Bui National Park

Bui National Park is a protected area in the Ashanti-Kwahu region of Ghana, located in the transition between woodland savanna and the forest zone. The park is bisected by the Black Volta River and is particularly known for its hippopotamus population, river scenery, mountains, islands and birdlife. The Bui Dam and its reservoir are located at the southern end of the park.

Bui National Park was established in 1971 and covers about 1,821 km². It extends across parts of the Bono and Savannah regions of Ghana. The Black Volta River passes through the park and forms an important part of its landscape.

The park is managed as part of Ghana's protected-area system by the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission.

The construction of the Bui Dam and reservoir changed part of the landscape of the park, creating extensive areas of open water and islands.

Bui lies in a woodland-savanna transition zone and contains savanna woodland, riverine vegetation and gallery forests along watercourses. The Black Volta is one of the defining features of the park.

The reservoir created by the Bui Dam has added large areas of open water and islands to the landscape. Mountains and rocky areas provide additional scenic features.

Bui is particularly known for its population of hippopotamuses in the Black Volta and the reservoir. The park also supports elephants, waterbuck, bushbuck, baboons, patas monkeys, green monkeys and several species of antelope.

More than 250 bird species have been recorded in the park. The birdlife includes species associated with the woodland and riverine habitats. Other wildlife recorded in the park includes reptiles, including African pythons and turtles, as well as other mammals.

Bui National Park can be approached from towns in the Bono and Savannah regions. Wenchi, Techiman and [Nsawkaw are among the towns associated with the wider Bui area.

The park is remote in places and visitors should arrange transport and confirm access with the park authorities before travelling.

The Bui area is connected by road to other parts of Ghana, but some roads approaching the park may be unpaved or in variable condition.

Visitors should obtain permission to enter the national park and pay the applicable entrance and activity fees. Current Bui National Park fees are not reliably published online.

Visitors should contact the Wildlife Division or park management before travelling to confirm entrance fees, guide charges, boat-trip costs and any other applicable charges.

Exploring Bui National Park is mainly done with arranged transport, on foot and by boat on the Black Volta and Bui reservoir.

Visitors should follow the instructions of park guides and avoid entering unfamiliar areas of the park alone.

• The Black Volta River passes through Bui National Park and is one of its main natural attractions. Riverine vegetation and wildlife can be seen along its course.
• Bui Lake and reservoir: The reservoir created by the Bui Dam forms a large lake within the park, with islands and surrounding mountains. Boat trips provide views of the lake and surrounding landscape.

• The park is known for its resident hippopotamus population. Hippos can be observed in the Black Volta and the waters around the park, although sightings are not guaranteed.
• The Bui Dam is a major hydroelectric installation on the Black Volta at the southern end of the park. It is also an important feature of the surrounding landscape.
• The park contains mountains, caves and other natural features. Some caves contain bat colonies and provide additional places of interest for visitors.

• Wildlife viewing is one of the main activities in Bui National Park. Visitors may see hippopotamuses, antelopes, monkeys, elephants and other wildlife.
• Boat cruises can be taken on the Black Volta and through the park's reservoir. These provide opportunities to see the river landscape, islands and wildlife from the water.
• Bui is a good destination for birdwatching, with more than 250 recorded bird species.
• Hiking and adventure walks are among the activities promoted at the park. Mountainous areas and woodland provide opportunities for exploring the landscape on foot.

Bui is a large protected area with remote sections away from the main visitor facilities. Visitors wishing to explore less-developed areas should arrange the trip with the park authorities and use an appropriate guide.

Carry sufficient drinking water, sun protection and suitable footwear. Do not enter remote areas alone or approach wild animals.

There are no shopping facilities inside the park. Visitors should purchase food, drinking water and other necessities before travelling into remote areas of the park.Local supplies may be available in nearby communities.

Visitors should make arrangements for food before entering remote parts of the park. For a wider selection of restaurants and local food, use one of the nearby towns as a base.

Carry sufficient drinking water when visiting the park, particularly during hiking and other outdoor activities. Water and other refreshments should be purchased before travelling into remote areas.

Accommodation within the park is limited. Visitors should confirm current accommodation and camping arrangements with the park authorities before travelling.

Visitors who prefer to stay outside the park can use accommodation in nearby towns.

Camping facilities and arrangements can change. Visitors wishing to camp should contact the park authorities in advance to confirm whether camping is available and what facilities are provided.

Bui is a large wildlife area and visitors should follow the instructions of park rangers and guides.

Do not approach hippopotamuses or other wild animals. Hippos can be dangerous, particularly when approached too closely or when people come between them and the water.

Visitors undertaking boat trips should follow the instructions of the boat operator and wear appropriate safety equipment.

Carry drinking water and protection from the sun when spending time outdoors.

• Wenchi – A major town in the wider Bono area.
• Techiman – A larger regional town and transport centre.
• Banda – An area near the park and Bui Dam.
• Mole National Park – One of Ghana's best-known wildlife destinations farther north.
• Kintampo – A town known for waterfalls and other natural attractions.