Location and Phone Number:
Boti, Huhunya Reserve, +23330 277 0161
Akaa Falls
Just seven kilometers away from Boti falls, you’ll find the beautiful Akaa falls. This waterfall also has 250 concrete steps to reach the bottom where the seasonal flow falls around you from three different angles. During optimal flow, you will be surrounded in the magnificent spouting canyon.
Fuller Falls
Fuller is located some seven kilometers West of Kintampo. Fuller is made up of upper and lower falls which issue gently over a series of rapids along Yabraso’s River Oyoko. Since it is visited relatively rarely compared to some of its more popular counterparts, it has a more tranquil atmosphere.
Tagbo Falls
It is a truly incredible experience to visit Tagbo Falls, located at Liate Wote, in close proximity to Wli falls. It flows from the Ghana-Togo mountain range, near Mountain Afadjato. A 45 minute to one-hour hike takes you directly through to the spectacular falls. Visitors to the area might also like to take a trip to the nearby snake zoo.
Tsenku Falls
The end of the Ashanti reign was brought about at Dodowa when the Kantamanso War was fought, ending in 1826. A stone’s throw away from a popular giant baobab tree, which marks this historic event in the Dodowa Forest, near Shai Hills Wildlife Reserve, Tsenku Falls can be found, issuing from a height of about 250 feet, over flaky rocks into unclouded waters inhabited by tilapia. The trekking route from Obosomase to Dodowa uncovers ancient trade paths. The people of Dodowa and neighboring towns celebrate Ngmayem festival annually, and one of the highlights is the ritual visit to Tsenku falls.
Buoyem Falls
Buoyem Falls is a good 30-minute trek into the hills of Buoyem, which lies on the outskirts of Techiman. The trek is worth the sweat since aside the breathtaking falls, you might be enchanted by a rock in the shape of Africa and another in the shape of an umbrella in the surroundings. Visitors can enjoy cave exploration, bat sightseeing, and exciting hiking tours. Accommodation and food are available at the guesthouse and visitor center.