Attraction · Wechiau
Wechiau Hippopotamus Sanctuary
A community-run sanctuary at Wechiau protecting a 40 km stretch of the Black Volta River and one of Ghana's two remaining hippo populations.
Photo: Kradolferp · Source
Explore Ghana
Things to do in Wechiau
Wechiau, the capital of Wa West District in Ghana's Upper West Region, is a small town with a surprising amount to see. Most visitors come for the Wechiau Hippopotamus Sanctuary, a community-run reserve protecting a 40 km stretch of the Black Volta River and one of Ghana's two remaining hippo populations. The best way to meet its residents is on the Black Volta River (Wechiau stretch) river safari, a guided dugout-canoe trip run by the community-led sanctuary.
What ties these places together is that they belong to the community. The sanctuary, the river safari, the Wechiau Naa Palace — the traditional seat of the Wechiau Naa, chief of the Wechiau Traditional Area — and the Wechiau Ancient Mosque all sit within the same town and the same traditional area, so a visit here is as much about people as wildlife.
They differ in mood and setting. The sanctuary and river safari are about nature, water and wildlife, with hiking trails and boat experiences on offer. The Wechiau Ancient Mosque is a heritage site, a historic earthen building in Sudano-Sahelian and Djenne styles that has been undergoing restoration since 2024. The palace is a living traditional seat rather than a monument.
Good to know
Before you go
Wechiau sits in the Upper West Region, and the places listed here are all in or around the town, so you can plan them together rather than as separate trips. The sanctuary and river safari are community-run, so arrange your visit and your dugout-canoe trip in advance through the sanctuary rather than turning up and hoping. Ask locally about the best time of day for the river, and check before you travel whether the Wechiau Ancient Mosque is open to visitors, since it has been under restoration since 2024. If you wish to visit the Wechiau Naa Palace, ask about the proper way to approach the palace and its elders. Bring water, sun protection and sturdy shoes for walking.
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Places to explore
Attraction
Attraction · Wechiau
Black Volta River (Wechiau stretch) river safari
A guided dugout-canoe river safari on the Black Volta at Wechiau, run by the community-led Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary in Ghana's Upper West Region.
Attraction
Attraction · Wechiau
Wechiau Ancient Mosque
A historic earthen mosque in Wechiau, Wa West District, Upper West Region, built in Sudano-Sahelian and Djenne styles and undergoing restoration since 2024.
Attraction
Attraction · Wechiau
Wechiau Naa Palace
The Wechiau Naa Palace is the traditional seat of the Wechiau Naa, chief of the Wechiau Traditional Area, in Wechiau, capital of Wa West District, Upper West Region.