Beautiful mosques, lively markets and colourful African culture make Tamale a captivating introduction to Ghana. Shop for local handicrafts at the Centre for National Culture and get lost among towering stands of fruit and vegetables in Central Market. Just outside the city is one of the best wildlife parks in West Africa.
Things to do in Tamale
The Centre for National Culture immerses visitors in the rich history, heritage and traditions of West Africa. Take in a colourful dance performance and browse the art and craft stalls for beaded jewellery, woven baskets and brightly-coloured clothing.
A predominantly Muslim population means Tamale is dotted with mosques. Central Mosque has been welcoming worshippers for more than 150 years and is topped with four minarets. In the afternoon, locals flood into the mosque to pray on the rows of brightly-coloured mats.
To the west is Mole National Park, a 5,000-square-kilometre sanctuary made up of lush forest and sun-drenched savannah. Safaris take you deep into the national park, where you can observe elephants, hippos, buffalos, vultures and other West African wildlife. If you’re lucky, you might see leopards basking in the sunshine.
After a day in Mole National Park, head back to the city for dinner and drinks at a local restaurant. Enjoy a plate of grilled guinea fowl or dig into “waakye” rice and beans. A handful of rooftop bars are perfect for sipping a glass of “lamujee” made with ginger and lime. Excellent international restaurants in Tamale serve pizza, pasta and burgers, while Italian-style coffee and French-inspired pastries are also on the menu.
Getting around Tamale
Taxis and tuk-tuks are the fastest and easiest way to get around Tamale. Locals ride shared taxis and buses. Tamale International Airport is a 30-minute drive from the city centre while Kotoka International Airport is a 10-hour drive south.