Northern Ghana remains one of Africa’s most authentic and awe-inspiring destinations. Far from the crowded coasts and tourist-heavy cities, this region offers raw beauty, vibrant culture, deep history, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re an adventurer, historian, nature lover, or cultural explorer, these 15 things to do in Northern Ghana will give you unforgettable experiences.

Things to do in Northern Ghana

1. Explore Mole National Park – first of things to do in Northern Ghana

Mole is Ghana’s largest and most iconic wildlife reserve. You’ll encounter elephants bathing in waterholes, antelope grazing on open plains, baboons wandering through campgrounds, and hundreds of birds flitting through the trees. You can go on walking safaris—a rare treat in Africa—or hop in a 4×4 for guided game drives. Stay at Zaina Lodge, a luxurious tented lodge with views that overlook roaming wildlife from your balcony or the poolside bar. Mole National Park is the first on our list of things to do in Northern Ghana.

2. Visit the Larabanga Mosque

Next on the list of things to do in Northern Ghana is the 15th-century mud-and-stick mosque is one of the oldest in West Africa. Located near Mole National Park, the Larabanga Mosque is steeped in history and legend. Built in the Sudanese-Sahelian architectural style, it serves as a spiritual hub for the community. A local guide can explain its mysterious origin story and cultural importance—be sure to ask about the Quran that was supposedly divinely gifted.

3. Discover the Mystic Stone

Just a few minutes from the mosque lies the Mystic Stone, said to have supernatural powers. Legend has it that colonial road builders moved it to make way for a road. Still, it returned to its original spot overnight. Locals believe it holds spiritual power and continue to revere it as a symbol of their cultural resilience. A brief visit here is great for reflection, storytelling, and photography.

4. Tour the Tamale Central Market

No visit to Tamale is complete without getting lost in the Central Market. Bursting with colour and life, the market sells everything from woven smocks and beads to spices, produce, and leather goods. It’s also a great place to try Northern delicacies like TZ, guinea fowl, and spicy okra soup. Expect warm smiles, loud bargaining, and a sense of community that’s deeply rooted in Northern culture. this is definitely an important part of the things to do in Northern Ghana.

5. Learn Smock Weaving in Daboya or Gburimani

The smock (locally called fugu) is Northern Ghana’s most iconic traditional garment. In towns like Daboya, you can meet master weavers who turn hand-dyed cotton into stunning patterns using wooden looms. Witness the step-by-step process from spinning to stitching. Some places even allow you to try weaving yourself or purchase a smock to take home, perfect for storytelling souvenirs.

6. Watch Traditional Drumming and Dancing

Northern Ghana has a rich musical tradition, anchored by instruments such as the talking drum (lunga). In towns like Tamale and Walewale, you can attend cultural nights with live drumming and dance performances. Many are tied to ceremonies, festivals, or royal events, so be sure to check local calendars for details. These performances are intense, emotional, and unforgettable.

7. Hike the Gambaga Escarpment

This natural rock formation offers breathtaking views of the White Volta Valley and the surrounding savannah below. Hikers can explore trails through rocky cliffs, waterfalls, and ancient caves. Some local guides even offer camping experiences under the stars. It’s a paradise for nature photographers and adventurers looking to escape the beaten path.

8. Visit the Paga Crocodile Pond

Unlike most places in Africa, Paga’s crocodiles are revered, not feared. Locals believe they are spiritual ancestors, and remarkably, these crocs peacefully coexist with humans. With the help of a guide, you can touch or sit near one—a surreal experience that defies instinct but remains safe and respectful. Pair it with a visit to the nearby chief’s palace and traditional huts for a deeper understanding of the context. This trip is worth adding to the list of things to do in Northern Ghana.

9. Explore the Nalerigu Slave Defence Wall

Built by Mamprugu warriors centuries ago, the Nalerigu Defence Wall helped protect locals from slave raiders. Though partially eroded, its massive stones still stand as a symbol of strength and resistance. Local historians and guides will share the story of how this fortress played a role in safeguarding lives and shaping the region’s history.

10. Discover the Tongo Hills and Shrines

The Tongo Hills, located near Bolgatanga, are more than a dramatic landscape—they’re home to sacred caves and spiritual shrines. Only accessible with a traditional priest, visitors learn about ancient beliefs, sacrifices, and cosmology of the Talensi people. Modest attire and respectful behaviour are required. The stories are raw, and the experience is deeply immersive.

