Wli Waterfalls Travel Guide - Free Web & App

Your ultimate guide to Wli Waterfalls. Discover top landmarks, proposed trips, and local tips. Free on the web or via the Evendo companion app.

Download the Free PDF guide

All photos

Wli Waterfalls, Ghana’s highest cascade, offers forest hikes, Lower and Upper Falls, birdwatching and village experiences near Hohoe in the Volta Region.

Rainforest and Water

Wli Waterfalls lies near the village of Wli in Ghana’s Volta Region, close to the Togo border and within the forested foothills of the Akwapim-Togo mountain range. The attraction is commonly described as Ghana’s highest waterfall, with water descending in two principal stages. The Lower Falls, reached by a walk through the Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary, is the most accessible and widely visited section; the Upper Falls requires a longer, more demanding route into the hills. The sound of falling water, humid forest and steep-sided valley create a markedly different setting from the savannah landscapes found elsewhere in Ghana.

Forest, Wildlife and Local Life

The surrounding sanctuary protects a mosaic of semi-deciduous forest and rocky upland habitat associated with birds, butterflies and other forest wildlife. Sightings are not guaranteed, and the walk is as much about vegetation, streams and changing terrain as it is about animals. Wli village and nearby communities provide the cultural setting for visits, while Hohoe is the principal regional gateway for transport, supplies and a wider choice of accommodation. The area is part of the traditional homeland of Ewe-speaking communities, whose villages, farming landscapes and hospitality shape the experience around the falls.

Exploring the Falls

Most visits centre on the forest trail to the Lower Falls, often accompanied by a local guide familiar with the route and sanctuary environment. Visitors who undertake the Upper Falls walk encounter steeper paths, exposed roots and more strenuous walking, so conditions and personal ability matter. The wet season can intensify the flow but may also make paths slippery, while dry-season visits can offer firmer walking conditions without guaranteeing the same volume of water. Wli is best approached as a nature and walking destination rather than an urban resort, with facilities concentrated around the village and nearby Hohoe.

When is the best time to visit Wli Waterfalls?

Best: December–February · 28°C

Best 28° Temperature Range for JanuaryLow: 22.5°C, High: 27.5°C Precipitation Range for JanuaryLow: 5 mm, High: 25 mm J

Best 28° Temperature Range for FebruaryLow: 23°C, High: 28°C Precipitation Range for FebruaryLow: 5 mm, High: 25 mm F

29° Temperature Range for MarchLow: 23.5°C, High: 28.5°C Precipitation Range for MarchLow: 10 mm, High: 30 mm M

29° Temperature Range for AprilLow: 23.5°C, High: 29°C Precipitation Range for AprilLow: 15 mm, High: 35 mm A

29° Temperature Range for MayLow: 23°C, High: 29°C Precipitation Range for MayLow: 20 mm, High: 40 mm M

29° Temperature Range for JuneLow: 22.5°C, High: 28.5°C Precipitation Range for JuneLow: 25 mm, High: 45 mm J

28° Temperature Range for JulyLow: 22°C, High: 28°C Precipitation Range for JulyLow: 25 mm, High: 45 mm J

28° Temperature Range for AugustLow: 22°C, High: 28°C Precipitation Range for AugustLow: 25 mm, High: 45 mm A

28° Temperature Range for SeptemberLow: 22°C, High: 28°C Precipitation Range for SeptemberLow: 20 mm, High: 40 mm S

29° Temperature Range for OctoberLow: 22.5°C, High: 28.5°C Precipitation Range for OctoberLow: 15 mm, High: 35 mm O

28° Temperature Range for NovemberLow: 22.5°C, High: 28°C Precipitation Range for NovemberLow: 10 mm, High: 30 mm N

Best 28° Temperature Range for DecemberLow: 22°C, High: 27.5°C Precipitation Range for DecemberLow: 5 mm, High: 25 mm D

Average daytime high and rainfall by month
Month	High (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
January (best)	28	15
February (best)	28	15
March	29	20
April	29	25
May	29	30
June	29	35
July	28	35
August	28	35
September	28	30
October	29	25
November	28	20
December (best)	28	15

Getting to and around Wli Waterfalls

How to get there

Wli Waterfalls is reached by road through Ghana’s Volta Region, with Hohoe serving as the main gateway and Wli village as the closest settlement to the falls. Travellers commonly approach Hohoe from Accra or other regional towns by intercity coach, bus or shared vehicle, then continue by local transport or taxi towards Wli. There is no railway station or commercial airport at the waterfall itself. The nearest significant air connection is in the Accra area, a substantial overland journey away. Road conditions, traffic and local transport availability can vary, so visitors should allow time for the final rural approach and confirm onward arrangements locally.

