Exploring Tourism potentials-a hike to the Ote Waterfall at Avatime Gbadzeme

Fact check: Now did you know that the Ote waterfalls which is located at Amedzofe in the Ho west district of the Volta region, has two falls? The main fall is located at Amedzofe while the second or the lower falls which is more fascinating is located at Gbadzeme, also in the Ho west district of the Volta region. Efforts to popularize the Ote falls at Gbadzeme was abandoned because of lack of interest to patronize it. Yours truly has taken a hike to the Avatime Gbadzeme Ote waterfalls and reports that when the potentials of the site is fully developed, it can change the economic lifestyle of the people of the area, the region and the country at large.
Avatime Gbadzeme is a sister community to the famous Amedzofe, the highest human settlement in the country. It is likely to take one about three hours drive to the Volta regional capital, Ho, from Accra. From Ho, one is expected to embark on about an additional one hour drive to the community which is located along the Ho-Hohoe main road. A visit to the community is an adventurous one as one will not find it easy yet very exciting. The road to the community is very rocky in nature and so bear in mind the kind of vehicle one will want to use. At best a motor cycle can be of great help. According to the chiefs and people of Avatime Gbadzeme, the road leading to their town is a treasured road network for which they are not willing to trade it for any kind of improvement especially being tarred. According to them their forefathers used several years to create the rocky road which meanders round the mountain leading to the community. One is presented with some beautiful landscape sceneries even before one reaches the community. Indeed it really adds some level of an adventure to the whole trip.
Upon reaching the community, one is greeted by a very cold weather condition as well as a very refreshing air emanating from the green vegetation which surrounds the entire community. Ideally the hike to the water fall differs. This is due to individual capabilities and energy level. Also vehicles can be used to a certain point from which the rest of the hike to the water falls is done on foot. Efforts to popularize the Ote falls at Gbadzeme was abandoned because of lack of interest to patronize it. A sign post erected to inform the public about the facility is totally worn out. The hiking expedition itself is very challenging. This is because it requires an adventurous steep descent from the hilltops to get to the site. The path leading to the waterfall has also become very bushy and so there was therefore the need to create a new path before the news team could get there. Be on the lookout for wild animals and insects as one strolls through a green and lush semi-deciduous forest that is shaded by tall trees of the forest making it almost impossible for the sun's rays to reach the ground.
The sight of the waterfall presents all the experiences of a waterfall - Fresh water bathing, swimming at the base of the cliff, and suitable spaces for a small gathering or a picnic. The formation of the Gbadzeme waterfalls is quiet fascinating. The fall takes it source from the flowing waters at the base of the Ote falls at the Amedzofe side of the falls. Interestingly the Gbadzeme waterfalls has a heavier flow than the Amedzofe falls while the latter is also longer in height than the former. The waterfall can be described as a virgin tourist facility that present peaceful solitude and a serene getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Journeying back from the waterfall is equally a daunting task. This basically involves rock climbing expedition. The site is indeed a must visit site. A visit to this virgin falls for an unforgettable adventurous experience is what every nature-loving person should endeavor to taste.

[@chrisgreen_1729]

Very interesting - I have been to the Ote waterfalls at Amedzofe, but now I'll have to take a trip to the falls at Gbadzeme!

[@jmapixels]

good. kindly contact me when you are next in Ghana