Founded in February 1999, the Wechiau community Hippo Sanctuary is one of the first community-managed ecotourist ventures to be constructed in the far northern parts of Ghana. It was mainly developed to protect a 40 kilometer-wide stretch of the Black Volta River flowing west of Wa. Many visitors to the country mentioned the Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary as the highlist of their trips to Ghana. Although it does not receive as many visits as other tourist sites like Kakum and Aburi Botanical gardens, it was ranked in July 2000 by an independent newspaper in the UK as the world’s third-best conservation holiday. Currently the sanctuary has 50 hippopotami. Their activities are mostly exciting to observe in the dry seasons. In any case the sanctuary was built to definitely give visitors value for their money. The savannah in the area also serves as a home to over 250 bird species. Other animal species visitors are likely going to observe and admire include paradise whydah, Senegal parrots, malachite kingfisher, Abyssinian roller and breeding colonies of red-throated bee-eater. The hippo site is located in the village of Wechiau, also serves as an attraction especially its building structure and conservative cultural fashion.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 05 January 2010 14:03
Pikworo Slave Camp
Friday, 23 October 2009 18:41
The Pikworo area was used as a slave camp in the mid 19th century. The slave camp held close to 200 slaves at every point in time. Most of these slaves were captured from regions that now form the Ghana Burkina Faso border. At the Pikworo slave camp, visitors can see. The places where the captives were fed and looked after. It is believed that the slaves were well taken care of so that they would fetch higher prices from the buyers. Bowls in arranged rows in the rocks can be seen today as evidence of the treatment given to these slaves. There is also a cemetery where slaves who gave up their ghosts were buried. The Pikworo slave camp is located 2km west of Paga, along a dirt road which is sign-posted right from the main road. Entrance to the slave camp is GHC 2 which comes with an informative guided tour by well informed officials.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 05 January 2010 14:02
The Gambaga Escarpment
Friday, 23 October 2009 18:36
The Gambaga escarpment measures more than 60 kilometers wide. It got its name from the town of Gambaga which used to be the capital of an ancient kingdom of Mamprusi. The site has not been marked yet as a tourist attraction site. It however presents a very beautiful and captivating view from afar. The Gambaga escarpment can be located on the main Tamale-Bolgatanga road in the Northern regions of Ghana. This escarpment can be explored following a circular road route from Walewale via Gambaga and Nalerigu to Nakpanduri at the eastern edge of the escarpment, then returning to Bolga via Bawku and Zebilla.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 05 January 2010 14:01
Paga Crocodile Pond
Saturday, 08 August 2009 11:42
The Paga Crocodile Sanctuary is one of the most visited sanctuaries in the country even though it is far away from the capital, Accra. Most people travel a long journey to see the serenity in the Paga crocodile sanctuary. Page is located in the Upper East Region , a 20-hour journey from Accra, so most visitors sleep over in Paga where there are lots of nice hotels and lodges to accommodate visitors for a fee. At the sanctuary, visitors get the chance to hold the tails of the crocodiles or squat or them lightly. These crocodiles have been groomed and trained to be harmless to the visitors. After a sacrifice of a fowl the crocodiles come out of the pond to lay on the ground quietly. In this state the crocodiles can be touched and caressed. Some brave ones even hold the tails of the crocodiles and take photographs with. At the sanctuary it is an offense to treat the crocodiles harshly. So all visitors are advices by the guides to be considerate when they interact with the reptiles.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 12 January 2010 14:40
Mole National Park
Thursday, 23 July 2009 12:53
Mole national Park is one of the largest national Parks in Ghana. Many tourists visit Mole national park to get closer to the natural environment present. There is wide range of animal species in the Park; ranging from huge elephants to colorful African birds.
Other animals in the park include baboons, antelopes and hedgehogs. The Park is located about 170 kilometers west of the capital of the Northern Region, Tamale. It is regarded as the largest eco-tourism sites in Ghana. Viewing roads have been developed to enable visitors tour through the park with a vehicle. There is an accommodation in the form of a motel for visitors who want to relax and enjoy the serenity of the park. Transportation and snacks are provided by the motel at a fee.