About the Village

Surrounded on three sides by dramatic cliffs and hills (the village name is translated literally as “inside stone”), Buoyem offers visitors beautiful views, cave exploration and extensive hiking opportunities. Trail highlights include a rock shaped like the continent of Africa and one shaped like an umbrella, as well as Bibiri falls and three major caves.

Tour guides also relate the fascinating history of the village, including how the caves came to be sacred and how they were used strategically in the 18^thcentury war with the Ashanti tribe. The area is very hilly and each hike involves some interesting rock scrambling or squeezing through small passages.

Buoyem has a nice visitor centre and guesthouse where you can arrange your tours and stay the night if you wish.

Things to Do

Tour the sandstone canyon that surrounds the village with a guide and be rewarded with a stunning view from above a rock shaped remarkably like Africa. The tour also includes Canopy Rock, Umbrella Rock and Pinnacle Rock, as well as passing several caves before arriving at Bibiri Falls. Time: 2 hours. Difficulty: 3
Go subterranean to explore three of Buoyem’s caves abd see their resident tomb bat colonies. On the way, you’ll pass through indigenous forest and scramble over some intresting rock formations. Note that a vehicle is required to reach the caves. Time: 4 hours. Difficulty: 3
Spend a full day on a hiking expedition that combines the features of the two hikes listed above.

When to Visit

Buoyem welcomes visitors year-round. It has two rainy seasons- March through July, and September through November – during which raingear is recommended and rock scrambling may be slippery. For cave exploration, a hat is advised as protection from bat droppings.

Dining & Sleeping

The guesthouse has 5 unites with 1 bed each (mosquito netting, electricity, showers, flush toilets, sheet provided, but no towels). Camping is also available and the guesthouse can provide a tent. Meals can be arranged at the guesthouse and liquid refreshments are available in the village. Home stays can also be arranged at the visitor centre.

Working Hours

Daily for dawn to dusk

Getting there

12 miles from Techiman. At the Wenchi roundabout or shell station in central Techiman, take the road north toward Wenchi 2 km to turn right at the signpost for Buoyem. In 2 km branch right at the Y junction, pass through the village of Mesidan and reach Buoyem in 9 km. for public transport, take a taxi or trotro from the Techiman lorry station.

Don’t Miss This!

Time your visit for the annual two-week-long Yam festival during September – December (contact Buoyem for the current year’s dates) and see the chief being transported on a royal palanquin, the ceremonial anointing of the chief’s and queen mother’s stools at a stream, drumming and dancing.