Ghana, a beautiful West African country, is home to an array of splendid natural attractions. Among these, the waterfalls stand out, offering not just scenic beauty but also a deep connection to the country’s history and culture. Kintampo, a town and tourist destination in the Bono East Region of Ghana, is one of the tourist hubs of Ghana.
Kintampo is a town and tourist destination in the Bono East Region of Ghana. It became the capital of Kintampo North Municipal in 2004. Kintampo also has Senior High Schools (KINSS) which is located at Kyeremankoma, has participated in the National Science Quiz on numerous occasions, Modern Senior High School (MODESS), Kintampo Technical Institute- KINTECH and Centre College Senior High School. There is a College of Health, The Kintampo College of Health and Well-being (CoHK) in the town, which is proposed to become a full fledge University. Most of the population in Kintampo are farmers, with production focused on yams, maize, cashew, mangoes, legumes, tubers and other vegetables. The main ethnicity of Kintampo are the Bono people. Farming is the major occupation among the entire population of Kintampo. Most farmers here had turned the vast arable lands into cashew and mango plantations, making the town one of the leading cultivators of these crops. Sifting cultivation or slash and burn, a farming system in which forests are burnt, releasing nutrients to support cultivation of annual and then perennial crops for a period of several years is the most used system in Kintampo. Kintampo has produced great and famous people.
Several waterfalls in the country hold great spiritual significance for different tribal groups, acting as sites for religious ceremonies and traditional practices. Waterfalls in Ghana provide essential support to the local economy, particularly through tourism. As some of the country’s primary tourist attractions, these scenic waterfalls draw numerous visitors who provide an important source of revenue for nearby communities.
There are many waterfalls scattered throughout Ghana, with each offering their unique charm and beauty. Located in the Brong Ahafo region, Kintampo Waterfalls is one of Ghana’s most famous waterfalls.
Here's a list of some other notable waterfalls in Ghana:
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- Wli Waterfalls
- Boti Falls
- Tagbo Falls
- Akaa Falls
Now that you are familiar with some of Ghana’s most treasured waterfalls, it’s time to plan your visit. The ideal time to visit Ghana’s waterfalls is during the rainy season, which typically lasts from April to October. During these months, the waterfalls are at their most powerful and scenic, offering an unforgettable experience. However, visiting during the peak of the rainy season may be accompanied by muddy trails and limited access to some waterfalls.
The History of Kintampo Waterfalls
The early settlers of Kintampo who discovered the waterfall believed that the site was inhabited by dwarfs, pythons, and bees and legend has it that no individual could go there alone, especially on Fridays, the holy day of the river goddess. Alternatively, the goddess of the river was believed to be a good spirit. In addition to those who go there to see the wonders of nature, or cool off, are those who go there to pray for good fortune and success.
The Kintampo waterfall have changed names more than any other water falls in Ghana. In the 1940s it was known as Saunder’s fall, named after British medical resident of Kintampo who tried to develop the site for tourism. Then in 1957 after the country gained independence from the British, the falls were renamed the Kwame Nkrumah waterfall, after Ghana’s first President who built a private lodge close by.
Kintampo is one of Ghana's highest waterfalls located in Bono East. It was formerly known as Sanders Falls during the colonial days. It is located on the Pumpum river, a tributary of the Black Volta, about 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) north of the Kintampo municipality, on the Kumasi-Tamale road. It is just after the Falls Rest Stop when moving Northwards, on the right side of the road. The water flows from the Pumpum River, a tributary of the Black Volta which takes its source from Pumpumatifi.
Kintampo Water Falls Ghana 🇬🇭 / Travel Vlog
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Kintampo Waterfall is a 3-step 70m high waterfall located only 4km north of the Kintampo township in the Bono East region of Ghana. The entrance of the little park is located 4 kilometres north of Kintampo just after the Falls Rest Stop. Take any taxi from town to drop you at the entrance of the falls. On your way back you can stop a taxi on the road, however this might take some time, especially if you are a couple of folks. In this case it is better to agree with the driver to pick you up or to wait for you.
The Three Stages of the Waterfall
The falls has three stages. The initial two stages can be reached easily because the way is levelled. The third stage has about 173 stairs down and about 151 stairs up.
Kintampo Waterfall in the Brong-Ahafo Region is one of the most beautiful in Ghana. The Kintampo waterfall is made up three separate falls, stretching over 100 meters, and each is distinct from the other. At waterfall number one, half of the river drops off the face of a cave while the rest pushes through perfectly circular holes it has drilled through the hanging rock. Waterfall number two is marked by a small cataract and layers of large rocks through which the river disappears underground and away from the tour path. The full grandeurs of the falls is best seen from the base. To reach there, visitors descend 154 steps from the edge of the entertainment area to the bottom of the deep gorge cut by the river, from where the magnificent waterfall looms about 30ft (9m) high above, glittering in the foreground.
The first stage shows you where the river takes its first tumble downslope before disappearing into the ground. The journey will take you on a path through light forested mahogany woods. The sound of the waterfall beckons, and the cries of birds in the surrounding trees fill you with the peace of nature. To reach the third level, however, would require a bit of leg work. You’d need to descend some 173 steps before reaching the bottom level.
