Bui National ParkBui National Park at a Glance
About Bui National Park
Bui National Park is a protected area in Ghana’s Bono Region that encompasses woodland-savanna and riverine habitats along the Black Volta. The park is known for its populations of hippopotamus and other savanna wildlife.
The park offers river-based wildlife viewing on the Black Volta and supports species typical of the Guinean forest-savanna mosaic, including antelope, birds and primates in parts of the reserve. Boat trips and guided walks are common ways to observe hippos and riverine wildlife.
Established to protect wildlife and riverine ecosystems, the park’s character changed with the construction of the Bui Hydroelectric Dam on the Black Volta, which introduced new infrastructure and altered local habitats.
The park lies along the Black Volta in central-west Ghana within the Bono administrative area, occupying a mix of river gorge, forest and savanna landscapes.
- River and wildlife: Contains a stretch of the Black Volta river and is one of the key protected areas in central Ghana for hippopotamus populations.
- Bui Dam: The Bui Hydroelectric Dam is located on the Black Volta within the park’s area and has changed local landscapes and access since construction.
Best Time to Visit Bui National Park
Visit in the dry season (November-March) for best wildlife viewing and easier access.
Weather & Climate near Bui National Park
Bui National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 36°C. Abundant rainfall (1060 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 21° - 35° | 28° | 4 mm | clear | 36% | 1.5 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.6h |
| February | Excellent | 23° - 36° | 29° | 18 mm | mostly sunny | 41% | 1.5 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.7h |
| March | Very Good | 24° - 36° | 32° | 74 mm | partly cloudy | 57% | 1.4 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.0h |
| April | Good | 24° - 34° | 32° | 117 mm | partly cloudy | 68% | 1.7 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.2h |
| May | Good | 23° - 33° | 31° | 144 mm | partly cloudy | 74% | 1.7 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.4h |
| June | Good | 22° - 30° | 26° | 147 mm | overcast | 79% | 1.6 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.5h |
| July | Very Good | 22° - 29° | 25° | 121 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.4 m/s | 1.6 very high | 12.4h |
| August | Good | 22° - 28° | 25° | 106 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.8 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.3h |
| September | Good | 22° - 29° | 25° | 174 mm | overcast | 83% | 1.2 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.1h |
| October | Very Good | 22° - 31° | 26° | 122 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 1.4 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.8h |
| November | Excellent | 22° - 33° | 29° | 24 mm | mostly sunny | 68% | 1.2 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.6h |
| December | Ideal | 21° - 33° | 27° | 9 mm | clear | 50% | 1.2 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.5h |
How to Get to Bui National Park
Bui National Park is accessible by road from the towns of Wenchi and Sunyani; local roads lead to park entry points and ranger stations. Visitors typically arrange transport from regional towns with local guides or tour operators.
Tips for Visiting Bui National Park
- Hire a local guide for boat trips on the reservoir - guides know where hippo pods and elephant tracks cluster.
- Roads inside the park can be rough; a high‑clearance vehicle is recommended in the rainy season.
- Bring insect repellent - riverside camps and boat launches attract mosquitoes at dusk.