Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary
Wechiau, Upper West
A community-run sanctuary on the Black Volta protecting one of Ghana's two remaining hippopotamus populations.
Wilder Institute
Visiting information
- Address
- Wechiau - Wa West District, Upper West Region.
- Opening information
- Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM year-round.
- Accessibility
- Accessibility information has not been verified for this place.
- Suggested time
- The best time to visit the Wechiau Community Hippopotamus Sanctuary is during the dry season, spanning from November to March. This window offers the highest probability of clear wildlife viewing and smooth travel conditions.
About this place
Established in 1998, the Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary is a Community Resource Management Area covering a stretch of about 40 kilometres along the eastern bank of the Black Volta River. It protects riverine forest, floodplain and Guinea savanna, and is managed by the Wechiau communities themselves. Visitor income supports local infrastructure, and the sanctuary has been recognised internationally through the UNDP Equator Initiative.
District profile
Wechiau
Wechiau is the capital of the Wa West District in the Upper West Region, on the eastern side of the Black Volta River.
Why stay here: Wechiau is the settlement that governs and hosts Ghana's best known community hippo sanctuary.
Atmosphere: A small district capital in Guinea savanna country, and the gateway community for the Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary.
Wechiau lies south-west of Wa, the regional capital. Visits to the sanctuary are arranged through the community sanctuary office.
Nearby attractions
More to explore around Wechiau and the wider Upper West.
Gwollu Defence Wall GwolluA nineteenth-century earthen wall built around Gwollu to protect the town from slave raiders. The best time to visit the Gwollu Slave Defence Wall is during the dry, cooler months from November to February, when travel roads are easier to navigate and outdoor exploration is most.
Wa Naa's Palace WaThe mud-brick palace of the Wa Naa, overlord of the Wala Traditional Area, in the centre of Wa. The Wa Naa's Palace is fully operational and open to visitors all year round.While weather patterns and festivals create peak travel windows, the palace doors do not close to the public. You can visit on any day of the year that suits your schedule.
Nakore Mosque NakoreAn ancient earthen mosque in the village of Nakore, south-west of Wa. The best time to visit the Nakore Mosque is during the dry season, from November to March.
Recommended district
Wechiau
Wechiau is the settlement that governs and hosts Ghana's best known community hippo sanctuary.
Plan the rest of your visit
Build an itinerary around this district, or check what Ghana requires for entry before you travel.
Sources and verification
Status: Verified. Last reviewed 2026-09-16.
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