11. Relax by the White Volta River

The White Volta River snakes through many Northern communities, offering opportunities to relax, explore, or connect with nature. Take a canoe ride with a local fisherman, picnic on the banks, or just sit quietly and watch life go by. Some eco-lodges now offer riverfront stays and birdwatching tours, making this a peaceful detour in your journey.

12. Try Authentic Northern Ghanaian Cuisine

Another of the things to do in Northern Ghana. Northern Ghana’s cuisine is hearty, flavorful, and rich in cultural significance. From Tuo Zaafi (TZ) and groundnut soups to guinea fowl stew and millet porridge, dishes here are often spiced with dawadawa (fermented locust bean) and served with love. Look for local “chop bars” or ask your guide for recommendations on where to eat for the most authentic experience.

13. Attend a Festival

Key among the things to do in Northern Ghana is Festivals. Festivals in Northern Ghana are dramatic, colourful, and deeply rooted in oral history and community spirit. Some major ones include:

• Bugum Chugu (Fire Festival): Celebrated with flaming torches and tribal dances.
• Damba Festival: A blend of Islamic traditions and royal pageantry.
• Samanpiid: The Samanpiid Festival is an annual celebration observed by the Kusasi people in the Upper East Region of Ghana, particularly in Bawku and surrounding communities. Established in 1987, the festival is held to give thanks to God and the ancestors for a successful harvest season. It is marked by vibrant traditional clothing, cultural displays, drumming, dancing, and speeches by chiefs and community leaders. Samanpiid also serves as a unifying event that promotes peace, cultural identity, and development among the Kusasi people, attracting dignitaries and visitors from across the country and beyond.
• Feok: The Feok Festival is a vibrant annual celebration held by the Builsa people of the Upper East Region of Ghana, particularly in towns like Sandema. Rooted in history and resistance, the festival commemorates the Builsa warriors’ victorious defence against slave raiders, especially the infamous Babatu in the 19th century. Marked by traditional war dances, drumming, colourful attire, and dramatic reenactments of battle scenes, Feok is both a tribute to ancestral bravery and a symbol of unity and cultural pride. It usually takes place in December, drawing locals and visitors alike to witness this powerful expression of heritage and identity.
• Fao: The Fao Festival is a traditional celebration held annually by the people of Navrongo in the Upper East Region of Ghana, typically in January. It is rooted in ancient spiritual customs and agricultural cycles, serving both as a thanksgiving for a successful harvest and a rite of purification for the community. The festival features vibrant processions, ancestral sacrifices, drumming, dancing, and displays of traditional attire. A unique aspect of Fao is its solemn spiritual rituals, which are observed with deep reverence, followed by festive communal gatherings that foster unity and cultural pride among the people of Navrongo and their guests.
• Festivals are great times to visit as you’ll witness Northern Ghana at its most vibrant.

14. Shop for Leather Goods and Beads

Handcrafted leather sandals, purses, belts, and colourful glass beads are produced across the north. Visit craft markets in Tamale or Bolga to meet artisans, see workshops, and purchase high-quality goods. It’s an excellent way to support local makers and take home authentic souvenirs. What is an epic thrill without souvenirs? This is a must on the 15 things to do in Northern Ghana.

15. Visit a Local NGO or Community Project

Make your trip meaningful by connecting with community-driven organisations. Whether it’s reforestation, youth empowerment, girls’ education, or sustainable farming, many NGOs welcome short-term visitors. You’ll gain insight into local development challenges and learn how people are collaborating to address them. Everyone is trying to make the world better, therefore, amongst the things to do in Northern Ghana is to visit a local NGO or Community Project.

Final Thoughts

Northern Ghana isn’t just a destination—it’s a deep and lasting experience. Its beauty lies in its raw landscapes, untouched traditions, and the strength of its people. If you’re looking to discover Ghana beyond the coastline, this is where the soul of the country truly shines. Remember the top 15 things to do in Northern Ghana are just a tip of what is there to explore.

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Begin your journey through Northern Ghana with expert guides, travel stories, and hidden gems at thesavannaonline.com. These are the top 15 things to do in Northern Ghana, however, more gems abound.