Savelugu Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Savelugu with this comprehensive travel guide featuring must-see attractions, local culture, food scene, and transportation options.


Introduction to Savelugu

Savelugu is a town located in the Northern Region of Ghana, in West Africa. The town is situated in the heart of the Volta Basin, an arid region that is home to a variety of cultural and natural attractions. Travelers to Savelugu can experience the rich local culture and explore the area’s rugged landscape, making it an ideal destination for adventure seekers and cultural enthusiasts alike.

List of Places to Visit in Savelugu

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Savelugu Naa’s Palace: The palace is the seat of the Savelungu Paramount Chief and is an important cultural landmark in the region.
  • Savelugu Slave Defence Wall: The wall is a historical site that was built in the 19th century to protect the people of Savelugu from slave raiders.
  • Savelugu Market: Travelers can visit the bustling market to experience the vibrant local culture and shop for handmade crafts and textiles.

Natural Attractions of Savelugu: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mole National Park: Located about an hour’s drive from Savelugu, the park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, antelopes, and baboons. Visitors can enjoy guided safari tours and walking safaris through the park.
  • Mount Gbintiri: The mountain is a popular destination for hiking and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Nakpanduri Caves: The caves are a natural wonder and are said to have healing properties. Visitors can explore the caves and learn about the local folklore surrounding them.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Savelugu

  • Mount Gbintiri Hiking Trail: This trail takes travelers to the summit of Mount Gbintiri and offers stunning views of the landscape below.
  • The Mole National Park Walking Safari: This guided walking safari takes visitors through the park and offers a chance to see a variety of wildlife up close.
  • Savelugu Rural Trail: This biking trail takes travelers through the rural countryside and offers a glimpse into daily life in the region.

Best Things to Do in Savelugu: Activities and Tours

  • Visit a Local Village: Travelers can visit a nearby village and experience the traditional way of life in the region.
  • Take a Cooking Class: Visitors can learn to cook traditional Ghanaian dishes, such as banku and jollof rice.
  • Tour the Savelugu Naa’s Palace: A tour of the palace offers travelers insight into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Week-Long Itinerary for Savelugu

Day Activity
1 Explore Savelugu Market and visit Savelugu Slave Defence Wall
2 Hike Mount Gbintiri and spend the night in a nearby village
3 Take a cooking class and tour the Savelugu Naa’s Palace
4 Visit Mole National Park and go on a walking safari
5 Spend a day exploring Tamale, the capital city of the Northern Region
6 Visit Nakpanduri Caves and spend the night in a local guesthouse
7 Relax and unwind in Savelugu before departing for next destination

Food and Drink Scene of Savelugu

Must-Try Dishes

  • Waakye: A popular rice and beans dish served with a variety of sides, such as fried fish and spaghetti.
  • Banku: A starchy dish made from fermented corn and cassava dough and served with soup or stew.
  • Jollof Rice: A flavorful rice dish made with tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices.

Local Beverages

  • Pito: A traditional beer made from fermented millet or sorghum.
  • Sobolo: A refreshing and tart hibiscus tea.
  • Lamugin: A millet-based alcoholic beverage.

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

  • Royal Rhapsody Guest House: This guesthouse is located in the heart of Savelugu and offers comfortable and affordable accommodations.
  • Mole Motel: Located near Mole National Park, this motel offers a range of rooms and amenities, including a restaurant and swimming pool.
  • Tamale International Guesthouse: This guesthouse is located in nearby Tamale and offers comfortable and modern accommodations.

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

  • Handmade Crafts: The Savelugu Market is a great place to shop for handmade crafts and textiles, such as baskets and fabrics.
  • Shea Butter: Produced locally, shea butter is known for its moisturizing properties and is often used in cosmetics and skin care products.
  • Kente Cloth: A traditional Ghanaian textile made from interwoven strips of colorful fabric.

Local Culture and Customs of Savelugu

  • Dress modestly and respectfully, particularly when visiting religious or cultural sites.
  • Greet locals with a handshake or nod of the head, and avoid touching people’s heads or pointing with your finger.
  • It is customary to remove your shoes before entering a home or place of worship.

Best Time to Visit Savelugu

The best time to visit Savelugu is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. During this time, the weather is mild and pleasant, and outdoor activities are more enjoyable. The wet season, from May to October, brings heavy rains and can make travel and outdoor activities more difficult.

Do’s and Don’ts of Savelugu

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Learn some basic phrases in the local language, Dagbani.
  • Ask for permission before taking photos of people or religious sites.

Don’t:

  • Dress immodestly or inappropriately.
  • Drink tap water - stick to bottled water.
  • Touch or disturb wildlife in Mole National Park.

Safety and Health

Safety in Savelugu

Savelugu is generally considered safe for travelers, but it is important to take basic precautions, such as not carrying valuables or walking alone at night.

Health in Savelugu

It is recommended that travelers to Savelugu receive vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and yellow fever. Malaria is also a risk in the region, and travelers should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites and consider taking antimalarial medication.

Getting to Savelugu: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Savelugu

The nearest airport to Savelugu is Tamale International Airport, which is located about 20 miles away. From there, travelers can take a taxi or hire a car to reach Savelugu.

Bus Stations Near Savelugu

There are several bus stations in nearby Tamale, including the Tamale VIP Bus Station and the STC Bus Station. Buses run regularly between Tamale and other major cities in Ghana and neighboring countries.

Other Options

Private cars and taxis are also available for hire to travel to Savelugu from nearby towns and cities.

How to Get Around in Savelugu

The most convenient way to get around Savelugu is by taxi or private car. Motorbikes are also a common mode of transport in the area. Walking or biking is possible but may be challenging due to the rugged terrain and long distances between attractions.

Where to Go Next from Savelugu: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Tamale: The capital of the Northern Region is a bustling city with a rich cultural heritage.
  • Bolgatanga: Located in the Upper East Region, Bolgatanga is known for its vibrant local market and traditional handicrafts.
  • Kumasi: Located in the Ashanti Region, Kumasi is the second-largest city in Ghana and is known for its rich history and cultural traditions.

Conclusion

Savelugu is a must-see destination for travelers looking to experience the rugged beauty and rich cultural heritage of Ghana’s Northern Region. From exploring historical landmarks to hiking through the mountainous terrain, Savelugu offers something for every traveler. With its friendly locals and vibrant local culture, Savelugu is a truly unforgettable destination.