Tamale
- Country: Ghana
- Region: Northern Region
- District: Tamale Metropolitan District
- Total area: 750 km²
Tamale is the capital city of the Northern Region of Ghana and the third largest city in the country. It is located 600km north of Accra, the national capital. Tamale is the fastest-growing city in West Africa and a major commercial, political and cultural centre of the region.
Location and Climate
Tamale is situated on the crossing of three ancient trade routes that connected different parts of West Africa. It is also close to the Mole National Park, the largest wildlife reserve in Ghana, where you can see elephants, buffaloes, leopards and many other animals.
Tamale has a tropical savanna climate with two seasons: a dry season from November to March and a wet season from April to October. The average temperature is around 28°C (82°F) and the rainfall is about 1,100mm (43 in) per year.
What is Tamale known for?
Tamale is known for its rich and diverse culture, which reflects the influence of various ethnic groups that live in the city, such as the Dagomba, Gonja, Mamprusi and Nanumba.
Tamale is predominantly Muslim and has many mosques, such as the Central Mosque, the Afa Ajura Mosque and the Ahmadiyyah Muslim Mission Mosque.
Tamale is also popular for its vibrant music scene, featuring artistes like Fancy Gadam, Maccasio, Diva One, and Don Sigli, who blend Afropop and hiplife with local styles and languages.
The city hosts festivals like Damba Festival, celebrating the birth of Prophet Muhammad, and Bugum Festival, marking the start of the dry season with bonfires and processions.
Safety and Security
Tamale is generally considered a safe city to visit, as it has a low crime rate and a friendly atmosphere. However, like any other place, one should take some precautions, such as avoiding walking alone at night, keeping their valuables secure, and being aware of their surroundings. It is also advisable to respect the local customs and dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas.
Restaurants
Tamale has a variety of restaurants that offer local and international cuisines. At places like Mba Yahaya's Grilled Guinea Fowl, Fatawu Bicycles or Zosimli Lodge, you can enjoy dishes such as:
- Waakye (rice and beans)
- Tuo zaafi (maize porridge)
- Fufu (cassava and plantain dough)
- Guinea fowl.
- At bars like Giddipas or The Pub, you can also try some exotic drinks such as:
- Toose (millet or maize brew)
- Lamujee (ginger drink)
- Pito (sorghum beer).
Tamale also offers more familiar food like Pizza, Burgers, Sandwiches and Salads at places like Swad Fast Food, Pizza Hut or KFC.
Beautiful places in Tamale
Tamale has many beautiful places to see and explore, both within and outside the city. Some of them are:
- Kukuo Pottery Village: a village where local women craft pottery with clay and fire.
- National Culture Centre: A place to discover Tamale's history and culture through traditional arts, music, dance exhibits, and workshops.
- Dakpema Palace: the vintage mud-brick palace of the city's king, complete with roaming goats and chickens.
- Aliu Mahama Sports Stadium: a modern stadium hosting football matches and concerts, named after the late vice president.
- Mole National Park: a must-see attraction for nature enthusiasts visiting Tamale. The park comprises a savanna and forest habitat, serving as a home to 94 mammal species, over 300 bird species, nine amphibian species, and 33 reptile species. Visitors can enjoy safari tours, hiking, camping, or canoeing to observe wildlife up close.
