Wli Agumatsa Waterfalls: Ghana’s Tallest and Most Magical Falls
Wli Agumatsa Waterfalls — Ghana’s Tallest and Most Magical Falls
Wli Agumatsa Waterfalls is Ghana’s most impressive natural wonder, located in the lush Volta Region. Walking through the forest with only birds and butterflies for company, visitors emerge to the breathtaking sight of cascading water surrounded by rainforest cliffs.
About Wli Agumatsa Waterfalls
The Volta Region covers about 20,000 square kilometers (5 million acres), representing nearly 9% of Ghana. Its capital is Ho, nestled near Mount Adaklu. The region’s varied geology makes it a perfect place for spectacular waterfalls to form — where rushing water erodes softer rock and leaves harder rock behind, creating sudden drops and dramatic cascades.
Known locally as Agumatsa, Wli Falls is not only Ghana’s tallest but also the highest waterfall in West Africa. The falls have two distinct drops: the upper and lower tiers, together reaching heights of about 60–80 meters (196–262 feet) as part of the Agumatsa River system.
A Wildlife Haven Behind the Falls
The Wli Waterfalls are located within the Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected rainforest alive with birds, butterflies, and lush mossy rocks. The cliffs surrounding the falls are home to thousands of straw-colored fruit bats, some of Africa’s largest bats, with wingspans over 70 cm (27 inches) and bodies nearly 9 inches long. Their dramatic silhouettes at dusk add a sense of mystery to the falls.
Visiting Wli Falls
- The best time to visit is during or just after the rainy season (May–October) when the water volume is at its peak.
- Expect a scenic forest hike with butterflies and birds before reaching the lower falls.
- Guided tours are available, and local communities maintain the trails and sanctuary.
- Bring waterproof shoes if visiting in the wet season; the mist can be heavy near the base.
Did You Know?
Wli is also called “Agumatsa,” meaning “Allow Me to Flow” in the local Ewe language — a poetic name that reflects the spirit of the waterfall and the river that feeds it.
For more African natural wonders, explore Africa’s highest, widest, and biggest waterfalls or read about Africa’s natural forces shaping the land.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Wli Agumatsa Waterfalls?
Wli Falls drops about 60–80 meters (196–262 feet) over two tiers, making it the tallest waterfall in Ghana and West Africa.
Where is Wli Waterfalls located?
It’s in the Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary, near the village of Wli in Ghana’s Volta Region, close to the Togo border.
When is the best time to visit Wli Falls?
Visit between May and October during or just after the rainy season for the most dramatic water flow.
