Tamale Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and things to do in Tamale, Ghana. Learn about its rich culture, customs, safety tips, transportation options, and nearby excursions.


Introduction to Tamale

Welcome to Tamale, a lively city in the heart of the Volta Basin in Ghana, West Africa! Known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning landscapes, Tamale has become a popular destination for travelers seeking an authentic African experience.

In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the city, highlighting the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay. We’ll also give you insights into the local culture and customs, safety tips, transportation options, and nearby excursions.

List of Places to Visit in Tamale

Tamale has a wealth of cultural and natural attractions that will captivate visitors. Here are our top picks for places to visit in Tamale:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Tamale has a rich history that reflects its cultural diversity. These museums and historical places are essential to understanding the depth of Tamale’s vibrant culture:

  • Tamale Cultural Centre
  • West Gonja Museum
  • Mole National Park

Natural Attractions of Tamale: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The natural beauty of Tamale will mesmerize you with its stunning landscapes. Here are the must-visit places for outdoor adventures and scenic views:

  • Sakumo Lagoon
  • Kintampo Waterfalls
  • Pikworo Slave Camp

Hiking/Biking Routes of Tamale

Tamale has numerous trails for hikers and bikers. These are the highly recommended routes:

  • Tugu Hill Trail
  • Mognori Eco Village Trail

Best Things to Do in Tamale: Activities and Tours

Tamale offers various activities and tours for visitors’ entertainment. Whether you’re into history, nature, or adventure activities, there’s something for everyone in Tamale. These are our top recommendations:

  • Visit Tamale’s cultural and historical sites
  • Explore the natural beauty of Tamale
  • Participate in cultural workshops to learn traditional dance steps and drumming

Week-Long Itinerary for Tamale

If you plan to spend a week exploring Tamale, this itinerary might be useful for you:

Day Activities
Day 1 Explore Tamale Cultural Centre and West Gonja Museum
Day 2 Visit Pikworo Slave Camp, Kintampo Waterfalls
Day 3 Explore Sakumo Lagoon
Day 4 Hike up Tugu Hill Trail, Visit the Mognori Eco Village Trail
Day 5 Volunteer at the Tamale Orphanage, Shop at Tamale Market
Day 6 Visit Mole National Park
Day 7 Participate in cultural workshops to learn traditional dance steps and drumming

Food and Drink Scene of Tamale

Tamale’s culinary scene is a fusion of traditional African and modern Western cuisine. These are the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tuo Zaafi - a traditional dish made from corn dough and served with soup and a choice of protein
  • Banku and Tilapia - a popular dish made from fermented corn and cassava dough served with tilapia fish
  • Waakye - rice with beans and spices

Local Beverages

  • Pito - a local beer made from fermented millet
  • Sobolo - a drink made from hibiscus leaves
  • Lamugin - a drink made from millet

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

Tamale offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget, from luxury hotels to backpacker hostels. These are our top recommendations:

  • Zaina Lodge
  • Gurugu Eco Lodge and Retreat Center
  • Fidelad Guest House

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

Tamale has a thriving arts and crafts scene, where visitors can purchase beautiful souvenirs to take home. These are the must-buy local products:

  • Kente Cloth
  • Bolgatanga Baskets
  • Adinkra Clothing

Local Culture and Customs of Tamale

Tamale’s culture and customs reflect its long-standing history and deep-rooted traditions. Here are some highlights of Tamale’s local culture and customs:

  • Greetings and handshakes are significant in Tamale
  • Traditional dances are significant in Tamale’s culture, such as the Dagomba dance
  • Tamale is a predominantly Muslim town; thus, women are expected to dress conservatively

Best Time to Visit Tamale

The best time to visit Tamale is during the dry season, which is from November to April. During this time, you’ll experience clear skies, cool temperatures, and less rain.

Do’s and Don’ts of Tamale

Here are some essential do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while traveling in Tamale:

Do:

  • Dress conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites
  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Ask before taking photographs of locals

Don’t:

  • Display public affection
  • Disrespect local traditions
  • Wander off to secluded areas after dark.

Safety and Health

Tamale is relatively safe for travelers, but it’s still essential to take precautions to ensure your safety. Here are our tips on safety and health in Tamale:

Safety in Tamale

  • Keep your passport and valuables secure
  • Walk in groups or with a trusted guide.
  • Avoid flaunting your wealth

Health in Tamale

  • Stay hydrated by drinking bottled/sachet water
  • Wear insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites
  • Get vaccinated for yellow fever and malaria before traveling to Tamale

Getting to Tamale: Transportation Options and Logistics

Tamale is located in the northern region of Ghana, and there are various transportation options for getting there:

Airports Near Tamale

  • Tamale International Airport

Bus Stations Near Tamale

  • VIP Bus Terminal
  • STC Bus Terminal

Other Options

  • Private taxi

How to Get Around in Tamale

Tamale is a small city, and walking is an excellent way to explore. Alternatively, you can hire a bike or a taxi to get around quickly.

Where to Go Next from Tamale: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Tamale is a great starting point for exploring other parts of northern Ghana. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Bolgatanga
  • Yendi
  • Wa

Conclusion

Tamale is a unique and culturally rich destination that’s perfect for those seeking an authentic African experience. By following this comprehensive tour guide, you’ll be sure to experience the best of Tamale, from its historical and cultural attractions to its outdoor adventures and culinary scene.

Ahmadiyya Mosque Ahmadiyya Mosque Bolga Road in downtown Tamale Bolga Road in downtown Tamale Tricycle Tricycle Tamale Sports Stadium, built in 2007 for the African Cup of Nations final tournament Tamale Sports Stadium, built in 2007 for the African Cup of Nations final tournament the Asempa Lodge the Asempa Lodge