Five Reasons Why You Need to Visit The Upper West Region of Ghana

The Upper West Region is one of the 16 regions in Ghana, located in the northwestern part of the country. It shares borders with the Upper East Region to the north, the Northern Region to the east, and the Côte d'Ivoire to the west. The region has a population of approximately 1.2 million people, with a diverse cultural heritage shaped by its history as a traditional kingdom. The region is known for its rich natural resources, including gold, diamonds, and manganese.

The Upper West Region is characterized by its rugged terrain, with hills, valleys, and plateaus. The region is home to several rivers, including the Black Volta River, which forms the border with Côte d'Ivoire. The capital of the region is Wa, which is a bustling town with a rich cultural heritage.

Photo: Wichiau Hippos

1. Explore the Natural Beauty: The Upper West Region is home to several national parks, wildlife reserves, and game reserves that offer opportunities for hiking, trekking, and wildlife viewing. The Gbelle Game Reserve is a popular destination for spotting elephants, monkeys, birds and other wildlife. It also boast of wild camping tents, for individuals and families yearning for a life time adventure. The Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary (WCHS) is a unique community-based project, protecting and preserving the wildlife and the environment of a 40km stretch of the Black Volta River in Ghana's Upper West Region.  The river is home to the hippopotamus populations in Ghana, and was created into a Sanctuary by local chiefs in 1999.  Since then, the project has had marked success in providing Ghanaian and International tourists with a unique and unusual eco-travel experience.

Photo: Wichiau Hippo Santuary

The area has much to offer, both due to the huge diversity of wildlife and the opportunities to become immersed in the local culture and activities.

Visitors have the opportunity to learn about exciting wildlife viewing opportunities at WCHS, and the section on "Local Community" to see ways in which you can experience the local Wala and Birifor (Lobi) Tribal life and customs.

2. Experience the Rich Cultural Heritage: The Upper West Region is home to several ethnic groups, each with their own unique culture and traditions. The Dagaaba’s, Lobi’s , Brifo’s, Sisaala’s Waala’s and the Dagara’s .Visitors can experience the rich cultural heritage by attending traditional festivals, visiting local markets, and interacting with local communities.

Photo: Wa Naa's Palace

3. Visit the Traditional Kingdoms:

The Upper West Region is home to several traditional kingdoms, including the Wa Lawra,Jirapa Nandom, Daffiama kingdoms etc , which are one of the most famous in Ghana. Visitors can learn about the history and customs of these kingdoms by visiting traditional palaces and attending cultural ceremonies.

4. Go on a Safari Adventure: The Upper West Region offers several opportunities for safari adventures, including game drives and horseback riding. Visitors can explore the region's natural beauty while spotting wildlife in their natural habitats.The Royal Cosy Hotel in Jirapa offers expedition to Wildlife Safari with a multitude of thrills, such as exhilarating quad bike tours, fun game drives in one of our safari vehicles, or spending time on  man-made lake, to name but a few.

These activities are designed to bring you closer to nature, make beautiful memories and enjoy the most unique collection of animals in Ghana

Animals you can look forward to see on the Safari are pride of lions, a herd of very photogenic zebras, a lovely hippo couple, various species of antelope like Eland, nyala, oribis, and many more.

Photo: T.Z ( Tuo Zaafi)

5. Discover the Local Cuisine: The Upper West Region is known for its unique cuisine, which is influenced by its cultural heritage. Visitors can try local dishes such as "T.Z with Vegetable leaves soup," (made with a fermented corn dough) and "Banku" (a fermented corn dough with a thick consistency), Yam Fufu with eaten with various unique tasty soups, Tumpaani and Koosi, made from Beans dough eaten with tomato stew and more. The region is also famous for its "Pito" (a fermented millet drink), which is a popular beverage among locals and tourists alike.

Overall, the Upper West Region offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure activities that make it an attractive destination for tourists.