Years of river activity have created unique rock formations at the tourist site. The year-round flow of water is an instant draw in and of itself.
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After a number of steps and cascades, the river falls about 25 metres at the last step (not 70 meters as stated everywhere online).
Kintampo Waterfall offers visitors plenty of activities to while away time. For those looking for more adventure, the waterfall’s 170m-high canopy offers a panoramic view of all stages of the waterfall. There is a large field at the site where you can engage in many sporting activities. Note that swimming is only allowed at the lowest stage where the water pools.
Planning Your Visit
Here are some tips to help you plan your visit to Kintampo Waterfall:
- Best time to visit: October to December right after the main rainy season.
- What to wear: Pack swimsuits if you wish to swim, and wear good hiking boots. If you are arriving in the dry season, pack cotton and linen clothes that allow your body to breathe in the warm weather.
- Activities: Swim at Stage Three, play football on the field, picnic.
A trip to Kintampo Waterfall does not require much planning. Located off the Kumasi-Tamale road, the waterfall’s endless wonder is easily accessible anytime of the year.
Kintampo Waterfall flows all year round, however, making it one of the few waterfalls in Ghana to be enjoyed no matter the weather. If you intend to swim at the lower level, bring along a swim costume. The journey is not that far away from the town centre. That said, it doesn’t hurt to dress for a water safari.
There are plastic bins for disposing of waste. Note that the floor of the shallow pond where the water pools are cluttered with slippery rocks. There are two staircases, one for descent and the other for climbing out of the valley.
You will have to pay an entrance fee before accessing Kintampo Waterfall, after which a guide will be assigned to you. Once you are done, it is good to tip your guide for services rendered. As with other tourist destinations in Ghana, it is more productive if you engage the guide in conversation.
Near the entrance is a parking space and an entertainment grounds dotted with a few summer huts and shade trees. A modern receptive facility for the site comprising eco-lodges, restaurants, a craft centre and shopping areas is ongoing. Meanwhile, inside Kintampo town are a few medium to budget rated hotels.
Here are the current entrance fees:
| Category | Price (GHC) |
|---|---|
| Children | 3 |
| Students | 5 |
| Adults | 10 |
| Foreigners | 20 |
Canopy Walk:
| Category | Price (GHC) |
|---|---|
| Adult Foreign | 30 |
| Student Foreign | 20 |
| Ghanaian Adult | 15 |
| Ghanaian Student | 10 |
| Primary and JHS | 5 |
daily 7.30 am - 5.30 pm
Map of the Regions of Ghana
Safety Measures and Recent History
In April 2019 the president of Ghana inaugurated a Canopy Walk which offers stunning views of the waterfall and a little bit of thrill. It is the second Canopy Walk in the country, next to the one at Kakum National Park close to Cape Coast.
A heavy storm in 2017 caused a big tree to fall on a group of students while they were swimming at the bottom of the waterfall. Up to 20 students have died. Since then several safety measurements have been taken and it is again safe swimming and taking a fresh shower. However, avoid visiting the falls during storms and heavy rain. A stone slap with all the names of the students next to the stairs commemorates the deceased. The tree that has trapped they daytrippers was used to furnish the renovated pick-nick area.
A tree crashed onto a group of people enjoying a swim at the base of a large waterfall in Ghana, and local authorities tell wire services that at least 17 people were killed in the freak accident. The revelers got caught in a rainstorm on Sunday, according to a statement from the Minister of Tourism. She added that "many" were killed and injured, and that they were mostly student groups visiting the area.
Journalist Sammy Darko told the BBC that the waterfall draws "large numbers of local and foreign visitors." It's especially busy at the weekend and most popular among students, who come from the five surrounding regions on school trips to the site, which is right in the centre of the country.
You can finish your trip to the waterfalls with a meal at the Falls Rest Stop or a drink at the Water Front Bar, which are both only a stone throw away from the entrance of the falls.
Kintampo Waterfall serves as an excellent break on your trip to Ghana’s northern regions.
While exploring Ghana’s waterfalls is a thrilling adventure, it’s crucial to prioritize safety.
Ghana’s waterfalls are situated in diverse ecological zones, which support an incredible variety of flora and fauna. The areas surrounding Ghana’s waterfalls are teeming with life, offering visitors the chance to spot various plant and animal species. These forests harbor numerous rare and endemic species like the Mona monkey, the rockfowl, and different butterfly species.
Recognizing the invaluable ecological and cultural contributions of the waterfall regions, Ghana is investing in conservation efforts to ensure the protection and preservation of these areas.
Why not turn your Ghana adventure into an ethical travel experience by giving back to the community by joining a GVI sustainable impact program? Journey to equatorial Ghana, known for its coastal landscape of palm-lined beaches, magnificent lakes and tropical forests abundant with life - and adventure. Contribute to the education of children, gender equality, community development, public health, and environmental education, and learn the true meaning of hospitality, solidarity, and generosity by living and working in communities rich with cultural heritage and brimming with a spirit of possibility.
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