Ghana Nature: Volta Region, Wli Falls, Mole National Park, and Ghanaian Wildlife
Ghana natural highlights from Accra: the Volta Region (Lake Volta, Wli Waterfalls, the Volta River ferry), Mole National Park elephants and walking safaris, the Boti Falls, Tafi Atome sacred monkey sanctuary, and Ghanaian cuisine.
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The Volta Region - Waterfalls, Lake Volta, and the Most Scenic Landscape in Ghana
The Volta Region: the eastern region bordering Togo, home to the largest artificial lake in the world and the most scenic landscapes in Ghana. Lake Volta was created by the Akosombo Dam (1961-1965), built under Nkrumah as a centerpiece of his industrialization program. The lake covers approximately 8,500 square kilometers (the world largest artificial lake by surface area), created by flooding the Volta River valley and displacing approximately 80,000 people. The Volta Lake passenger ferry (MV Yapei Queen) runs from Akosombo to Yeji (approximately 19-20 hours one way), one of the most atmospheric slow-travel experiences in West Africa. The Volta escarpment hills create the most scenically diverse part of Ghana.
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Wli Waterfalls - The Highest Waterfalls in West Africa
Wli Waterfalls (Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary): the highest waterfalls in West Africa, located near the Togolese border in the Volta Region. The lower falls drop approximately 80 meters and are reached via a 45-minute walk through forest from the sanctuary entrance. A natural swimming pool at the base of the falls is safe and refreshing. The sanctuary is home to hundreds of thousands of West African straw-colored fruit bats roosting in trees above the pool. Located approximately 7 km north of Hohoe, which is approximately 175 km northeast of Accra (3.5-4 hour drive on a fully tarred road). Best visited April-October when the falls are most impressive during and after the rainy season.
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Mole National Park - Elephants, Walking Safaris, and the Wildlife of Northern Ghana
Mole National Park: the largest national park in Ghana (approximately 4,840 square kilometers), located in the Northern Region. Guinea savanna landscape supports approximately 600-800 African savanna elephants (the largest elephant population in Ghana), common hippopotamus, African buffalo, waterbuck, kob, warthog, green monkey, and colobus monkey. The birdlife includes approximately 344 recorded species. The Mole walking safari: one of the few national parks in West Africa where armed rangers conduct open walking safaris in the presence of wild elephants. The Mole Motel overlooks a dam where elephants and hippos frequently drink and can be observed from the terrace.
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Boti Falls and the Tafi Atome Sacred Monkey Sanctuary
Boti Falls: a twin waterfall on the Pawnpawn River in the Eastern Region, approximately 100 km northeast of Accra (2-hour drive). The two streams join during the rainy season (called the male and female falls locally). Most impressive June-October. Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary: a community-managed sanctuary in the Volta Region approximately 140 km northeast of Accra, protecting sacred Mona monkeys (Cercopithecus mona). The monkeys have been protected by cultural taboo for generations and are completely unafraid of humans: they climb on visitors and accept bananas by hand. This is an unusual and charming wildlife experience available 30 km from the main Volta Region tourist circuit. Both sites are accessible as day trips from Accra or as stops on a Volta Region circuit.
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Ghanaian Cuisine - Fufu, Jollof, Kelewele, and the Food Culture of Accra
Ghanaian cuisine staples: fufu (pounded cassava and plantain, smooth and elastic, eaten by tearing off pieces and scooping soup), banku (fermented corn and cassava dough), and kenkey (fermented corn dough steamed in corn husks, the primary Ga staple). The soups: groundnut soup (peanut soup), light soup (clear broth with tomatoes and peppers), palmnut soup (rich reddish-orange), okra soup. The jollof rice (Ghanaian version: cooked over wood fire giving a smoky party-jollof flavor; the Nigeria vs Ghana jollof wars continue). Street food: kelewele (fried plantain seasoned with ginger and pepper), boli (roasted plantain with groundnut paste), grilled tilapia. The Ghanaian vegetarian tradition is strong due to Orthodox Christian fasting days in neighboring traditions and the widespread availability of bean and vegetable stews.
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Accra Outdoor Reference - Nature Circuit Planning and Complete Ghana Guide
Ghana nature circuit planning guide from Accra. The primary nature destinations: Cape Coast (165 km, 2.5-3h): Cape Coast Castle and Kakum canopy walkway (best as a 2-day trip). Volta Region (175-200 km, 3.5-4h): Wli Falls, the Volta Lake ferry, and hilltop villages (best as a 3-day circuit). Boti Falls (100 km, 2h): good day trip from Accra. Mole National Park (600+ km, 8-10h drive or 1h flight): requires 2-3 nights minimum; fly from Accra to Tamale then drive. Tafi Atome (140 km, 3h): combine with Wli Falls on a Volta circuit. Seasonal note: November-March (dry season) is most comfortable for travel; May-October offers lush scenery and impressive waterfalls. Domestic flights: Africa World Airlines and PassionAir operate Accra-Tamale for the Mole-bound traveler.