Lake Volta

When the Volta was dammed at Akosombo in the 1960s, the water backed up to create the largest reservoir in the world by surface area, covering a huge stretch of eastern Ghana. It reshaped the country: it supplies most of Ghana's power, displaced tens of thousands of people, and created a north-south transport route where a ferry still runs for days between Akosombo and Yeji. Around the southern end, boat cruises leave from Akosombo past forested shorelines and island villages, and the Volta region east of the lake holds waterfalls, mountains and some of the friendliest travelling in West Africa.

What you actually see

• Akosombo dam - the structure that created the lake and powers the country.
• Lake cruises - boat trips from Akosombo past shoreline villages.
• The Yeji ferry - the multi-day passenger boat north along the lake.
• Volta region excursions - Wli waterfall and the Avatime hills to the east.

When to go

The dry season from November to March gives the calmest weather and easiest roads. The lake is warm year round. Ferry schedules are irregular and change with water levels and maintenance, so confirm locally rather than online.

Honest expectations

The ferry is a genuine local transport experience rather than a tourist cruise - basic conditions, uncertain timings and long waits are part of it. Bilharzia is present in the lake, so swimming is not advised. Some shoreline communities have complicated histories with the flooding and with child labour in fishing, which responsible operators address rather than ignore. Roads in the Volta region are variable.

Nearby

Wli waterfall, Mount Afadja and the Volta region hills; Accra is two hours south-west.