Kintampo Waterfalls
Roughly halfway up the country, the Pumpu River tumbles down three broad steps of rock into cool forest pools — the perfect leg-stretch on the long road north to Mole.
The short answer
- Kintampo Waterfalls sit on the Pumpu River near Kintampo town in central Ghana.
- The river drops in three main stages, the tallest a broad, powerful curtain of water.
- A concrete staircase leads down through forest to viewing points and a splash pool.
- It lies conveniently on the main route between the south and Mole National Park.
- Volume peaks in the wet season, when the falls are thunderous but the steps are slippery.
- A small entry fee is charged, and the site has picnic spots and simple facilities.
At a glance
| Location | Near Kintampo, Bono East Region, central Ghana |
|---|---|
| River | The Pumpu, a tributary feeding the Black Volta system |
| Structure | Three main cascades over stepped rock |
| Access | Staircase from a roadside car park; short walk |
| On the way to | A natural break en route to Mole and the north |
| Best flow | Wet season, roughly June to October |
Three cascades in the heart of Ghana
The Kintampo Waterfalls are among the most accessible and photogenic in the country. The Pumpu River arrives quietly through farmland and forest, then drops in three distinct stages: a gentle upper cascade, a churning middle section, and a final broad curtain that crashes some tens of metres into a misty pool below. Locals long called the largest drop Sanders Falls from the colonial era, but everyone now knows them simply as Kintampo.
A tiled staircase, shaded by tall trees and loud with birdsong, winds down beside the water to viewing platforms and a shallow pool where you can cool off in the spray. It is an easy, rewarding stop rather than a strenuous hike — ideal for families and for travellers breaking a long drive.
The setting is genuinely lush, with the forest canopy closing overhead and butterflies drifting across the path, so even the walk down feels like part of the attraction. Give yourself time to sit at the base, watch the water thunder over the rock and let the cool mist settle the dust of the road.
A perfect stop on the road north
Kintampo town sits close to the geographic centre of Ghana, which is exactly why the falls make such a natural pause. On the main road linking Kumasi and Tamale, they fall roughly halfway between the southern cities and the savanna, so most travellers heading to Mole National Park pass within a few kilometres.
Stretch your legs, eat a packed lunch under the trees, and let the drive's dust settle before pressing on. Because the transfer from Kumasi to Mole is a long one, a proper break here does wonders for morale and turns hours of tarmac into part of the adventure. If you are mapping the wider journey, our northern Ghana itinerary shows where the falls slot in, and the Mole National Park safari guide covers what waits at the end of the road.
What to do and see
Beyond admiring and photographing the three drops, the main draw is a paddle or a careful dip in the pool at the base, where fine spray drifts across the rocks and keeps the air deliciously cool. Guides are usually on hand to point out the safest footing and the best angles for pictures.
The surrounding reserve is good for a short forest walk and some casual birdwatching, and a few kilometres away lies the smaller, quieter Fuller Falls for those with time to spare. Anyone chasing Ghana's cascades should also read our Wli Falls guide, home to West Africa's tallest waterfall, and our overview of hiking in Ghana.
When to visit and what to expect
The falls change dramatically with the seasons. During and just after the wet season, roughly June to October, the Pumpu is in full spate and the largest drop becomes a genuinely thunderous spectacle. In the dry months the flow eases to something gentler and clearer, which some visitors actually prefer for swimming and photographs.
Whatever the season, the stone steps and rocks near the pool grow slick with spray, so sturdy footwear with grip is essential and small children need a close hand. Mornings are cooler and quieter, while weekends bring more Ghanaian day-trippers and a lively, sociable atmosphere.
If the north and its wildlife appeal, weave the falls into a bigger loop — our adventure holiday in Ghana ideas help shape it.
Practical tips
A small entry fee is charged at the gate, typically in cash, and a modest extra sum may apply for cameras or a guide; rates shift, so it is worth confirming on arrival. Basic facilities, drinks sellers and picnic areas are available, but bring your own water and snacks for the road.
The site is an easy self-drive stop if you have a vehicle, though a driver-guide removes the hassle of long, hot central-Ghana roads and lets you simply enjoy the scenery. Allow an hour or two here, more if you plan to swim and picnic properly, and try to arrive in the morning before the day-trippers and the fiercest heat.
Wondering how it all fits together? See how many days in Ghana you really need to reach the north comfortably.
Add Kintampo to your Ghana journey
The Kintampo Waterfalls are one of those effortless highlights that turn a long transfer into a memory. As part of a well-planned route north, they break the journey beautifully and set the scene for savanna, elephants and the wide horizons of Mole.
Reach us on WhatsApp or through our tours page and we will build the falls into a trip that suits your pace.
Questions people ask
Where are the Kintampo Waterfalls?
They lie on the Pumpu River just outside Kintampo town in the Bono East Region, near the geographic centre of Ghana. The site is a short walk from a roadside car park on the main Kumasi to Tamale highway.
How tall are the Kintampo Waterfalls?
The river drops in three main stages, with the largest curtain plunging several tens of metres into a pool below. The combined series of cascades makes the site feel taller and more dramatic than any single drop alone.
Can you swim at Kintampo Waterfalls?
You can cool off in the shallow pool at the base of the falls, where spray keeps the air pleasantly cool. Take care, as the rocks and steps become very slippery, especially when the river is in full flow during the wet season.
Is Kintampo worth stopping at on the way to Mole?
Yes. The falls sit roughly halfway along the drive from the south to Mole National Park, making them a natural and refreshing break. An hour or two here breaks up the journey and adds a genuine highlight to your route.
When is the best time to see the Kintampo Waterfalls?
For maximum volume visit during or just after the wet season, roughly June to October, when the falls are at their most powerful. The dry months offer gentler, clearer water that some visitors prefer for swimming and photography.
Is there an entry fee for Kintampo Waterfalls?
A small entry fee is charged at the gate, usually in cash, with a modest extra sometimes applied for cameras or a guide. Prices change over time, so confirm the current rate when you arrive.
What I know about Ghanaian travel comes from doing it: filing passport and visa applications, booking flights and hotels, collecting people from arrivals at two in the morning, and driving the Accra, Tema, Cape Coast and Kumasi runs week after week. Where this guide describes how something works, it is because we have done it.
Rules, fees and timetables in Ghana change. I have deliberately not quoted figures that go stale — where a number matters I name the office to confirm it with. If you spot something out of date, tell me and we will fix it.
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