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Ghana🇬🇭 | landmarksKintampo WaterfallsTerraced falls, swimming pools, picnic shelters, Brong-Ahafo roadside stop | things to do and best time to go

Explore Elmina CastleExplore Wli Waterfalls

Backpacking in Kintampo Waterfalls
👀 For curious travelersunique site ranked #5
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 15, 2026

The famous pitch is the swim under the falls, but that is the least interesting part of Kintampo Waterfalls. The falls sit in the Bono East Region of central Ghana, a short drive from Kintampo town on the main highway between Kumasi and Tamale. Weekends bring school groups, speakers and a lot of shrieking, and the water can look milky after rain. Still, the climb down is the real draw. I stepped onto the slick stone stairs at 8 a.m., and the air turned cool and smelled of wet leaf rot. A fine mist beaded on my forearms before I could even see the water. Tiers of brown rock spill into a green pool, and the forest roar swallows every other sound. Entry is cheap, but the steps are steep and the rocks are slippery.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #5 unique site in GhanaThe unique appeal for travelers

Backpackers go to Kintampo Waterfalls because it is one of the easiest nature stops in Ghana's interior, and it costs almost nothing. You can reach it on a half-day detour from the main north-south road, so it works as a break on the long ride between Kumasi and Tamale instead of a trip of its own. The effort is small: a short ride from town, then a descent on stairs and paths. The swimming pool at the base is the payoff after a sweaty bus day, and the shaded picnic spots make it a good place to rest. It is also uncommercial compared with coastal sights. Expect local families, guides who will walk you around for a tip, and a few food sellers. Pair it with the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary near Techiman, or with the stretch north toward Mole National Park. Kintampo is a town where you can … read more 👉
Backpackers go to Kintampo Waterfalls because it is one of the easiest nature stops in Ghana's interior, and it costs almost nothing. You can reach it on a half-day detour from the main north-south road, so it works as a break on the long ride between Kumasi and Tamale instead of a trip of its own. The effort is small: a short ride from town, then a descent on stairs and paths. The swimming pool at the base is the payoff after a sweaty bus day, and the shaded picnic spots make it a good place to rest. It is also uncommercial compared with coastal sights. Expect local families, guides who will walk you around for a tip, and a few food sellers. Pair it with the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary near Techiman, or with the stretch north toward Mole National Park. Kintampo is a town where you can stay a night and see something real before pushing on.

💡 HighlightsThe experiences that define the visit

  1. The Main Cascade: The falls drop in several tiers over rock, with the largest section roughly 20 meters high. The view from the lower platform shows the whole spread of water against the forest.
  2. The Plunge Pool: You can swim in the green pool at the base. The water is cool even at midday, and the rock edges give you somewhere to sit under the spray.
  3. The Stair Descent: Concrete and stone steps wind down through trees to the base. The shade, the humidity and the gradual rise of noise make the walk part of the visit.
  4. Upper Tiers and Viewpoints: Paths lead to higher ledges where the water gathers before dropping. These spots are quieter and give the best photos of the stream running over the lip.
  5. Forest Canopy and Birdlife: The surrounding vegetation is dense, with butterflies near the pools and birdsong
… read more 👉
  1. The Main Cascade: The falls drop in several tiers over rock, with the largest section roughly 20 meters high. The view from the lower platform shows the whole spread of water against the forest.
  2. The Plunge Pool: You can swim in the green pool at the base. The water is cool even at midday, and the rock edges give you somewhere to sit under the spray.
  3. The Stair Descent: Concrete and stone steps wind down through trees to the base. The shade, the humidity and the gradual rise of noise make the walk part of the visit.
  4. Upper Tiers and Viewpoints: Paths lead to higher ledges where the water gathers before dropping. These spots are quieter and give the best photos of the stream running over the lip.
  5. Forest Canopy and Birdlife: The surrounding vegetation is dense, with butterflies near the pools and birdsong in the early morning. Walk slowly and you will notice the difference from the open savanna along the highway.
  6. Picnic Area and Local Food: Benches and sheds near the entrance are where families spread out meals. Local sellers often have plantain, grilled items and drinks, and this is where the weekend atmosphere is strongest.
  7. Kintampo Town Center Marker: The town is widely considered the geographic center of Ghana, and a marker on the main road makes a quick stop. It takes ten minutes and adds context to the journey.
I would go straight to the plunge pool first, early, before the crowds arrive. Sitting in cool water with spray in your face is the reason the stairs are worth the climb back up.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Kintampo Waterfalls

