Lake Bosomtwe Boat Trips

Boat trips on Lake Bosomtwe set out from the Abono shoreline, the first and main village reached by the tarred road from Kumasi and the lake's principal tourist hub. Visit Ghana confirms that boat rides on the lake are possible, and that an information centre at the lakeside is where visitors can learn about the lake and its conservation efforts and arrange a trip. Boat rides visit shoreline villages and fishing areas.

The boats themselves are part of the story. Because the lake is held sacred by Ashanti traditionalists, conventional dugout canoes are taboo, and metal or iron is traditionally not allowed to touch the water. Local fishermen and boaters instead use the padua, a large flat wooden plank that is sat on and propelled by hand or with plates. Visit Ghana notes that padua can easily capsize and that care must be taken.

The setting is unusual. Lake Bosomtwe is Ghana's only true inland lake, formed in a meteorite impact crater roughly 1.07 million years ago, about 49 sq km in area and 70–80 m deep, ringed by steep, forested crater walls. It is a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve. Oral tradition holds that it was discovered in 1648 by the hunter Akora Bompe, who named it Bosomtwe, meaning antelope god. Around 27 communities and, by varying accounts, over 23,000 to 50,000 residents live around the lake, mainly farming and fishing.

Access from Kumasi is by paved road that rises over the crater rim and descends to Abono. Touring Ghana reports that a small fee is paid at a road block at the rim to support local communities. This Is Kumasi notes police presence, local food vendors and resting spots at Abono.

Boat cruises are also sold as part of guided day tours from Kumasi. Phil's Travel states that its tours provide safety equipment including life jackets, which must be worn, and are run by trained guides with a safety briefing. Life-jacket availability on locally arranged Abono trips is not confirmed by an official source. No single official contact exists for Abono boat trips; they are arranged locally at the lakeside information centre or through tour operators.