In Upper West, river nature, historic sites and crafts come together. At the Wechiau Hippopotamus Sanctuary, visitors can look for hippos, birds and the Black Volta; the caves in Bulenga, Dahili and Sankana offer a different, historical perspective. Markets and community culture complete the picture. The region offers several distinct ways to plan a trip around your interests.
On the Black Volta: Hippos and River Safaris
The Wechiau Hippopotamus Sanctuary is a protected area for hippos and other associated species. It extends for 40 kilometers along the eastern bank of the Black Volta River. One of only two hippo groups remaining in Ghana lives there; the number of such groups can change over time. More than 200 bird species have been recorded at the sanctuary.
On a river safari in a dugout canoe, visitors can see the resident hippo group, birds and mammals; watching fishers cast their nets is another possible sight. The trip therefore offers both wildlife viewing and a glimpse of people at work on the river.
The sanctuary is also a community-based ecotourism project that protects wildlife along a stretch of the Black Volta and offers overnight stays at the Hippo Hide Tree House. Check availability for this stay before making your plans.
Caves, Markets and History
The old caves in Bulenga, Dahili and Sankana served as places of refuge during slave raids. Their role connects the three places through a shared historical theme: seeking shelter at a time of raids. Upper West also has slave camps and a market in Kassana.
The local market in Sankana takes place every six days. Check the market day locally before planning your visit around it.
In Sankana, Pito, a fermented millet beer, is brewed communally. Women gather to brew, sing and exchange news; the community drinks Pito at ceremonies as well as on ordinary evenings. The combination of singing, conversation and drinking together gives the beverage a clear social context.
Crafts and Culture in Upper West
Crafts in Upper West include spinning, weaving, pottery and making musical instruments. The range spans textile work, ceramics and instrument making, complementing the historic sites with forms of craft culture. For travelers interested in comparing different cultural themes, these hands-on activities sit alongside the caves and markets.
Upper West in the Wider Context of Ghana
Ghana as a broader travel destination also has other natural and cultural highlights: Mole National Park is Ghana’s largest wildlife reserve. The village of Adanwomase is another part of the broader Ghana travel destination: the fabric now known as Kente has been woven there since the 17th century. The focus here is on Upper West; both examples belong to the wider Ghana context.
Getting There
One option for getting to Upper West is to fly to Tamale and then continue by road. Check current flight connections and onward travel before departure; plan the flight and road journey as two separate steps.
Discover more destinations: Wa Municipal, Ashanti, Upper East, Eastern Region, Volta, Western Region, Greater Accra, Brong-Ahafo Region
For the broader travel overview: Ghana.