Transportation

The waterfall area is explored mainly on foot from the access point near Wli, with the Lower Falls reached along a forest trail and the Upper Falls requiring a longer, more strenuous walk. A local guide is advisable and may be required under prevailing site arrangements. Public transport is useful for reaching Hohoe and Wli but is less practical for moving between scattered rural attractions, so a hired car, taxi or organised excursion can provide greater flexibility. Paths may become muddy or slippery after rain, and visitors should not assume that every route, stream crossing or access point remains suitable in all weather.

Best attractions in Wli Waterfalls

Tourist attraction

Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary

Experience the captivating Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, where you can connect with nature and witness endangered primates in their natural habitat.
Tourist attraction

Ote waterfall

Discover the enchanting beauty of Ote Waterfall in Amedzofe, where nature's splendor meets tranquility and adventure.

Show more attractions

Explore Wli Waterfalls on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants and hotels are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Wli Waterfalls, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

Wli Waterfalls essentials

Currency and Payment

Ghana’s currency is the Ghanaian cedi (GHS). Card and contactless payments are more likely in established hotels, larger businesses and some travel services in Hohoe than in rural Wli, where cash is useful for local transport, guiding and small purchases. Cash machines and formal banking services are concentrated in larger settlements, so visitors travelling from Hohoe should carry a sensible amount of cedis while avoiding unnecessary quantities of cash. Payment arrangements at the waterfall can change, and any entrance or guide charges should be confirmed locally rather than assumed in advance.

Safety

The principal practical concerns are uneven forest paths, slippery surfaces, steep sections, falling branches during severe weather and changing water conditions near the falls. Wear footwear with good grip, stay on recognised routes and obey local instructions about swimming or approaching the water. Heat, humidity and insects can make the walk tiring, while mobile coverage may be inconsistent in the valley. Visitors should avoid walking alone on unfamiliar trails, keep valuables secure and take particular care during heavy rain, when streams and paths can change quickly.

Emergency Situations

Ghana’s general emergency number is 112; police can also be reached on 191, the fire service on 192 and ambulance services on 193. In an emergency near Wli, give responders the waterfall access point, trail direction, village or nearest road location, and any visible landmarks. Because the falls are in a rural area, specialist assistance and medical facilities may not be immediately nearby, making basic preparation important. For serious incidents, contact emergency services and seek help from local guides, accommodation staff or community authorities while avoiding unnecessary movement by an injured person.

Do's and Don'ts

Follow sanctuary instructions, remain on established paths and take all litter away, including food packaging and plastic bottles. Do not climb unstable rocks, approach the edge of the falls or enter pools unless local guidance confirms that bathing is permitted and conditions are suitable. Do not feed, chase or handle wildlife, and avoid loud behaviour in the forest. Ask before photographing people, homes or community activities, dress respectfully in villages and treat guides and residents courteously. Do not remove plants, stones or other natural material from the sanctuary.

Local Tips

Hohoe is the most practical base for transport, provisions and a broader range of accommodation, while staying near Wli provides earlier access to the trail and a quieter rural setting. Combine the waterfall with other Volta Region visits only after allowing for road distances rather than assuming nearby attractions are immediately accessible. Start walks with enough daylight remaining for the return journey, and ask locally about rain, trail conditions and the suitability of the Upper Falls route. A guide can add context about the forest and help visitors navigate changing conditions without treating wildlife sightings as guaranteed.

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics

English	Local	Say it
Hello	Afe	[ah-fay]
Goodbye	Baako	[bah-ko]
Yes	Aane	[ah-neh]
No	Daabi	[dah-bee]
Please/You're welcome	Mepaakyew	[meh-pah-ah-kyew]
Thank you	Medaase	[meh-dah-seh]
Excuse me/Sorry	Mepa wo kyew	[meh-pah woh kyew]
How are you?	Wo ho te s3n?	[woh hoh teh sen]
Fine. And you?	Adi3. Na wo y3?	[ah-dee-eh. nah woh yay]
Do you speak English?	Wo b3ka nnawotwe a?	[woh beh-kah n-nah-woh-tweh ah]
I don't understand	Menntumi nnwom	[men-too-mee n-nwom]

Eating & Drinking

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to see the menu, please	M3tumi nnkyer3 menu no, mesr3 wo	[meh-too-mee n-nchyer-eh men-oo noh, meh-sreh woh]
I don't eat meat	Mente b3gya krakra	[men-teh beh-jah krah-krah]
Cheers!	Afehyia pa	[ah-feh-hee-ah pah]
I would like to pay, please	M3tumi nnhu, mesr3 wo	[meh-too-mee n-nhoo, meh-sreh woh]

