The Safest Ways to Northern Ghana exposed

Introduction

Traveling alone can be a fulfilling experience. It offers an opportunity to appreciate and fully immerse yourself in new cultures and landscapes. But the challenges associated with traveling are vast, especially safety. In this post I will share a few tips to note when traveling alone to and around Northern Ghana.

Understanding Northern Ghana 

As you prepare for an exciting trip to Northern Ghana, it is essential to familiarise yourself with the area before you start. The region is well known for its rich and diverse cultural heritage. With numerous exciting markets, art and craft lovers find it a heaven.

For people who love breathtaking landscapes, the Northern Region would leave visitors in awe. Northern Ghana also boasts several tourist attractions that will be the icing on the cake. Travelers should endeavour to know the nature of the area. It will be useful. Especially in devising your travel routes and plans while assessing the security risks should be a priority. Once you know the security risks, mitigation becomes easier. 

Before embarking on your journey, it is essential to familiarise yourself with the region you will be visiting. Northern Ghana is known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant markets, and stunning landscapes. 

However, like any travel destination, it is very important to be aware of potential safety risks and how to mitigate them. The cultural diversity of Northern Ghana is enormous, be sure to have an idea of the different ethnicities you will encounter. 

What to consider before you travel 

While Northern Ghana is generally safe. There are incidents of robberies, ethnic conflicts, and the likelihood of getting lost. You’ll need to consider personal safety, health, and the safety of your personal belongings.

You may consider using a tour guide for ease.

Also, where possible, you should consider travel insurance.

Knowing about local laws and customs would also come in handy. Most people in Northern Ghana still hold traditions in high regard. Knowing the above will help avoid being offensive to locals. For example, learn how to wear hats in Tamale.

You should also ensure you have all necessary vaccinations, such as yellow fever, a malaria vaccine, and any others.  

If you are not like me, you’ll try to avoid street food and sachet water. 

As a personal preference, I always carry a first aid kit with painkillers, medications for malaria, something to help with stomach aches, and any other essentials that can come in handy. I do so because there are many places where access to healthcare is a nightmare.

Before your trip, keep copies of your travel documentation, passport, and all other necessary documents with someone before you leave.

Be sure to have a reliable means of communication.

You will also want to know the weather conditions before you set off. Northern Ghana generally experiences a dry season and a rainy season. The rainy season can be a hindrance in accessing several places. Thus, knowing the weather pattern will help you avoid getting stuck on your journey.

Have a fair idea of nearby medical facilities close to your locations.

If you prefer driving, it is worth knowing the road conditions. You can also hire a local driver who knows his way around.

Finally, you’ll need a list of emergency contacts. That list should include your country’s embassy, local authorities, and insurance provider.  

With the above done, you can enjoy that lifetime thrill of traveling through and around Northern Ghana.

Tips for the actual journey 

You would also do well to seek permission before taking pictures.

Be aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying valuables, and avoid too many distractions.

Use reputable transport and accommodation services.

You may want to prioritize traveling during the day instead of just at night.

Where the services of a guide is needed, be sure they have a good reputation.

Keep valuables safe by ensuring they are in secure places.

Don’t stand out. In many places, criminals target people who they know are not indigenes or locals. So, while it may be evident that you are a tourist or traveler, do not exhibit any naivete to attract attention.

Always be hydrated and well-rested.

While on the journey, stay connected to someone at home or with other companions. Check in regularly to let them know you are safe.

Listen to local advice. Paying attention to advice from local authorities and experienced people.

As you journey with an open mind, be prepared for emergencies.

In all of it, trust your instincts.

Be culturally sensitive; respect your hosts.

Your journey is to experience diversity on many fronts. From culture to landscape, you will encounter different things. To fully enjoy the hospitality in all places, you must be culturally sensitive and respectful.

Your cultural preferences must not become the reason you trample on other people’s cultures. How people dress, hand gestures, and how to address the elderly and chiefs are very important on trips like this. Also, you should try to know what aspects of your culture may be offensive. For example, it is culturally unacceptable to wear footwear before many chiefs. The use of the left hand in greetings or gesturing can also be offensive. Once you respect the culture of the people, you will earn some love from the locals.

Stick to your plan.

While traveling alone can sometimes offer the will to make detours, it is best to avoid such unplanned changes to your itinerary. This is because you may not have been adequately prepared to visit other places. Travel and enjoy the beauty of your destination and journey; don’t outdo yourself with extra stops.

Remember to always have your emergency contacts at hand. See you around!

Here are some tourist attractions you may be interested in:

Top Tourist Sites in Northern Ghana: Discover the Hidden Gems

Khaya is Language AI that helps translate and recognise speeches. Checkout it out for Northern Ghana Languages. It may just save you a lot of talk-time.