Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary | Kumasi

Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected nature reserve and bird sanctuary located in the Sekyere Central District of the Ashanti Region, approximately 80km northeast of Kumasi. It functions as a critical transition zone between the semi-deciduous forest and the guinea savannah.

Visual Characteristics

The sanctuary is characterized by a diverse landscape featuring rocky hills, open savannah woodlands, and dense gallery forests. The visual centerpieces are the Bomfobiri Falls and the Lion Falls, which cascade over ancient sandstone formations. The terrain includes seasonal marshlands and the Bomfo River, which meanders through the 53-square-kilometer protected area.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is situated near the town of Kumawu.

By Road: From Kumasi, drive northeast through Efiduase to Kumawu. From Kumawu, a secondary dirt road leads approximately 15km to the sanctuary entrance. The journey takes 1.5 to 2 hours from central Kumasi.

Public Transport: Board a "tro-tro" or bus from Kumasi's Antoa or Kejetia terminals to Kumawu. From Kumawu, hire a local taxi ("dropping") to the sanctuary headquarters.

Parking: Unpaved parking is available at the visitor reception office near the park entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The area was originally a traditional hunting ground for the Kumawu stool before being gazetted as a wildlife sanctuary in 1975. It occupies a unique ecological niche as a transition ecosystem, supporting both forest-dwelling and savannah-adapted species. The sanctuary is part of a larger network of protected areas in the Ashanti Region managed by the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission.

Key Highlights & Activities

Waterfall Trekking: Guided hikes to the Bomfobiri and Lion Falls, which are most active during the rainy season (June–October).

Birdwatching: The sanctuary hosts over 140 species, including the rare White-necked Rockfowl (Picathartes gymnocephalus), hornbills, and various raptors.

Wildlife Observation: Opportunities to spot mona monkeys, olive baboons, duikers, and crocodiles in the river sections.

Caving: Exploration of the sandstone caves and rock shelters that were historically used by local hunters and spiritual leaders.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The facility includes a visitor reception center where mandatory guided tours are organized. Basic public restrooms are available at the headquarters. 4G cell phone signal is intermittent and significantly weaker near the waterfalls and deep valleys. There are no restaurants inside the sanctuary; visitors must carry sufficient water and food from Kumawu.

Best Time to Visit

The sanctuary is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00.

Seasonal: The dry season (November to March) is optimal for birdwatching and hiking trails. The rainy season (June to October) is best for viewing the waterfalls at full capacity.

Daily: Early morning (06:30–09:00) is the primary window for wildlife activity and bird sightings.

Facts & Legends

Local tradition holds that the Bomfobiri Falls are inhabited by a powerful spirit that protects the Kumawu traditional area. A verified ecological detail is that the sanctuary serves as a vital laboratory for studying the "savannah-push," where savannah grass species gradually encroach upon forest boundaries due to climatic shifts.

Nearby Landmarks

Kumawu Palace – 15km Southwest

Agogo – 35km Southeast

Digya National Park – 60km East

Lake Bosomtwe – 95km Southwest

Kumasi Airport – 75km Southwest