Visit Kpatawee Waterfall and cool off in its refreshing cascading waters – your reward for a brisk one-hour hike to the second of the two waterfalls; the first being easy to reach from the road.
Kpatawee Waterfalls is about a 30-minute drive from Gbarnga, the capital of Bong County, or about a three-hour drive from Monrovia and Roberts International Airport in Liberia.
Just three hours’ drive from Monrovia, and you arrive at the Kpatawee Waterfalls. There is a favorite swimming and picnic spot for locals although it remains blissfully untouched and uncrowded. Clamber across the black boulders to the sound of rushing waters, dipping in and out of the cool water along the way – an epic adventure you’ll never forget in a hurry.
The Kpatawee waterfall, most commonly known among locals as the heart of Bong County, is a natural wonder not to be missed. The fall can be reached from a village in a tolerable time of about 45 minutes.
The village is positioned amongst high rises and deep valleys. Many locals who do farming reside in the village, many of whom generate income from growing rice and bananas. You will pass forests of banana plants, waiting for the sun to aid with their ripening. An abundance of banana plants will appear ripened with red berries waiting to be picked, dried, milled, and exported.
Due to this fact you would acquire many followers along the route, such as young children fascinated by our sweaty faces and peculiar accents, trying to lead us further up the peak.
The change in terrain and altitude isn’t for the faint-hearted, or the ‘not-so-fit’ in my case. You have to bear a good sense of balance to cross the slimmest of paths segregating running streams from plummeting valleys.
Kpatawee waterfall falls within the rainforest zone of Liberia, as a branch of the St. John River, one of the six major rivers in the country. While the river erodes the valley in its upper sections, it accumulates sand and gravel downstream, leaving patches of bare land along its course, which provide wintering grounds for large numbers of common Sandpipers and Palaearctic migrant species such as Little Ringed Plover and Greenshanks. The endangered Three-cusped Pangolin and Water Chevrotain occur at the site too. The villagers value this area as a picnic ground, for hosting meetings, workshops, and retreats, but the area and its resources are also used for palm wine production, hunting, fishing, basket making, bathing, and other domestic uses. Within the site, the governments of Liberia and China undertook the Kpatawee Rice Project with the objective of introducing new rice farming methods to farmers, to discourage shifting cultivation. Threats to the site include the potential development of a hydropower scheme. The site is an ideal nature reserve and tourist attraction but has not officially been recognized for this purpose.
Come and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of Kpatawee Waterfalls, where nature’s grandeur unfolds before your very eyes. Step into a world where tranquility and serenity embrace you, as glistening cascades of water gracefully tumble down ancient rocky cliffs, creating a mesmerizing symphony of sights and sounds. Stroll along lush pathways blanketed with vibrant flora and inhale the invigorating scents of wildflowers that permeate the air. Let the refreshing mist gently kiss your skin as you explore the hidden nooks and crannies that unveil the secrets of this enchanting paradise. Whether you seek a breathtaking adventure or a peaceful retreat, Kpatawee Waterfalls will captivate your senses and leave an indelible imprint on your soul. Come and discover the wonders that await you at this hidden gem, where nature’s majestic splendor takes center stage.
The new eco-friendly Kpatawee Resort at the Waterfalls offers rustic and charming thatched-roof huts with solar-powered electricity and running water. The ecolodge offers 11 cozy huts, each with its bathroom featuring a shower and toilet. For those looking for a more adventurous experience, the ecolodge also has 28 tents and tent platforms available for campers.
Day visitors as well as guests staying at the Kpatawee Waterfall Ecolodge can explore the lush rainforest on one of the daily guided hikes or play around in the waterfalls and natural pools. Kpatawee Waterfalls has a lifeguard on duty, and there is also a volleyball net for those wanting to start a game. At night, ecolodge guests can end their day gathered around a bonfire. The ecolodge has a full-service restaurant that serves delicious meals made with locally grown ingredients.
Kpatawee waterfall is a branch of the St. John River, one of the six major rivers in Liberia. The river flows southward passing through Bong County with fluctuations in water level at varying season. In the upper region, the water erodes its V. shaped valley, while in the lower section, it accumulates sand and gravels. The movement of the water flow in this way causes the water to branch into several directions leaving patches of bare lands in between. These patches of bare land provide wintering grounds for large numbers of common Sandpipers.
Kpatawee wetland is comprised of the kpelleh tribe of the Kpatawee clan. The tribal people are both Christians and pagans. Over eight hundred plus occupied this area with up to 75% youth in domination. Secondary forest tree species engulf the wetland. Some examples are Parinari excelsa, Parkia, Cryptosepalum and Amanoa. The wetland is an inland riverine. The Kpatawee rice project established by Government, uses the water for irrigating the rice fields.
Each season, the site is a host to many migratory birds such as European bee–eater (Merops apiaster), Yellow throated Honey-guide Melignomon eisentrauti and Whiterumped Swift Apus caffer. All of these are rare species.
Unparalleled Recreation and Relaxation
At Kpatawee waterfalls, the possibilities for recreation and relaxation are endless. Dive into the cool refreshing waters of our nature’s wonder, immerse yourself in the calming sound of rushing water while basking in warm breeze. Embark on a guided hike to discover the wonders of the surrounding landscape or simply soak up the sun on the beautiful landscape just steps away from your accommodation. At night, gather around a bonfire to songs, jokes, riddles, laughter and drinks, or cuddle to a movie or under the night sky. Whatever your preference, we offer a myriad of activities to ensure your stay is nothing short of extraordinary.
So, whenever you are in Liberia, make sure that you pay a visit to the Kpatawee Falls. Stay tuned for more amazing travel destinations around Africa.
