Lake Bosomtwi Voyage Tips and guide

Lake Bosumtwi, also spelled Bosomtwe, is a rare natural treasure located in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The lake was formed by a meteorite impact over a million years ago. It is the only natural lake in Ghana and one of six meteoritic lakes in the world. For the Ashanti tribe, it is a sacred place where spirits pay homage to their goddess, Asase Ya, mixing modern fun with ancient spirituality.

The lake is surrounded by lush vegetation and steep hills rising 500 to 1,400 feet above the lake's surface. The lake is 10.5 kilometers wide and may be as deep as 81 meters. The lake has no outlet; its water supply comes from small streams and rainfall. It has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Geologists verified in the 1960s that the crater was formed by a large meteorite collision about 1.07 million years ago. Though the crater is admired by scientists for its maintenance, there is a different account of its origin. In the year 1648, a hunter from Asaman named Akwasi chased an antelope that went into a pond. The pond then grew into a large lake with many fish. The lake was then named Bosomtwe, meaning “antelope god,” in remembrance of the spirit that led the hunter to the location.

The lake is sacred to the Ashanti. Due to its sacred nature, many parts of the lake forbid the use of modern metal boats, motors, and nets.

• The Padua: The local fishermen use a flat wooden plank called a padua to move on the water. They sit on the padua and paddle with their hands to avoid “disturbing” the spirit in the lake with loud noises.
• Sundays: Sundays are considered the Sabbath of the lake. There was a traditional ban on fishing or sailing on Sundays since the lake was born or found on a Sunday.

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  Women: There are traditional restrictions regarding women who are menstruating going into the water to maintain the purity of the lake.

Lake Bosumtwi is about 30 km southeast of Kumasi. It is quite a quick day trip or a relaxing weekend get-away from the city.

• Private Car: From Kumasi, it should take about 50 minutes to 1 hour in good road conditions via the Lake Road.

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  Taxi: The easiest way to get to the resorts on the shores of the lake from Kumasi is by a private taxi. The cost should be about GH₵ 150 - 250 (around $22–27 USD), depending on your negotiation skills and the village you're going to (Abono is the most common entry point).

If you're on a tight budget, the easiest way to get to Lake Bosumtwi is by tro-tro. Go to the Atonsu Terminal or the Ejisu Station in Kumasi. Find a tro-tro/taxi going to Abono or Kuntanase. If you end up in Kuntanase, take a shared taxi for the short trip down to the lake. The total cost will be around GH₵ 60 to 100 depending on the route you use.

Entrance Fee: There is a small entrance fee,GH₵ 20.00, charged at the checkpoint as you enter the crater area per head as of 2025.

The lake is surrounded by about 30 small villages.

• Walking: There are many resorts near the lake, and walking to the nearby villages is also good to see the way the locals live.
• Boating: Modern motorboats are not allowed for fishing, but some resorts can arrange cruise boats for tourists. This usually costs around GH₵ 200 to GH₵ 600 depending on the privacy level and the number of passengers on the boats.
• Hiking: There are good hiking trails on the rim of the crater, offering a wide view of the entire lake area.

• The Meteorite Crater Rim: The steep hills covered with forests are the outer rim of the crater.
• Abono Village: This is the main tourist center where you can see the traditional Padua planks lined up on the shore.
• UNESCO Biosphere Reserve: See the different species of birds and the endemic fish species like Hemichromis frempongi.

• Boat Cruise: There are many guesthouses that can arrange boat cruises to visit the different villages around the lake. The are also freelance men by the shores of Abono who also offer this same service.
• Horseback Riding: Horse riding at the Green Ranch is popular, offering rides through the green hills and along the lakefront.
• Swimming: The water is usually calm, and it is safe to swim, but at the resort swimming areas.
• Traditional Fishing Observation: Observe the locals balancing on their paduas as they cast their fishing lines. This cannot be found anywhere else.

Meals are mostly served at the lakeside resorts. They serve Ghanian dishes and international cuisine.

• Local Catch: Eat fresh tilapia or busumana (lake fish), which are usually served with banku or jollof rice.
• The Green Ranch: This place has good vegetarian food and an eco-friendly dining environment.
• Cocoa Village: This place has local and continental dishes with fresh ingredients used for food preparation.

There are various accommodation options ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to mid-range eco-resorts.

• Wildwin Resort: This resort is popular and has comfortable rooms with a lounge and great views. The price is around $50/night.

• Paradise Resort Lake Bosomtwe: This resort is located in Kuntanase and has a peaceful environment with a lush garden and international dishes for meals.

• Cocoa Village Guesthouse: This place has a cozy and peaceful environment and is best for families and those who want to get away from it all.

• The Green Ranch: This place has an eco-friendly environment and good vegetarian food. Horse riding is also available.

• Lodge Hummingbird: This place has better ratings and is more secluded for quiet luxury.
• Grand Eco Cabanas Resort: This resort is located at Pepiakuma with an amazing golf field close to the Lake offering the perfect nature exposé.

• Water Safety: The water is calm, but there are no professional lifeguards. Be cautious if swimming far from the shore.

• Respect Traditions: Respect the traditions of the local culture. Be sure to ask if you can take pictures of the people or the traditional ceremonies.

• Touts: Near the Abono entry point, there are touts who offer their services as guides. Some of them can be very helpful, but it is better to arrange with the hotels or lodges for the tours.

• Kumasi: Go back to the Garden City to visit the Manhyia Palace Museum, Kejetia Market, Okomfo Anokye Sword Site, etc.

• Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary: It is about an hour's drive to this forest reserve famous for its butterflies.

• Adanwomase/Bonwire: Visit the kente weaving centers to see how the famous cloth of Ghana is woven.