Map Of Northern Region Of Ghana
Introduction
The Northern Region of Ghana is a hidden gem that has a lot to offer for travelers looking for an authentic African experience. This region is home to a rich culture, diverse landscape, and friendly people. In this travel guide, we will cover the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports.
Top Attractions
Mole National Park
Mole National Park is the largest wildlife reserve in Ghana and home to over 90 species of mammals, including elephants, antelopes, and baboons. Visitors can take a walking safari or a jeep tour to see the animals up close. The park also has a variety of bird species and a beautiful landscape of savannah grasslands and forests.
Gurunsi Houses
The Gurunsi houses are unique architectural structures found in the Upper East Region of Ghana. These houses are made of mud and have intricate designs that reflect the culture and beliefs of the Gurunsi people. Visitors can take a tour of these houses and learn about the history and significance of the Gurunsi architecture.
Hidden Gems
Tongo Hills
The Tongo Hills are a group of granite hills located in the Upper East Region of Ghana. These hills have a spiritual significance to the Talensi people, who believe that the hills are the dwelling place of their ancestors. Visitors can take a hike to the top of the hills and enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Paga Crocodile Pond
The Paga Crocodile Pond is a sacred site located in the Upper East Region of Ghana. The pond is home to several crocodiles that are considered to be sacred by the local people. Visitors can get up close to these crocodiles and even touch them with the help of a guide.
Food Scene
The Northern Region of Ghana has a diverse food scene that is influenced by the local culture and traditions. Some of the popular dishes include waakye, a rice and beans dish served with spicy sauce; tuo zaafi, a cornmeal dish served with soup; and fufu, a starchy dish served with soup or stew. Visitors can try these dishes at local restaurants and street food vendors.
Budget-Friendly Tips
The Northern Region of Ghana is a budget-friendly destination that offers affordable accommodation, food, and transportation. Visitors can save money by staying at guesthouses and homestays, eating at local restaurants and street food vendors, and using public transportation.
Outdoor Adventures
Hiking
The Northern Region of Ghana offers several hiking opportunities, including the Tongo Hills, the Gambaga Escarpment, and the Tagbo Falls. These hikes offer beautiful views of the landscape and an opportunity to explore the local culture and traditions.
River Rafting
The White Volta River offers an opportunity for visitors to go river rafting and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the surrounding landscape. The river is also home to several bird species and wildlife.
Historical Landmarks
Navrongo Cathedral
The Navrongo Cathedral is a historic church located in the Upper East Region of Ghana. The cathedral was built by Catholic missionaries in the early 20th century and features a unique blend of traditional and European architectural styles.
Gambaga Scarp
The Gambaga Scarp is a historic site located in the Northern Region of Ghana. This site was used as a defense fortress during the slave trade and is home to several caves and tunnels that were used as hiding places by the slaves.
Family-Friendly Activities
Paga Crocodile Pond
The Paga Crocodile Pond is a family-friendly destination where visitors can get up close to the crocodiles and learn about the local culture and traditions. The guides are knowledgeable and make the experience fun and educational for children.
Mole National Park
Mole National Park is a family-friendly destination that offers an opportunity to see wildlife up close and experience the beauty of nature. The park also has a swimming pool and a restaurant that serves local and international cuisine.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Bolgatanga Market
The Bolgatanga Market is a bustling market located in the Upper East Region of Ghana. This market offers an opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions and buy unique souvenirs, such as baskets and textiles.
Wa Naa’s Palace
Wa Naa’s Palace is a historic palace located in the Upper West Region of Ghana. This palace is home to the Chief of the Wa Traditional Area and is open to visitors who want to learn about the local culture and traditions.
Natural Wonders
Tagbo Falls
The Tagbo Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in the Northern Region of Ghana. This waterfall is surrounded by lush vegetation and offers an opportunity to swim and enjoy the beauty of nature.
White Volta River
The White Volta River is a scenic river that offers an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature and spot wildlife, such as birds and crocodiles.
Vibrant Nightlife
The Northern Region of Ghana has a vibrant nightlife that is influenced by the local culture and traditions. Some of the popular nightlife spots include local bars and nightclubs that play traditional and modern music.
Local Markets
The Northern Region of Ghana has several local markets where visitors can experience the local culture and traditions and buy unique souvenirs, such as baskets, textiles, and jewelry. Some of the popular markets include the Bolgatanga Market and the Tamale Market.
Beaches and Mountains
Mognori Eco Village
The Mognori Eco Village is a beautiful village located in the Northern Region of Ghana. This village is surrounded by mountains and offers an opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions.
Songo Beach
The Songo Beach is a beautiful beach located in the Northern Region of Ghana. This beach is surrounded by palm trees and offers an opportunity to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Cultural Immersion
The Northern Region of Ghana offers several opportunities for cultural immersion, including homestays, cultural tours, and volunteering programs. These programs offer an opportunity to learn about the local culture and traditions and make a positive impact on the local community.
Art and Music Scene
The Northern Region of Ghana has a vibrant art and music scene that is influenced by the local culture and traditions. Visitors can experience traditional music and dance performances at local festivals and events.
Walking Tours
The Northern Region of Ghana offers several walking tours that offer an opportunity to explore the local culture and traditions, such as the Gurunsi Architecture Tour and the Tamale Walking Tour.
Architectural Marvels
Larabanga Mosque
The Larabanga Mosque is a historic mosque located in the Northern Region of Ghana. This mosque is believed to be one of the oldest mosques in West Africa and features a unique blend of traditional and Islamic architectural styles.
Navrongo Cathedral
The Navrongo Cathedral is a historic church located in the Upper East Region of Ghana. This cathedral features a unique blend of traditional and European architectural styles.
Historical Sites
Gambaga Scarp
The Gambaga Scarp is a historic site located in the Northern Region of Ghana. This site was used as a defense fortress during the slave trade and is home to several caves and tunnels that were used as hiding places by the slaves.
Wa Naa’s Palace
Wa Naa’s Palace is a historic palace located in the Upper West Region of Ghana. This palace is home to the Chief of the Wa Traditional Area and is open to visitors who want to learn about the local culture and traditions.
Biking Routes
The Northern Region of Ghana offers several biking routes that offer an opportunity to explore the local culture and traditions, such as the Bolgatanga to Tongo Hills Bike Tour and the Tamale to Larabanga Bike Tour.
Wellness Retreats
The Northern Region of Ghana offers several wellness retreats that offer an opportunity to relax and rejuvenate, such as the Mole National Park Wellness Retreat and the Songo Beach Yoga Retreat.
Adventure Sports
River Rafting
The White Volta River offers an opportunity for visitors to go river rafting and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the surrounding landscape. The river is also home to several bird species and wildlife.
Hiking