A December day trip to Ghana’s Volta Region offers one of the most refreshing escapes before the Christmas season begins, and this year’s journey invites you to step away from the rush and immerse yourself in nature at its finest. As the year winds down and festive preparations slowly take over, there is something grounding about spending a full day surrounded by forests, wildlife, waterfalls, and the gentle calm that defines the Volta landscape.
Our adventure begins with an early drive toward Tafi Atome, a community known across the country for its sacred monkey sanctuary. The village has protected its population of Mona monkeys for generations, and today the sanctuary stands as both a cultural treasure and a gateway into the region’s natural beauty. Upon arrival, you are greeted by the soft hush of the forest and the guide’s warm introduction to the sanctuary’s history.
With bananas in hand, you step onto the shaded trail, and almost instantly the monkeys appear. They move with effortless agility, occasionally pausing to examine their visitors. Their curiosity is disarming, and the experience of having one gently perch on your arm to collect a treat is something that stays with you. It is an encounter that brings joy, calm, and a sense of connection to the land and its traditions.
After the meeting with monkeys, appetite meets opportunity as we make our way to a scenic lodge nearby. Set against a backdrop of hills and greenery, the lodge offers a serene dining experience. The dishes, whether local or continental, are served with care, and the surrounding view enhances every bite (no worries if you have allergies or diet preferences!). Conversations flow easily as we recount moments from the morning, laugh over unexpected monkey antics, or simply appreciate the region’s tranquil energy.
Leaving the lodge behind, the journey continues toward one of Ghana’s most iconic natural wonders, the Wli Waterfalls. The road into the area is wrapped in thick vegetation and rolling hills, building anticipation long before the hike begins. The path to the Lower Falls is manageable for most visitors and winds through lush forest crossed by small bridges and streams. Birdsong and the quiet percussion of footsteps on the trail create a rhythm that eases the mind. As the sound of rushing water grows louder, the air cools and the mist becomes noticeable. Stepping out of the trees, you are met with the dramatic sight of Wli Waterfalls, the tallest waterfall in West Africa.
Water pours from high above, crashing into a wide pool and sending a fine spray across the clearing. Whether you choose to dip your feet, take photographs, or simply sit on a nearby rock and observe, the atmosphere is restorative.
By the time the sun begins to tilt, a sense of deep calm settles in. This day trip is more than an excursion; it is an invitation to pause before the festivities begin, to reconnect with nature, and to carry a renewed sense of ease into the holiday season.
Happening this Sunday 14 December from Accra to Volta Region and back.