Exploring the Wildlife Wonders of Mole National Park with Family

Day 8: Chasing Waterfalls and Cultural Gems: A Day of Discovery in Mole National Park

Explore the stunning KPRIA Waterfall, immerse yourself in local culture at Jen-Jeng, and find unique smocks at Hadjia Momo. A day of adventure!

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A Day of Serene Escapes and Cultural Immersion


Today was all about venturing deeper into the heart of Ghana, beyond the incredible wildlife, and discovering some of the hidden gems that this region has to offer. It was a day filled with the soothing sounds of cascading water, vibrant cultural experiences, and the warm smiles of the local people. Jan, Amina, and I were eager to explore beyond our usual safari drives, and today's itinerary promised just that.

Our day began, as usual, with a hearty breakfast at Zaina Lodge. The fresh fruit, local pastries, and strong coffee set the perfect tone for what we knew would be a day of exploration and adventure. After breakfast, we set off towards our first destination: the KPRIA Waterfall.

KPRIA Waterfall: A Refreshing Oasis


The drive to KPRIA Waterfall was an adventure in itself. As we bumped along the dirt roads, the landscape transformed from open savannah to a denser, greener environment. The anticipation grew with each passing kilometer. When we finally arrived, the sight of the waterfall was truly rewarding. The water cascaded down the rocks, forming a refreshing pool at the base. The kids were immediately captivated, and even Jan couldn't resist dipping his toes in the cool water. I took some photos to capture the beauty. The waterfall is said to be approximately 20 meters in height. It has two segments, which include the pool at the base and the waterfall. The pool is great for swimming.

Surrounded by an evergreen forest, KPRIA Waterfall felt like a true oasis. The air was fresh and clean, and the sounds of nature filled our ears. We spent a good hour simply relaxing by the water, enjoying the tranquility and soaking in the natural beauty. Amina was busy collecting colorful stones, while Jan and I took turns capturing the perfect shot of the falls. It was a perfect family moment, far away from the hustle and bustle of our lives back in Delft.

Experience the enchanting beauty of KPRIA Waterfall in Bele, a serene escape surrounded by lush landscapes and natural wonder.
Experience the enchanting beauty of KPRIA Waterfall in Bele, a serene escape surrounded by lush landscapes and natural wonder.

Nature is not a place to visit, it is home.


Jen-Jeng: A Cultural Tapestry


After our refreshing interlude at KPRIA Waterfall, we packed up and headed towards Jen-Jeng, a cultural site located a bit further from Mole National Park. The journey took us through more of the stunning Ghanaian countryside, offering glimpses into rural life and the daily routines of the local people. Getting there involved a bit of a drive, about 30 kilometers southwest towards Damongo, before turning onto the Wa - Mase Road.

Jen-Jeng turned out to be a fascinating experience. It was more than just a place; it was a living, breathing testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Wa region. We were greeted by local artisans showcasing their crafts, from intricate beadwork to beautifully woven textiles. I was particularly drawn to the vibrant colors and patterns, each telling a unique story of tradition and artistry. Amina was fascinated by the process of creating these crafts, and the artisans were more than happy to share their knowledge and skills with her.

We spent a lot of time interacting with the locals, learning about their customs, beliefs, and way of life. It was eye-opening to see how deeply connected they were to their heritage, and how they managed to preserve their traditions in the face of modernization. I felt a sense of admiration for their resilience and their commitment to keeping their cultural identity alive.

Discover the serene beauty and rich cultural heritage of Jen-Jeng in Wa, Ghana, a captivating tourist attraction that leaves lasting memories.
Discover the serene beauty and rich cultural heritage of Jen-Jeng in Wa, Ghana, a captivating tourist attraction that leaves lasting memories.

Hadjia Momo Smocks: A Touch of Ghanaian Fashion


Our final stop for the day was Hadjia Momo Smocks, a local shop known for its authentic Ghanaian textiles and traditional fashion. I had heard about the beautiful smocks made in this region, and I was eager to see them for myself. We found Hadjia Momo Smocks in Damongo.

The shop was a treasure trove of colors and designs. Each smock was unique, reflecting the creativity and skill of the local weavers. I learned that these smocks are not just clothing items; they are symbols of status, identity, and cultural pride. I decided to purchase a smock for myself, as a reminder of our time in Ghana and as a way to support the local economy. Jan also found a beautiful piece for his mother, a vibrant scarf that captured the essence of Ghanaian artistry. Amina, of course, picked out a brightly colored smock that she immediately wanted to wear.

As we left Hadjia Momo Smocks, I felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that we were contributing to the livelihoods of the local artisans. It's important to me that our travels have a positive impact on the communities we visit, and supporting local businesses is one way to achieve that.

Explore Hadjia Momo Smocks in Damongo for authentic Ghanaian textiles and vibrant traditional fashion that tells a story.
Explore Hadjia Momo Smocks in Damongo for authentic Ghanaian textiles and vibrant traditional fashion that tells a story.

Reflections on the Day


Today was a beautiful blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion. From the refreshing waters of KPRIA Waterfall to the vibrant crafts of Jen-Jeng and the exquisite smocks of Hadjia Momo, we experienced the many facets of this amazing region. It reinforced my belief that travel is not just about seeing new places, but also about connecting with people and understanding their way of life.

As we drove back to Zaina Lodge, the sun began to set, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. We were tired but fulfilled, our hearts full of memories and our minds enriched by new experiences. We enjoyed dinner at Chez Afrique. We shared stories and laughed about our adventures, already looking forward to what tomorrow would bring. Tomorrow, we're planning to revisit Zaina Lodge, this time as a tourist attraction, and then head to Damongo Town Park. I'm also hoping we can squeeze in a visit to Dayuori Bar in the evening.

Back at our lodge, I took a moment to reflect on the day. I am grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with my family, and I am inspired by the warmth and resilience of the Ghanaian people. This trip has not only been a chance to explore a new place, but also a journey of personal growth and connection. As I drifted off to sleep, I knew that the memories of this day would stay with me forever.
Go to day 7 Chasing Water and Wildlife: A Day of Serenity and Savanna in Mole National Park
Go to day 9 A Day of Serenity and Savory Surprises in Mole National Park
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Exploring the Wildlife Wonders of Mole National Park with Family

Discover the natural beauty and wildlife of Ghana's Mole National Park with family, immersing in authentic experiences and supporting local communities.

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Meet this Featured Explorer

Fatimata Sawadogo
  • Occupation icon Occupation: Renewable Energy Consultant
  • Country icon Country: Netherlands
  • Age icon Age: 31

Hello world! I'm Fatimata, a renewable energy consultant from Delft, Netherlands, originally from Burkina Faso. Join me as I share my passion for sustainable travel, cultural immersion, and authentic experiences. Together with my husband, Jan, and our daughter, Amina, we explore the world, seeking out destinations that offer a blend of cultural richness and opportunities to make a positive impact. Follow along as I share my travel tips, stories, and insights, inspiring you to explore the world with an open mind and a conscious heart.

Interests:
  • Sustainable living
  • Global cultures
  • Ethical fashion
  • Reading about history
  • Learning new languages
More about Fatimata Sawadogo

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