3 Lessons Learned Climbing Wli

Thirty minutes into the hardest trek of my life, huffing, sweating, and questioning every decision that got me there, I learned something about travel no guidebook ever taught me.

Wli Agumatsa Waterfalls is located in the Volta Region near the Hohoe municipality in Ghana, a stone’s throw from the Togo border. The Wli Waterfalls are the highest waterfall in Ghana and West Africa. The five-hour commute to the area is an experience in itself. Unless you charter a private car or bus, tro-tros are the most common way to get to and from Wli village. With my Bluetooth headphones and cellphone’s gospel playlist, I could focus on the beautiful Volta Region mountain views rather than the rocky ride.

Dreaming of Ghana but don’t want to figure it out alone?

Hiking to the Upper Waterfall (Not for the Faint of Heart)

I was excited about the new adventure, but I underestimated how arduous it would be to trek three hours to the Upper Wli Waterfall. Thirty minutes into the trek, my stamina was being tested; I worked leg muscles I didn’t know existed. The path, or lack thereof, consisted of stones, mud, bushes, and cliffs. Replaying the experience over and over in my head, I wonder why I didn’t retreat to the Lower Wli Waterfall. The trek was challenging from the onset.

Three lessons became clear on that mountain. Here’s the first.

1/ Pay for Expertise

One of the best decisions we made was hiring a local guide, Francis, who had hiked the Upper Falls countless times. Similar to my husband, he’s a man of few words and only talks when necessary, like informing us of essential facts about the area – plants, insects, history, Togo’s border, and indigenous people. The mere fact that he climbed up and down the mountain in flip-flops was impressive, to say the least, and he’s completed the 5-hour trek twice in one day on several occasions. While I’m gasping for air, he didn’t seem fazed by the trek at all. He probably can climb the mountain blindfolded and barefoot.

Impressively, he knew the way without a compass, GPS, map, or any signs to direct us. When we reached cliffs with beautiful but scary views, he coached me step by step. He advised us when to rest. His confidence in navigating the mountain boosted my morale and my self-confidence that I could make it to the top.

Lesson Learned: If you want to reach new heights and achieve big goals in life, hire someone who’s already walked the path. Pay for expertise. Follow their lead. You’ll get your goals faster and safer than trying to figure it out alone.

I’ve lived this lesson far beyond that mountain. I didn’t plan my first trip abroad alone; I took several fam trips through my employer. My next trip was with my church choir to Italy. After that, two travel buddies and I spent 35 days exploring Europe together.

At every step of my travel journey, someone who’d already walked the path was right there with me, guiding, teaching, and showing me it was possible. I didn’t leap into solo international travel overnight, and you don’t have to either.

That’s exactly why I built The Essence of Ghana Tour, so you can have your own Francis. Someone who already knows the path, so you can experience Ghana’s history, culture, and beauty without figuring it all out alone. Spots are limited for November 2027.

2/ Have Someone in Your Corner Who Believes in You

I had my personal cheerleader encourage me along the way. My husband spoke words of affirmation to me throughout the trek and, at times, offered tough love when my fear tried to paralyze me. He reassured me time and again that I wouldn’t fall. Daniel continuously checked on my welfare. He held my hand and pulled me along the way, or instructed me to hold onto his clothing when my pace decreased dramatically. The hubby made sure I stayed hydrated. He also served as my personal photographer, ensuring this experience was documented and memorable.

Whether in fitness, finances, or faith, you need people in your corner who believe in your success more than your fear. People who push you, coach you, pray for you, and won’t let you quit on yourself.

I try to be that for every traveler I work with. It’s the whole reason clients tell me things like:

Lesson Learned: It is crucial to have someone in your corner who earnestly believes you can do the hard stuff in life and pushes you past your limitations.

3/ The Road Less Traveled Is Harder, But Way More Rewarding

Let’s be real—the trek to the Upper Wli Waterfalls is not for everyone. We didn’t see another soul for three hours. Just giant mutant ants, bush, steep climbs, and complete silence. When we finally reached the falls, it was magical. Uninhabited. Breathtaking. Pictures do not do it justice.

It wasn’t until we descended to the Lower Wli Waterfall, a 30- to 45-minute walk on a cleared, unobstructed, sometimes fenced path, that we saw crowds swimming, chatting, and snapping selfies.

But nothing could compare to what I felt standing at the top. I had done the hard thing. I had taken the road few dare to take. And I was better because of it.

As I walked back, mud-covered, exhausted, but glowing, I held my head high. I greeted the Lower Falls tourists with a huge smile because I knew what I had just accomplished. And now, I carry that strength into everything I do as I continue building the highest, truest, fullest version of myself.

Lesson Learned: The road to the top is less traveled and much harder, but so more satisfying.

If a story like this has been quietly calling you toward Ghana, join us and create your own memories of a lifetime. I’d love for you to feel what I felt at the top of that mountain. You don’t have to discover moments like this alone, or figure out the logistics from scratch as I did.

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P.S. — Not ready for Ghana yet, but this story resonated? A few smaller ways to stay connected: grab my free credit-building guide to start saving for your first big trip, join the Facebook group for travel hacks and trivia, or buy me a coffee if this post made you smile. Every bit fuels the next one.

Planning Your Visit to Wli Waterfalls?

Here are a few quick tips:

1/ Visit both Upper and Lower Falls if you have the time and stamina.

2/ Wear proper hiking shoes (this is not the time for cute sandals unless you’re Francis :).

3/ Book a private driver or join a guided group tour with Viator.

4/ Bring plenty of water—you’ll need it.

5/ Tip your site guide, especially if they guide you to the Upper Waterfalls—they’re worth every cedi.