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Kintampo Plateau

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Kintampo Plateau (Ghana)

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The Kintampo Plateau is located in central Ghana, serving as a prominent geological transition zone between the southern rainforest belt and the northern savanna. The plateau consists primarily of Voltaian sandstone formations, with elevations ranging from 300 to 400 meters above sea level. It is widely recognized for its spectacular natural features, most notably the Kintampo Falls on the Pumpum River, which descend over several distinct rock tiers. Geomorphologically, the plateau is an escarpment shaped by millions of years of erosion, characterized by rugged cliffs and deep river valleys. The region is ecologically significant as a transitional habitat, supporting a mix of forest and savanna species. Archaeologically, the area is the namesake of the Kintampo Culture, one of the earliest sedentary farming communities in West Africa, dating back to 2500 BCE. The town of Kintampo sits near the geographic center of Ghana, highlighting the plateau's strategic and central role in national geography.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272930292827262626262727
Rain mm72457102126151168141206138296

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The much broader, open plateau region is highly conveniently accessible via the large, well-constructed main highway directly connecting northern and southern Ghana, with numerous regional public transport vehicles also passing through very frequently.
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Best season
The noticeably more pleasant dry season, stretching roughly from November to March, is generally considered by travelers to be by far the most comfortable and safest time to thoroughly explore this unique and entirely fascinating transitional landscape.
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Terrain & paths
The intriguing topography provides a truly fascinating mix of very gently rolling hills, entirely open grassy plains, and prominently scattered rocky outcrops, which impressively blend typical savanna environments with light, brightly sunlit forest canopies.
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What to bring
Extremely lightweight, highly breathable clothing is convenient for the consistently warm and humid tropical climate, perfectly paired with comfortable, supportive walking shoes and very adequate, strong sun protection for the longer outdoor walking stretches.
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Parking
Safe and mostly guarded parking is normally smoothly available right at specific local natural attractions, well-known regional guesthouses, or fully established, official rest stops located constantly along the major overarching transport routes.
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Safety
Stay strictly and consistently well-hydrated by drinking regularly in the permanently warm environment, and be very cautious when hiking in stony or completely rocky areas, as the natural rugged surfaces can sometimes be loose or surprisingly uneven.
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Time needed
Spaciously exploring the general, wide plateau area and deeply appreciating its ecologically very distinct and highly interesting transition often takes a relaxed half day up to a completely full, genuinely eventful travel day packed with observations.

Geography

Coordinates
8.00000, -1.70000

Facts

  • Average elevation between 300 and 400 meters
  • Composed mainly of Voltaian sandstone rocks
  • Home to the multi-tiered Kintampo Waterfalls
  • Considered the geographic center of Ghana
  • Eponymous site for the Neolithic Kintampo Culture
  • Transition zone between rainforest and savanna

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Kintampo ComplexKintampo Complex7 km · SEExplore →
Bono MansoBono Manso31 km · SWExplore →
Boabeng Fiema Monkey SanctuaryBoabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary33 km · WExplore →
NkoranzaNkoranza48 km · WExplore →
TechimanTechiman53 km · SWExplore →
WenchiWenchi53 km · SWExplore →
Bui ReservoirBui Reservoir67 km · SEExplore →
Bui GorgeBui Gorge69 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Kintampo Plateau located?
In central Ghana, in the Bono East Region, it acts as a transition zone between forest and savanna.
What is the most famous attraction nearby?
The Kintampo Waterfalls are a very popular destination located right at the edge of the plateau.
Why is the plateau historically important?
It is considered the geographical center of Ghana, marked by a monument.
What is the vegetation like on the plateau?
A mix of woodland savanna and orchards is found here, especially for mangoes and cashews.
Is the plateau easily accessible?
Yes, it is on the main road from Kumasi to the north, making it very accessible by car.
Kintampo Plateau: where is it located?
Kintampo Plateau is located in Ghana.
Kintampo Plateau: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Kintampo Plateau: why is it worth visiting?
The Kintampo Plateau is located in central Ghana, serving as a prominent geological transition zone between the southern rainforest belt and the northern savanna.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Techiman — Kintampo Plateau (Ghana)
Techiman
Techiman is a prominent trading center and the capital of the Bono East Region.
Kintampo — Kintampo Plateau (Ghana)
Kintampo
Kintampo is the geographical center of Ghana, famous for its waterfalls and cultural diversity.
Nkoranza — Kintampo Plateau (Ghana)
Nkoranza
Nkoranza is a significant agricultural center in the Bono East Region.
Wenchi — Kintampo Plateau (Ghana)
Wenchi
Wenchi is an important historical town in the Bono Region and a center of traditional weaving.
Ejura — Kintampo Plateau (Ghana)
Ejura
Ejura is an agricultural town in the Ashanti Region, prominent for yam production.

Nature

Bui Reservoir — Kintampo Plateau (Ghana)
Bui Reservoir
An artificial lake created by the Bui hydropower project.

More places

Kintampo Complex — Kintampo Plateau (Ghana)
Kintampo Complex
An archaeological site that gives its name to the Kintampo culture of the late Stone Age.
Bono Manso — Kintampo Plateau (Ghana)
Bono Manso
The center of the ancient Bono State, recognized for its complex trade networks before the rise of the Ashanti.
Bui Gorge — Kintampo Plateau (Ghana)
Bui Gorge
A gorge formed by the Black Volta.
Begho Ancient City — Kintampo Plateau (Ghana)
Begho Ancient City
One of the most important trade centers in pre-colonial Ghana, serving as a connector between forest and savannah.
Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary — Kintampo Plateau (Ghana)
Boabeng Fiema Monkey Sanctuary
A sacred site where monkeys roam freely.