Nzulezu in the Jomoro area of western Ghana may pass for a less ornate version of Venice, Italy, with its stilted buildings above water and homes made from raffia palm branches.
Nzulezu, which was built over Lake Tandane, gets its name from the Nzema language of the area, which means “surface of water.”
The community, located 300 kilometers (186 miles) from Accra, the capital of Ghana, has coexisted with nature for many decades and is a perfect symbiosis of humans and the planet.
The Nzema term “nzulezu” means “surface of the water.” The oldest of the Western Sudanese States, the Ghana Empire, and its capital city Walata are considered to have been the source of the village’s residents’ migration. The village’s forefathers were supposedly transported to their current location by a snail, according to legend.
A dynamic interplay between man and environment may be seen in the tranquility of the surrounding area and the everyday routines of life on stilts. It is simply one long pier that locals refer to as Main Street and has houses built on both sides of it. Living quarters are on one side of the “street,” while businesses, a school, a community center, and other commercial enterprises are on the other.
The activities in the village are entirely conducted out on the lake, including the pounding of fufu (a traditional meal), schooling, worship, baptisms, and burials. Village life has been tailored to the specific natural constraints. According to legend, the lake prevents calamities like fire breakouts.
The one-hour dugout canoe trip from the Beyin visitor centre to Nzulezu passes through a pristine series of marshes, swamp forest (the largest stand left in Ghana) and open pools rich with wildlife, including crocodiles, egret, heron and kingfishers. This natural area has been designated as an Important Bird Area based on criteria from Birdlife International.
In addition, the beach adjacent to the visitor centre is the site of a sea turtle conservation project in cooperation with the Ghana Wildlife Society. The project seeks to protect three endangered turtle species that nest on the beach. Evening tours are offered to see the massive turtles laying eggs and their tiny hatchlings making their way to the sea.
One of the highlights of a visit to Nzulezu is certainly the journey to get there. Nzulezu is one part of the Amasuri Wetland, a ramsar site and the largest inland swamp forest in Ghana. After driving as far as the unpaved road will allow for the current conditions, there will be a short walk to get to your canoe. A canoe ride of 45 minutes to an hour passes narrow, lush channels, open plains, and finally the wide expanse of Amansuri Lake. The ride is safe and lifejackets are available.
Find Out More About The Nzulezu Stilt Village In The Western Region of Ghana
Things to Do at Nzulezu
When to Visit Nzulezu
Accommodation, Food and Refreshments
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For a lifetime travel or tour experience with Nature or for a regenerative tour visit the Nzule Floating Village in the western region of Ghana.