Ghana Heritage Tours - Beyond The Return

Ghana Heritage Tours - Beyond The Return

5.0(38) 192h
From €3,256
per personViator
African Drum and Dance Lessons

African Drum and Dance Lessons

5.0(34) 2h
From €50
per personViator
Private Cape Coast Castle, Assin Manso & Kakum Tour from Accra

Private Cape Coast Castle, Assin Manso & Kakum Tour from Accra

5.0(33)
From €240
per personViator
Makola Market Walking Tour

Makola Market Walking Tour

5.0(32)
From €37
per personViator
Accra to Cape Coast and Elmina Castles Day Tour

Accra to Cape Coast and Elmina Castles Day Tour

5.0(32)
From €158
per personViator
Full-Day Private Culture and History Tour of Accra

Full-Day Private Culture and History Tour of Accra

5.0(29)
From €91
per personViator
Experience Authentic Ghana in a Personalized Accra City Tour

Experience Authentic Ghana in a Personalized Accra City Tour

5.0(27)
From €91
per personViator
Cape Coast/Elmina Slave Dungeon and Canopy Walkway Private Tour

Cape Coast/Elmina Slave Dungeon and Canopy Walkway Private Tour

5.0(27)
From €181
per personViator
Full Day Tour Waterfalls Quad biking and Aburi Botanical Gardens

Full Day Tour Waterfalls Quad biking and Aburi Botanical Gardens

5.0(26) 8h
From €226
per personViator
4 Days Safari to Mole park and Wechiau Hippos

4 Days Safari to Mole park and Wechiau Hippos

5.0(22) 96h
From €1,223
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

The best time for Kintampo Waterfalls is the late rainy season or early dry season, roughly September to November, when the flow is strong and the paths are still green.
  • Major Rainy Season (April to July): Heavy showers, 23 to 32°C (73 to 90°F), and fuller falls. Stairs and rocks turn very slippery, and the water can be muddy.
  • Minor Dry Spell (August): Slightly fewer downpours and cloudier skies, with temperatures around 22 to 28°C (72 to 82°F). Crowds are light on weekdays.
  • Short Rains (September to November): Clear water, lush forest and comfortable temperatures of 22 to 31°C (72 to 88°F).
  • Dry Season and Harmattan (December to March): Dusty haze, cool mornings near 20°C (68°F) and hot afternoons up to 35°C (95°F). The flow drops, and holiday weekends are the busiest. Daylight stays close to
… read more 👉
The best time for Kintampo Waterfalls is the late rainy season or early dry season, roughly September to November, when the flow is strong and the paths are still green.
  • Major Rainy Season (April to July): Heavy showers, 23 to 32°C (73 to 90°F), and fuller falls. Stairs and rocks turn very slippery, and the water can be muddy.
  • Minor Dry Spell (August): Slightly fewer downpours and cloudier skies, with temperatures around 22 to 28°C (72 to 82°F). Crowds are light on weekdays.
  • Short Rains (September to November): Clear water, lush forest and comfortable temperatures of 22 to 31°C (72 to 88°F).
  • Dry Season and Harmattan (December to March): Dusty haze, cool mornings near 20°C (68°F) and hot afternoons up to 35°C (95°F). The flow drops, and holiday weekends are the busiest. Daylight stays close to 12 hours all year.
Arrive before 10 a.m. on a weekday for the quietest pool.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: excellent for travelingMAYMay: excellent for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: excellent for travelingSEPSeptember: excellent for travelingOCTOctober: highly recommended for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas and accommodation options

