Hidden in the lush wetlands of Ghana's Western Region lies one of the country’s most remarkable cultural and eco-tourism gems—Nzulezo Stilt Village. Suspended on wooden stilts above Lake Tadane, this floating village is a breathtaking example of harmony between people and nature.

The name Nzulezo translates to “surface of water” in the Nzema language. According to oral history, the ancestors of Nzulezo’s people migrated centuries ago from the ancient Mali Empire, following the fall of the city of Walata. They were guided by a snail, considered a sacred spiritual symbol, which led them to the lake.

Seeking safety and isolation, they chose the swampy Lake Tadane as their refuge, using indigenous knowledge to build homes, schools, and churches entirely on stilts. A style that has remained unchanged for centuries.

Nzulezo's unique location once offered protection from invaders, and today, it offers protection from over-modernization, preserving a way of life deeply rooted in tradition and spirituality.

Nzulezo is home to over 600 people, most of whom are from the Nzema ethnic group. The community depends on fishing, farming (on nearby land), and tourism for survival. Remarkably, all key structures; homes, community centers, schools, and even a guesthouse are constructed with hardwood and raffia palm.

There is no electricity grid (though solar panels are now in limited use), and water must be fetched manually from the lake. This minimal contact with the outside world makes Nzulezo a rare living cultural site that offers a window into ancient traditions.

Nzulezo was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List in 2000, recognized for its unique architecture, sustainable water-based living, and intangible cultural heritage. It is one of the few inhabited stilt settlements in the world and is often compared to water villages in Southeast Asia and South America.

The Ghanaian government and NGOs work together with the local community to ensure eco-conscious tourism, protecting the fragile wetland environment and supporting sustainable development.

Visiting Nzulezo is an immersive adventure that begins from the town of Beyin, where you’ll board a wooden canoe or motorized boat. The serene 45-minute ride through the Amansuri Wetlands offers rich views of mangroves, birds, and butterflies perfect for eco-tourists and photographers.

Once you arrive at Nzulezo, a local guide takes you on a walking tour across the connected wooden walkways, explaining the village’s history, customs, and daily life. Depending on the timing, you might witness traditional ceremonies, local music, or fishing activities.