Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary WCHS, Ghana

The Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary (WCHS) is a unique community-based project, protecting and preserving the wildlife and the environment of a 40km stretch of the Black Volta River in Ghana's Upper West Region. The river is home to one of the two remaining hippopotamus populations in Ghana, and was created into a Sanctuary by local chiefs in 1999. Since then, the project has had marked success in providing Ghanian and International tourists with a unique and unusual eco-travel experience.

The area has much to offer, both due to the huge diversity of wildlife and the opportunities to become immersed in the local culture and activities.

See the section on "Wildlife" to learn about exciting wildlife viewing opportunities at WCHS, and the section on "Local Community" to see ways in  

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which you can experience the local Wala and Birifor (Lobi) Tribal life and customs.

Directions to WCHS

Wa is the capital city of Ghana's Upper West Region, well served by road and bus routes from other parts of the country.

Once in Wa, there are a number of possibilities for reaching Wechiau village and the WCHS:

Vehicles can be chartered easily in Wa. From Wa (46km away from Wechiau), take the road past the Uplands Hotel to the Vieri T-intersection and turn left. The next village is Wechiau. In the center of Wechiau is the WCHS Welcome Centre - a modern building providing information on the sanctuary, a gift shop with local handicrafts, and even flush toilets! Stop by there to arrange your trip to WCHS.
From Ga (23km away from Wechiau): Turn at the Sanctuary signboard (left if heading north, right if heading south) and drive into Wechiau to the Welcome Centre.

From Wechiau village, the best option to reach the Sanctuary is to take a tro-tro (local shared transport), or rent a bicycle. Assistance can be given at the Welcome Centre.