Quantum Tours - Northern Region
Overview:
Ghanaian hospitality is legendary, the Northern Region is no exception. And so you are welcome to enjoy the scenic natural features, exotic culture and the legacies of a history of the largest region in Ghana.
Its geographical features are mostly are mostly low lying, except in the north eastern corner with the Gambaga escarpment and along the western corridor. The land is drained by the tributaries of the Volta Lake: Rivers Nasia, Daka, Oti, the Black and White Volta covering over a third of the whole land mass of 70,390km big enough to swallow up other regions like Volta, Ashanti, Western and Greater Accra put together; call it the mother of all Regions!
One hundred seventy kilometres west of Tamale in the West Gonja District, is the Mole National Park. The scenic ride to Mole, though rough, is ideal for adventurous visitor.
The largest of Ghana's National Parks and situated in the heart of the Guinea savannah woodland ecosystem, it is home to 93 mammalian species, 33 reptiles nine amphibians and an estimated 300 birds species. The mammals include some 600 elephants, 2,000 roam antelopes, 3,000 hartebeests, 4,000 waterbucks, 5,000 buffalo and some 6,000 warthogs. Uncounted lions, leopards, hyenas and various primates can also be seen in Mole. A total of 600km of game protection and viewing roads have been developed within the park. A basic 33-bed, no frills hotel facility, which overlooks an elephant bath, offers overnight accommodation and restaurant facilities. Additionally, composite facilities are available for visitors. A landing strip for small aircraft provides the option of air access to Mole.
Larabanga Mosque
A 13th century mosque, believed to be first built by Moorish traders, it is one of the holiest site in Ghana. Its distinctive façade has been widely photographed.
Larabanga Mystery Stone
Nearby is a mysterious boulder that is the subject of a splendid local legend.
Daboya
89km west of tamale, Daboya is the 16th century town from the Gonja Kingdom, and a famous source for hand-made textiles.
Nalerigu Defence Wall
Said to be built in the 16th century to protect Nalerigu (120km from ‘Bolga’) from raiders, this has now been recognized as part of the slave route.
Salaga
The slave route is recognized at Salaga, where the Trans-Sahara caravans paused in Salaga market. Leg pegs can still be seen in the market place.
Yendi
96km East of Tamale, Yendi was part of a 19th century German settlement. Many of the Germans who died in battle with the Dagomba people are buried in the cemetery. The grave of the slave raider Batafu is said to be near here.
Activities/Events
Jintigi Fire Festival
It is celebrated by the chiefs and people of Gonjaland in April every year. The capital of the Gonja Traditional Area, Damango, serves as the epicentre of the entire celebration.
Among activities to mark the festival is the procession at night with torches into the bush or outskirts of towns and villages within Gonjaland. There are also Koran recitals to forecast the New Year.
Damba Festival
The Damba festival is categorized into three main festivals, namely:
*Somo Damba
*Naa Damba
*Belkusi Damba
It is celebrated under the lunar calendar by the people of Dagbon, Mamprugu, Gonja, Mamprugui, Nanumba.
The significance of the festival is to commemorate the birthday of the Holy Prophet of Islam. Activities include prayers and fasting and procession of people on horseback, amidst drumming and dancing.
Originally linked with Islam to mark the birth of Mohammed, the festival has gradually taken on a traditional rather than Islamic tone. The 2-day festival is full of pageantry and showmanship and is celebrated in the towns of Dagbon, Gonjaland, Mamprusiland and Nanumbaland.
Bugum Chugu (Fire) Festival
Kpini Chugu (Guinea Fowl Festival)
The Kpini Chugu is observed in the Dagbon, Mamprugu and Nanung Traditional Areas as a minor festival. These areas are made up of Dagombas, Mamprusis, Nanumbas, Kokombas abd Basaris. There is no general celebration. It is observed as a harvest offering to the gods.
Gobandawu (Yam) Festival
Gobandawu marks the beginning of the new harvest season by the traditional areas in the Northern Regions.
The main activity is the sacrificial offering of yams and guinea fowl to in-laws.
The significance of this festival is to give thanks to the gods for a good harvest.