Walewale Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Walewale, Ghana. Plan your trip to this beautiful city with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Walewale

Walewale, located in the Northern Plains of Ghana, is a charming city that boasts a rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and friendly locals. It is the capital of the West Mamprusi Municipality and is home to many unique attractions that make it a popular tourist destination. From museums and historical landmarks to outdoor adventures and scenic views, Walewale has something for everyone. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit to Walewale.

List of Places to Visit in Walewale

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Walewale Museum of History and Culture - Experience the traditional lifestyle and culture of the Mamprusi people through a collection of artifacts and exhibits.
  • Mamprusi Kingdom Palace - Visit the ancient palace of the Mamprusi tribe, which dates back to the 17th century.
  • Wulugu Palace - Witness the grandeur of West African architecture at one of Ghana’s oldest surviving palaces.

Natural Attractions of Walewale: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Katia Hills - Take a hike through the lush green hills and enjoy the breathtaking views of Walewale’s countryside.
  • Mole National Park - Go on a safari tour and spot elephants, monkeys, antelopes, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
  • Kintampo Waterfalls - Take a road trip and cool off at these scenic cascading falls located near Walewale.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Walewale

Walewale is a predominantly flat region, which makes it ideal for hikers and bikers. The terrain is mainly rural with lots of vegetation, which offers a pleasant view of the landscape. Some of the popular trails that you can explore include:

  • Katia Hill Trail - This trail starts from the base of the Katia Hills and leads to the peak, offering hikers stunning panoramic views.
  • Mole National Park Trail - This trail offers visitors an adventurous safari ride through Mole National Park.

Best Things to Do in Walewale: Activities and Tours

  • Explore the Local Markets - Visit the Walewale Market or the Kasena-Nankana market and shop for traditional crafts, spices and foods.
  • Participate in Cultural Celebrations - Join the locals in celebrating traditional festivals such as the Fire Festival, the Mamprusi Day, and the Damba festival.
  • Visit a Local School - Learn about the education system in Ghana and interact with students at a local school.

Week-Long Itinerary for Walewale

Day Activity
1 Visit the Mamprusi Kingdom Palace and Walewale Museum.
2 Take a hike to the top of Katia Hill.
3 Tour Mole National Park and go on a safari to spot wildlife.
4 Visit the Kintampo Waterfalls.
5 Shop and interact with locals at the Walewale Market.
6 Participate in the Damba Festival.
7 Relax and unwind at a local spa.

Food and Drink Scene of Walewale

Must-Try Dishes

  • Jollof Rice - a traditional Ghanaian meal made with rice, vegetables, and spices.
  • Banku and Tilapia - a popular local dish made with fermented corn dough and grilled tilapia fish.
  • Tuo Zafi - a hearty soup made with millet flour and served with vegetable stew.

Local Beverages

  • Palm Wine - a sweet and slightly sour alcoholic drink made from the sap of palm trees.
  • Sobo - a refreshing drink made from hibiscus flowers and sugar.
  • Bissap - a tangy drink made from hibiscus flowers, ginger, and sugar.

Where to Stay in Walewale: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Maks Resort - a luxurious resort located on the outskirts of Walewale, offering guests a pool, a restaurant, and comfortable rooms.
  • Walewale Mwishenaa Lodge - a cozy and affordable guesthouse located in the heart of Walewale.
  • West Mamprusi Guest House - a guesthouse that provides guests with affordable accommodation and basic amenities.

What to Buy in Walewale: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handwoven Fabrics - purchase a variety of handwoven fabrics featuring unique designs and traditional motifs.
  • Pottery and Ceramics - the region boasts a rich pottery and ceramics heritage with various items that reflect the Mamprusi traditional lifestyle.
  • Spices and Shea Butter - visit the markets to purchase authentic Ghanaian spices like “Grains of paradise’’ and Shea butter.

Local Culture and Customs of Walewale

Walewale is a city with a rich cultural heritage that demonstrates hospitality and cordiality reflected in the warmth and friendliness of its people. Dressing, food, social life, music, and traditional festivals play an essential role in the culture of the region. While in Walewale, visitors are encouraged to dress modestly and respect local customs when interacting with locals.

Best Time to Visit Walewale

The best time to visit Walewale is from December to February when the weather is relatively cooler and rainfall is low, making outdoor activities more enjoyable. The months of March to May are typically the hottest and driest months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Walewale

Do:

  • Dress modestly when in public spaces
  • Learn some local phrases before arriving
  • Respect local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Take pictures of locals or their properties without their consent
  • Eat with your left hand (use the right hand)
  • Disrespect religious beliefs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Walewale

Walewale is a relatively safe city, but as a tourist, it is always advisable to take necessary precautions when out and about. Visitors should avoid walking alone at night and should not carry large amounts of cash or travel documents with them. They should also be cautious when using public transportation or taxis.

Health in Walewale

Visitors are advised to take proper medical precautions before their trip to Walewale. They should see their healthcare provider and obtain necessary vaccines and medications before traveling, including Yellow Fever and Malaria.

Getting to Walewale: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Walewale

  • Tamale International Airport - located approximately 75 km away from Walewale.

Bus Stations Near Walewale

  • STC Bus Station - located in the center of Walewale and provides intercity transport.
  • Metro Mass Bus Terminal - another intercity bus terminal located within the city.

Other Options

  • Car rentals - visitors can rent a car from Tamale and drive to Walewale.
  • Taxis - taxis are readily available for hire at the airport and bus stations.

How to Get Around in Walewale

Visitors can use taxis or motorbikes for transport within the city. These are readily available at strategic locations throughout Walewale.

Where to Go Next from Walewale: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some of the nearby destinations visitors could visit post their stay in Walewale include:

  • Tamale - the vibrant city known for its unique architecture, cultural and food delicacies.
  • Bolgatanga - the city is famous for the basket weaving industry and the Sandema Rock Painting.

Conclusion

Walewale is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in West African culture, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures. With a rich history, cultural heritage and its unique attractions, the city offers visitors a truly authentic Ghanaian experience that cannot be missed. Plan your trip today and make unforgettable memories in Walewale.