Escape to Tranquillity at Boti Falls, Ghana's breathtaking waterfall
Are you looking for Ghana's most spectacular waterfall experience? Boti Falls and the surrounding forests are exactly the places you are looking for! Beautiful waterfalls, bird songs, serenity and the stunning nature will make you forget all the troubles. Explore the waterfall and walk through a legendary love story with us!
Brief History
There are quite a few versions of ‘the true’ legend about how the waterfalls were discovered. One of them states that a Catholic priest discovered the falls around 1903 by accident. The 'most common version', Akan Legend, tells a sad story about cursed lovers who didn't follow rules and therefore were cursed to live separately as waterfalls forever. A less common version tells of a beautiful maiden who was transformed into the falls to protect her from an evil spirit. Whatever the reason was back then, what a stunning result is now!
Even President Kwame Nkrumah referred to Boti Falls as the most attractive place in this part of Ghana. In 1961, during his visit, he was so amazed by the beauty of the waterfalls that he even had requested a holiday home to be built nearby, and we can see why.
Exploring Boti Falls
The waterfall is a two-tiered cascade that drops 30 metres into a plunge pool below. This place is beautiful any time, however, the rainy season (May to September) is the time when the falls are the most spectacular. During this time, the high water flow creates a double waterfall. The larger fall represents a male and the smaller one–a female from the legend. The fall merging is the ‘reunion’ and often forms a pretty rainbow in celebration of their brief time together. This is the ‘right place to be’ if you would like to have twins.
A 250-step descent will take you through nature sounds and splendid scenery to the bottom of the waterfall where you can have a swim or simply relax and enjoy the surroundings. This is THE place to be on a hot day.
The beauty of Boti Falls isn't limited to the waterfall alone. The surrounding area is also home to beautifully lush greenery and wildlife. Take a hike through the rainforest and take in the beauty of these surroundings. Boti Falls is also a significant and sacred place for the locals.
Getting there
You will find the waterfall in a small town called Boti, near the village of Huhunya, in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The town is famous for its beadwork and weaving. You can visit local artisans in Boti or Koforidua and purchase their beautiful, handcrafted souvenirs. Every year on the 1st of July, the Boti Fall celebration attracts many people. Foreign visitors are welcome to join the celebration.
The upper falls and lower falls are located within a forest reserve on the Pawnpawn River. The falls are approximately 17 kilometers northeast of Koforidua—roughly a 30-minute drive—and about a 90-minute drive from Accra. As you approach Boti Falls, the surrounding landscape will simply amaze you. No wonder this is a popular spot for hikers and nature lovers.
To reach Boti Falls, you can either take a public bus from Accra to Koforidua, and then take another bus to Boti. Alternatively, you can rent a car, which is a more comfortable option, but it’s also more expensive.
Attractions Nearby
If you have time to spare, there are more attractions to see nearby! Only a 30-minute walk from the falls you will find the Umbrella Rock–2 boulders forming an enormous umbrella that can shelter up to 15 people, and the other one is the three-headed palm tree. The hike can get steep in places but there are a few beautiful spots for your Instagram feed!
The Huhunya Forest Reserve is a beautiful place to step away from city life and enjoy the serene and lush surroundings filled with singing birds and beautiful butterflies. Guided tours around the forest are available. For 10 cedis, you can rent a canoe. It takes around 2-3 hours to see all 3 places, but it is worth the effort.
About an hour from Boti Falls, the Aburi Botanical Gardens offer another lush oasis in the middle of the Eastern Region. With over 160 acres of greenery, the gardens are home to a variety of exotic plants and flowers, as well as a butterfly sanctuary and a bird sanctuary.
Planning Your Trip: Tips for Visiting Boti Falls
- The best time to visit the waterfall is during the rainy season (May to September/October), when the waterfall is at its fullest, making it an impressive sight.
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking as there’s a fair bit of hiking involved.
- Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim in the pool at the bottom of the falls.
- Pack sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, and plenty of water.
- Respect the local culture and traditions by dressing modestly and be respectful.
- Bring cash with you as there’s a small entrance fee to access the waterfall.
- Don’t forget your camera to capture the breathtaking views and that rainbow everyone’s talking about.
Edite Strautmane, travel writer and nature enthusiast, shares her passion for travel, exploration and adventure through stories on GhanaTRVL.
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