Wli Waterfalls (pronounced ‘vlee’), also called Agumatsa Falls, is a popular and dramatic tourist site near the village of Wli not far from the Togo border. Most tourist make the easy walk to the lower falls, which is mostly a flat trail but stunning and beautiful in setting, made even more dramatic by the presence of thousands of fruit bats nesting high up on the nearby cliffs. However, the equally high and much more isolated upper falls is a special treat for those with the stamina for the challenging hike. There are inviting pools at the base of both falls where the hearty can take a chilly dip.

The Wli waterfalls is the highest water fall in West Africa. The falls is known locally as Agumatsa waterfalls – meaning, “Allow Me to Flow.” It is located in the Hohoe municipality of the Volta Region, the land of the Ewe culture. It is approximately 280 kilometers from the capital Accra. The walk take you through the Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary, which features more than 200 bird species and 400 butterfly species.

Things to Do

• Hike with a tour guide to the lower falls on an easy, mostly flat trail that crosses two rivers 8 times on bridges. Time: 1.5hours. difficulty: 1

• Branch from the main path with your guide to climb the steep and challenging trails to the upper falls. Sturdy footwear recommended. Time: 4 hours. Difficulty: 3

• Visit the shrine of lesser gods, said to have been brought by village ancestors from Togo. Your guide will explain the history and other items of interest in the village. Time: 1 hour. Difficulty:1

For the past 200 years, the Mona monkeys inhabiting the tropical forest surrounding the small village of Tafi-Atome have been protected because it was believed they were messengers to the gods. In 1996, the village began broader efforts to protect their forest and monkeys, as well as to offer tours for visitors.

As a result of these efforts, the monkey population has increased to about 200 and the forest, with its many species of birds and butterflies, has been preserved. The playful monkeys are wild but often come down very close to visitors.

Things to Do

• Stop at the visitor centre to arrange your tour and shop for village crafts in the small shop. A guide will lead you into the monkey sanctuary. Time: 1-1.5 hours. Difficulty: 1

• Tour the village with a sanctuary guide, where you can see food being prepared and other daily activities. Time: 1 hour. difficulty: 1

• Visit a village pineapple farm and meet the farmer. Fresh pineapple may be available to buy. Time: 45 minutes. Difficulty: 1

• See kente weaving at the nearby village of Tafi Abuipe, one of the principal weaving sites in Ghana. A guide can accompany you from Tafi-Atome or give you directions. Distance is 14 km by car or 7 km by trail if you walk or rent a bicycle. Time: 2 hours. Difficulty: 1 if transported to Abuipe by car or 2 if walking or biking from Tafi-Atome.

• Enjoy evening entertainment including drumming, dancing or stories around a bonfire (1 hour each or combined program)

Mount Afadja is one of the highest mountains in Ghana standing at an elevation of 885 metres (2,904 ft). The mountain is located in the Agumatsa Range near the villages of Gbledi and Liati Wote, in the Volta Region of Ghana at the border with Togo. ‘Afadja’ is the name of the mountain whereas ‘to’ in the Ewe dialect means mountain therefore, it is called ‘Afadjato’ by the indigenes. The correct name would be ‘Mount Afadja’ as ‘Mount Afadjato’ will be a repetition of the ‘Mountain.’ Mount Afadja is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the Volta Region of Ghana welcoming thousands of visitors from around the globe annually.

About a kilometer (less than a mile) to the east, is the nearby peak of Aduadu, which is higher than Afadjato, also standing at over 900 metres.

About the Village

As you drive or walk into Liati Wote, your view of the village is dominated by the mass of Mt. Afadjato, Ghana’s highest free-standing mountain at 885 meters. In addition to the mountain’s sweeping views all the way to Togo and Lake Volta, Liati Wote features the beautiful Tagbo Falls, reached by a lovey hike that showcases abundant butterflies- over 300 species recorded.

Things to Do

• Stop by the pleasant visitors centre on left at the signpost as you enter the village. Sit on the shaded porch as you meet your guide and plan your tour.

• Take the steep climb up Mt. Afajato with a guide and be rewarded with stunning views in clear weather (note views are generally poor during the Harmattan season (November- March). Time: 2.5 hours. Difficulty: 3 (Note: you can also arrange an overnight hike to continue form the top of Mt. Afadjato to camp atop neighbouring Mt. Aduadu and return the next day).

• Hike to the impressive Tagbo Falls as your guide points out interesting features of the coffee and cocoa farms end route, as well as the beautiful semi-deciduous forest. When you reach the falls, take a refreshing plunge in the chilly waters of the pool at its base. Time: 2 hours. Difficulty: 2

• Tour the village and a mushroom farm with a guide. See palm tapping to make palm wine and have a taste if you wish. See residents at work and preparing food. Time: variable. Difficulty: 1

• Arrange evening entertainment of drumming and dancing by a local cultural group. Time: variable.

Nzulezu is an Nzema word meaning ‘surface of water’. The inhabitants of the village are said to have migrated from Walata, a city in the ancient Ghana Empire, the earliest of the Western Sudanese States. According to tradition, ancestors of the village were brought to their present place by a snail.

The serene ambiance of the surrounding landscape, coupled with the general activities of life on stilts points to a dynamic relationship between man and nature. It is essentially one long pier, called Main Street by the locals, with buildings constructed on both sides. One side of the ‘street’ are living quarters while the other side of the street has businesess, the school, a community center and other commercial ventures.

Village life is adapted to the unique environmental conditions, and all activities such as the pounding of fufu (a traditional meal), schooling, worship, baptisms and burials are carried out on the lake. It is said that the lake averts possible disasters such as fire outbreaks.

The people of Nzulezu still adhere to traditional norms and taboos. For instance, Thursday is a sacred day on the lake, and on this day, the villagers do not engage in any strenuous activity.

Today the village subsists on fishing, farming on nearby land, and tourism. There is also guesthouse at the village, but do not expect modern standards.

The Nzulezu stilt village is not connected to electricity, but there are a significant number of television poles attached to almost every home in the village. These are powered by car batteries. For source of light in the night villages use lantern, flash light or rechargeable lamps to move about. To the amazement of visitors, villagers carry on daily life as if they don’t live on stilts.