Emergencies

English	Local	Say it
Help!	Bo me	[boh meh]
Go away!	Kasa	[kah-sah]
Call the Police!	Kyer3 polis	[chyer-eh poh-lis]
Call a doctor!	Kyer3 dokita	[chyer-eh doh-kee-tah]
I'm lost	Mente asa	[men-teh ah-sah]
I'm ill	Mente aka	[men-teh ah-kah]

Shopping

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to buy...	M3tumi nnua...	[meh-too-mee n-noo-ah...]
I'm just looking	Mente as3m	[men-teh ah-sehm]
How much is it?	Afei bia a, s3n?	[ah-feh bee-ah ah, sen]
That's too expensive	Na y3b3 di s3n	[nah yay-beh dee sen]
Can you lower the price?	Wo p3 s3n a, s3 wote soro no?	[woh peh sen ah, seh woh-teh soh-ro noh]

Time & Numbers

English	Local	Say it
What time is it?	Nnim afei bia?	[n-neem ah-feh bee-ah]
It's one o'clock	Yi afei	[yee ah-feh]
Half past (10)	Akwadaa da mu	[ah-kwah-dah dah moh]
Morning	Anigyefo	[ah-nee-jeh-foh]
Afternoon	Anuonyam	[ah-noo-oh-nyahm]
Evening	Anwummere	[ahn-woo-meh-reh]
Yesterday	Nkuto	[n-koo-toh]
Today	Nna	[n-nah]
Tomorrow	Fie	[fee-eh]
1	Bere	[beh-reh]
2	Aboa	[ah-boh-ah]
3	Afi	[ah-fee]
4	Anan	[ah-nahn]
5	Anuonum	[ah-noo-oh-noom]
6	Asr3	[ah-seh]
7	Awotwe	[ah-woh-tweh]
8	Ananmu	[ah-nahn-moo]
9	Anidaso	[ah-nee-dah-soh]
10	Aku	[ah-koo]

Transport & Directions

English	Local	Say it
Where's a/the...?	B3tumi...?	[beh-too-mee]
What's the address?	S3nea adir3s no?	[sen-eh-ah ah-dee-rehs noh]
Can you show me (on the map)?	Wo b3hw3 me (on de mepa)?	[woh beh-hweh meh (on deh meh-pah)]
When's the next (bus)?	Afei b3tumi...?	[ah-feh bee-too-mee]
A ticket (to ....)	Tiket (na ....)	[tee-keht (nah)]

History of Wli Waterfalls

A Mountain Landscape Shaped by Water

Wli Waterfalls occupies a deeply incised landscape on the Ghanaian side of the Togo-Akwapim Range, a chain of uplands extending through parts of Ghana, Togo and Benin. The falls were formed as streams descend through resistant rock and forested slopes, creating an upper and lower sequence rather than a single uninterrupted drop. This geological setting helps explain the attraction’s character: a narrow, humid valley beneath higher ground, with seasonal changes in water volume and trail conditions. The physical landscape predates human settlement by immense periods and should be understood as the natural foundation on which later farming, village life and tourism developed.

Ewe Communities and the Volta Foothills

The area around Wli belongs to the cultural landscape of Ewe-speaking communities in southeastern Ghana. Villages in the Volta foothills developed in relationship with fertile lowland areas, forest resources and mountain watercourses, while paths across the region connected settlements and farms. Wli is not an isolated wilderness detached from local life: the waterfall lies beside a lived-in rural environment in which agriculture, community institutions and customary relationships with land remain important. Accounts of the falls and their name are understood within local traditions, although visitors should avoid treating oral history as a single fixed version of the past.

From Local Landmark to Visitor Attraction

For generations, the waterfall was a prominent natural feature known to nearby communities. Its wider recognition grew as roads, regional travel and interest in Ghana’s landscapes brought more visitors to the Volta Region. Tourism developed around walks to the falls, local guiding and visits from Hohoe and other parts of Ghana, rather than through large-scale urban construction. This pattern remains visible in the modest facilities around Wli: the attraction is experienced primarily on foot, with the village and surrounding communities providing the practical and cultural setting.

Sanctuary Protection and Sustainable Tourism

The waterfall is associated with the Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected forest landscape established to safeguard habitat and the natural setting around the falls. Conservation has helped frame Wli as more than a scenic viewpoint, placing emphasis on forest protection, responsible guiding and the management of visitor access. Tourism nevertheless brings continuing responsibilities, including reducing litter, respecting paths and wildlife, and ensuring that local communities benefit from guiding and visitor services. Weather, erosion and increasing visitation can affect trails, making local management important to the long-term character of the site.