Kintampo town is the best base for Kintampo Waterfalls, because guesthouses sit minutes from the road to the falls and transport leaves from the main station. It is compact and safe by day, with food stalls near the lorry park and a lively market. The town is mostly a stopover, so the social scene is thin, but you will meet other travelers over rice or banku in the evening. Choose a place on or near the main highway for easy bus connections.
Techiman, about an hour south by road, is the better choice if you want more restaurants, a large market and more lodging choices. It also puts you close to … read more 👉
Kintampo town is the best base for Kintampo Waterfalls, because guesthouses sit minutes from the road to the falls and transport leaves from the main station. It is compact and safe by day, with food stalls near the lorry park and a lively market. The town is mostly a stopover, so the social scene is thin, but you will meet other travelers over rice or banku in the evening. Choose a place on or near the main highway for easy bus connections.
Techiman, about an hour south by road, is the better choice if you want more restaurants, a large market and more lodging choices. It also puts you close to the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, so it suits a two-night loop. Expect more noise and traffic, but a wider range of budget rooms.
Kumasi, roughly three to four hours south, works for travelers who prefer a bigger hostel scene and can leave early for a day trip. It is a long day, so only do this if you are heading back that way. For solo travelers, Kintampo or Techiman keeps the visit simple and relaxed.
Best hostels in Ghana


Best quality hotels in Ghana

👛 Costs (as of 15 October 2026)Money, prices, and spending tips

A day at Kintampo Waterfalls costs roughly US$30 to 55 including lodging, food and local transport, and the entrance fee is only a small part of that.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance FeeUS$2 to 4Paid at the gate and set by the site operator. Foreigners usually pay more than locals, and camera fees may apply.
Guide TipUS$2 to 5Guides are optional but helpful on slippery steps. Agree on a tip before you start.
Local TransportUS$1 to 8Shared taxi or motorbike from Kintampo town is cheap. A private taxi round trip costs more.
Long-Distance BusUS$8 to 20Kumasi to Kintampo is at the low end, and Accra at the high end. Premium coaches cost more than trotros.
AccommodationUS$12 to 30Simple guesthouses with fan or air-conditioning. Prices rise on holiday weekends.
Food and DrinkUS$5 to 12Rice,
… read more 👉
A day at Kintampo Waterfalls costs roughly US$30 to 55 including lodging, food and local transport, and the entrance fee is only a small part of that.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance FeeUS$2 to 4Paid at the gate and set by the site operator. Foreigners usually pay more than locals, and camera fees may apply.
Guide TipUS$2 to 5Guides are optional but helpful on slippery steps. Agree on a tip before you start.
Local TransportUS$1 to 8Shared taxi or motorbike from Kintampo town is cheap. A private taxi round trip costs more.
Long-Distance BusUS$8 to 20Kumasi to Kintampo is at the low end, and Accra at the high end. Premium coaches cost more than trotros.
AccommodationUS$12 to 30Simple guesthouses with fan or air-conditioning. Prices rise on holiday weekends.
Food and DrinkUS$5 to 12Rice, banku, fried plantain and grilled fish from local spots. Bottled water is cheap.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

FAQCommon questions from travelers

Kintampo Waterfalls is a multi-tiered cascade in the Bono East Region of central Ghana, with a swimming pool at its base. It sits a short ride from Kintampo town, which is about 3 to 4 hours from Kumasi by road. Entry costs roughly US$2 to 4, and stairs lead down to the water.
Plan 2 to 3 hours for the falls themselves, including the stair descent, a swim and a picnic stop. If you travel from Kumasi or Techiman, count a half day, or a full day from Accra. Staying one night in Kintampo lets you visit early before crowds arrive.
Take a bus or trotro to Kintampo town on the Kumasi to Tamale highway, which is about 3 to 4 hours from Kumasi and 6 to 7 hours from Accra. From town, a shared taxi, private taxi or motorbike takes about 15 to 25 minutes to the falls and costs roughly US$1 to 8. Many travelers go back to town the same afternoon to catch a northbound or southbound bus.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Ghanaian landmarks near Kintampo Waterfalls

Explore more nearby:

  • Boti Falls—Twin cascades, Umbrella Rock, Krobo hill forest, sacred pool| 267 km away
  • Wli Waterfalls—Tallest falls in West Africa, Volta Region, bat cave, Agumatsa Sanctuary| 274 km away
  • Cape Coast Castle—Dungeons, Door of No Return, whitewashed ramparts, museum rooms| 336 km away

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We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

Go for the cool pool and the green descent, because after a long, dusty bus ride it feels like a reset for very little money. The drawback is the crowds and litter on weekends, and the steps are slick and tiring on the way back up. Arrive early on a weekday, wear shoes with grip, and treat it as a good break rather than the highlight of your trip.

✈️ When did I visit Ghana?
Ghana I visited in December 2024, starting in Accra following the coast, then up north to Mole National park to finish in the Volta Region.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Ghana, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

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