The Upper East Region – Tongo Rocks and the friendliest crocodiles in the world

The Upper East Region of Ghana has a population of just over a million people and covers 7.8% of Ghana’s land mass. The capital of the region is  Bolgatanga which is sometimes referred to as Bolga.

The region has been the gateway into Ghana from Burkina Faso for centuries and is considered as an important traditional crossroads for the trans-Saharan trade routes. Much of the landscape is broad savannah grasslands, dotted with the strange-looking Baobab trees, or striking Sahel terrain. In the villages, you will find distinctive round huts where communal activities have taken place  for generations.

Where the Upper West Region is located in Ghana

Some things to do and see in the Upper West Region

The local villages have distinctive building styles that have evolved through the generations, and adapt so well to the lifestyle of the people and local conditions, provide a distinct contrast to those in other parts of Ghana.

Paga Crocodile Pond also known as Zenga Crocodile Pond  is inhabited by West African crocodiles  and considered to be the friendliest crocodiles in the world as tourists are able to pet the reptiles. However, if you are planning on doing this please take direction from the guide. The crocodiles are friendly as they are well looked after , it has become popular among tourists and the pond is now reliant on tourism to ensure the population of crocodiles remain fed and healthy.

The markets continue to be important trading points, and ‘Bolga’ is a famous centre for handicrafts, including straw hats and baskets, leather goods and metal jewellery.

Experience the ghostly whistling and drumming Tongo Rocks at Pwalugu and Chiana, the Awologo-Tango at Bongo, the wall decoration at Tilli and the Naa Gbewaa Shrine. Also worth a visit is the Sandema in Builsa where Builsa warriors captured and killed the slave raiders Samori and Babatu to mark the end of the slave trade in northern Ghana.

For animal lovers who want to see more wild life then the Gbelle Game Reserve, the Sombo Bat Sanctuary and the Nasaga Game Reserve are also available.