Things To Do
in Navrongo
Navrongo is a small town in Ghana's Upper East Region near the Burkina Faso border, rooted in Kassena-Nankana culture and savannah scenery. The town sits at the edge of the Sahelian belt, where red dirt roads, bright markets, and sturdy adobe buildings create a distinct northern-Ghana atmosphere. It serves as a calm base for exploring nearby villages, crafts, and historic churches while offering easy access to regional traditions.
Visitors are welcomed by warm hospitality, a relaxed pace, and vibrant scenes in markets, religious sites, and expansive plains.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Navrongo Cathedral, a stunning example of colonial architecture that dominates the skyline. Take time to marvel at the intricate murals and the peaceful ambiance of this spiritual haven. As you walk through the nearby market, engage with local vendors and experience the vibrant atmosphere filled with the sounds of bargaining and laughter.
After a delightful lunch at a local eatery specializing in traditional Ghanaian dishes, embark on a guided tour of the local history museum. Here, you can discover the rich cultural heritage of the Kassena-Nankana people through artifacts and storytelling. Spend the late afternoon strolling through the town's historical sites, learning about the significance of each landmark.
As the sun sets, enjoy a leisurely dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the town where you can savor local delicacies. After dinner, take a peaceful walk along the banks of the nearby river, where you can reflect on the day's discoveries. Conclude your evening by mingling with locals at a nearby bar, soaking in the vibrant nightlife and music.
Begin your morning with a refreshing breakfast at your accommodation, enjoying local specialties such as kelewele and porridge. Head to the Navrongo River for a morning of relaxation; you can choose to rent a canoe or simply enjoy the tranquility of the water. The gentle sound of the river and the chirping of birds will set a serene tone for the day.
After a relaxing morning, prepare a picnic lunch to enjoy by the riverbank, surrounded by the lush landscape. Spend the afternoon swimming in the cool waters or exploring the nearby trails that lead to beautiful viewpoints. Engage in birdwatching as the river is home to various species, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
As the day transitions into evening, head back to your accommodation to freshen up before dinner. Experience a traditional Ghanaian feast at a local restaurant, where you can try fufu and groundnut soup. Afterward, enjoy a cultural performance featuring local music and dance, immersing yourself in the region's artistic heritage.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🥤Bottle of water (1.5L) | $0.50-1 |
| ☕Coffee/tea at café | $1-2 |
| 🍛Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $15-25 |
| 🚕1-way taxi ride (local) | $2-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm hospitality and strong cultural heritage
- Accessible base for exploring savannah villages and markets
- Limited nightlife and fewer tourist amenities compared with bigger cities
- Heat and dust, with seasonal travel considerations during the rainy period
- "Agoo" - Hello
- "Medaase" - Thank you
- "Mepa wo kyɛw" - Please
- "Ɛyɛ me dɛ" - That’s nice/I like it
- "Wopɛ biribi?" - What would you like?
Places to Visit in Navrongo
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic church architecture with stark red-earth tones and bell towers, best photographed in morning light.
Colorful stalls, vibrant textiles, and daily-life moments that capture the region’s culture and energy.
Open grasslands and sunset vistas over the plains, ideal for wide landscape shots.
Quad-terraced mud-and-stick houses and decorative façades that showcase local vernacular architecture.
Food in Navrongo
Navrongo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A staple maize or millet dough served with a thick green leafy soup or sauce, often with meat or fish; a regional favorite.
Must-Try!
Beans stewed in palm oil, typically served with fried plantains; a filling vegetarian option.
Dried cassava pudding (konkonte) served with a spicy peanut soup; hearty and traditional.
Spiced ground bean fritters fried until crisp; a popular street-food snack.
Meat skewers grilled over charcoal, widely available at markets and roadside stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively daily market where millet, sorghum, cassava, vegetables, and fruits are sold; great for sampling street foods like koose and fried plantains.
Small stalls offering grilled maize, roasted peanuts, and fresh fruit; ideal for a quick, tasty snack.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly, especially in religious sites and traditional villages; ask before photographing people, and greet elders with a respectful nod or handshake.
English is widely spoken, but learning a few phrases in Kasena or Akan dialects is appreciated; use polite language and avoid confrontational behavior in crowded spaces.
Respect local customs when visiting religious sites; remove hats in sacred spaces and acknowledge vendors with a friendly tone and patience.
Safety
Tipping in Navrongo
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory; small tips (about 1–5 USD or equivalent) for service providers, guides, and taxi drivers are common practice.
Cash (GHS or USD) is widely accepted in markets and chop bars; mobile money and card payments are increasingly available in larger shops and some cafes, but cash remains king in town centers.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cool mornings and dusty conditions; visibility can be hazy from dust; carry a scarf or mask, sunglasses, and plenty of water. Great for outdoor photography and market visits, with fewer mosquitoes but cooler evenings.
Warm temperatures begin to rise; landscapes begin to take on a greener tint as early rains approach.
Afternoons bring regular showers and higher humidity; mud and slick roads can occur, so wear sturdy footwear and bring a light rain jacket. Lush scenery and active rivers make for vivid photography but plan logistics with weather in mind.
Fields are prepared for harvest; animal and bird activity increases around water sources; the air can be humid with occasional heavy downpours.
Navrongo at Night
Hiking in Navrongo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Rugged hill terrain north of Navrongo offering a scenic hike with savannah views and a sense of isolation in a semi-arid landscape.
Gentle to moderate trails near traditional villages, suitable for cultural stops and photography along the way.
Airports
How to reach Navrongo by plane.
A regional hub offering domestic and some international connections; typically accessed by road via longer drives or intercity bus routes.
Smaller regional airport serving limited domestic flights; useful for planning quick trips within the region when available.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Major ethnic groups in the area with rich traditions, crafts, and languages; strong community ties and cultural celebrations.
Occasional traders and visitors from other parts of Ghana and neighboring countries contributing to town life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local matches and informal games are common in towns and villages.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Navrongo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes are naturally plant-based (beans, millet, corn, leafy greens). Request plant-based sauces and avoid meat stocks; rely on Red Red and Konkonte with vegetable sauces as reliable options.