Tamale is the capital of Ghana’s Northern Region and its 3rd largest city. You can bet there’s a lot of cool stuff to do here.
All of these things are within Tamale itself. You could easily fit 2-3 of them in a single day – with the help of a guide. My friend Abdullah is an awesome guide.
Abdullah on WhatsApp: +233 240 519 181
Check out Abdullah’s Website: https://garibatours.wordpress.com
Tamale, Ghana is far more awesome than most people realize.
Tamale is often overlooked by travelers as a mere stopover en route to Mole National Park, but it has much to offer for those who take the time to explore it.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the best things to do in Tamale, Ghana. From women-run Shea Butter Factories to contemporary art studios, artisan workshops, and unique cultural encounters, Tamale has something for everyone.
#9 – Discover the Shea Butter Factory
Embark on a fascinating excursion to uncover the hidden gems of Tamale’s Shea Butter industry by visiting the Shea Butter Factory. This unique establishment is not only a place of production but also a symbol of empowerment for the local women who run it. At the factory, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the entire process involved in creating Shea Butter, from the delicate task of nut picking to the intricate powder-making techniques.
As you delve into the world of Shea Butter production, you’ll discover the integral role it plays in the lives of the women involved. Gain insights into how this industry empowers them economically and socially, providing them with a means to support themselves and their families. The women at the factory take great pride in their work, and their dedication and skill are evident in every step of the process.
A tour of the Shea Butter Factory offers a captivating firsthand experience of witnessing the incredible work done by these talented individuals. Marvel at their expertise as they transform raw Shea nuts into the rich and nourishing Shea Butter. Observe the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into each batch, resulting in a high-quality product renowned for its numerous benefits.
Not only will you leave with a deeper understanding of the Shea Butter industry, but you’ll also gain a newfound appreciation for the women who dedicate their lives to this craft. By supporting the Shea Butter Factory and its artisans, you contribute to the empowerment of these remarkable women and the sustainable development of their community.
#8 – Visit Red Clay, an artistic haven created by Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama
Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Red Clay, a captivating artistic haven brought to life by the visionary Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama. A visit to Red Clay offers a unique opportunity to delve into Mahama’s remarkable installations and recycled objects, which showcase his ingenious use of old materials and his profound connection to the environment.
As you step into the realm of Red Clay, you’ll be immediately struck by the awe-inspiring transformation of discarded objects into breathtaking works of art. Mahama’s artistry breathes new life into forgotten fragments of the past, as he skillfully repurposes materials such as WWII stretchers, and old shoeshine boxes, to create captivating sculptures and installations.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Red Clay is the utilization of old airplanes and train cars, which are being ingeniously transformed into art classrooms. These repurposed structures provide a unique setting for artistic expression and serve as a testament to Mahama’s commitment to sustainability and community engagement. They not only showcase his artistic prowess but also serve as a platform for nurturing the creative spirit of aspiring artists.
Exploring Red Clay is a journey of discovery and inspiration, as you immerse yourself in the immersive environment that Mahama has meticulously crafted. From large-scale installations that envelop the space to smaller, intricately detailed sculptures, each piece tells a story and invites contemplation.
As you marvel at the fusion of art and recycled materials, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Mahama’s artistic vision and his exploration of themes such as identity, history, and social commentary. Red Clay is a testament to the power of art to transform the mundane into the extraordinary and to create a dialogue between the past, present, and future.
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Red Clay, where Ibrahim Mahama’s artistic brilliance and commitment to sustainability converge to create a truly unforgettable experience.
#7 – Explore Artisan Workshops
Set off on a unique and often rustic journey of artistic exploration as you delve into the vibrant world of artisan workshops. These workshops offer a unique opportunity to witness the creative process firsthand and interact with local artists, transcending language barriers and connecting through the universal language of art. Immerse yourself in the heart of village life and experience the artists at work in their natural environments, gaining insights into their techniques, traditions, and cultural significance.
Labi the Potter
One captivating workshop to visit is Labi the Potter’s, where you can witness the pottery-making process from start to finish. Labi utilizes simple tools and the dexterity of her hands to shape clay into exquisite pots, both small and large. Learn about the artistry and technique involved in creating these vessels, and gain an appreciation for the traditional firing method employed by potters in Tamale, infusing each piece with a distinct charm.
Katumi’s Quilts
At Katumi’s Quilts, you’ll have the privilege of meeting a skilled quilt maker and observing her meticulous stitching process. Marvel at the intricate designs and vibrant colors as Katumi brings together diverse fabrics, each with its own story and history. Discover the significance of fabric selection and how Katumi repurposes materials sourced from local tailors, giving new life to discarded textiles. As you engage with Katumi, you might even hear an amusing tale of a chicken chase during a particularly memorable quilting session.
Leather Works
Another workshop not to be missed is the Leather Works, where you can learn about the art of natural leather-making. Gain insights into the meticulous process, from soaking hides to dyeing them using natural mixtures, all while embracing a sustainable approach that maximizes the use of every part of the animal and avoids harmful chemicals. Appreciate the impeccable craftsmanship and the remarkable quality of the finished leather products that emerge from the skilled hands of these artisans.
Exploring these diverse artisan workshops is an enriching experience that offers a glimpse into the world of creativity, tradition, and cultural heritage. From pottery to quilting to leather-making, each workshop presents a unique opportunity to witness the dedication, passion, and skill of local artists, forging a deep appreciation for their craft and the stories woven into their artistry.
#6 – Batik Class: Unleash Your Creativity
Unleash your creativity and immerse yourself in the captivating art of batik by participating in a batik class with Sikena, the batik Master of Tamale. This hands-on experience allows you to become the artist and create your own personalized fabric masterpiece. With a wide array of patterns, colors, and designs at your disposal, you have the freedom to let your imagination run wild and bring your artistic vision to life.
Under the Sikena’s guidance , you’ll learn the traditional techniques of batik, including the process of applying hot wax to fabric and using dyes to achieve vibrant colors and intricate patterns. With each stamp and drizzle of wax, you’ll witness your fabric transform, taking on a unique personality that reflects your creative expression.
As you experiment with different patterns and colors, you’ll discover the joy of exploring various techniques, from delicate motifs to bold and abstract designs. The batik class provides a nurturing environment for you to refine your skills and gain confidence in your artistic abilities.
Once you’ve completed your batik masterpiece, you’ll have the opportunity to turn it into a tangible keepsake. Consider having your unique fabric transformed into a shirt, dress, or any other garment of your choice. This personalized creation will not only serve as a cherished memento of your experience but also as a wearable piece of art that tells a story.
Engaging in a batik class is not only a creative outlet but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of batik artistry. Through this experience, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the skill and craftsmanship that goes into producing traditional batik textiles. So, unleash your creativity, embrace the vibrant world of batik, and leave with a one-of-a-kind fabric that represents your artistic spirit.
#5 – Indulge in Street Food
Embark on a culinary adventure and immerse yourself in the tantalizing world of Tamale’s street food. Get ready to indulge your taste buds in the vibrant flavors and diverse offerings found in the bustling streets of this lively city. From the enticing aroma of morning porridges to the sizzling grill of savory sausages, kebabs, and roasted vegetables, Tamale’s street food scene is a feast for the senses.
Step outside your comfort zone and embrace the opportunity to try local delicacies that may initially seem unfamiliar. Let your curiosity guide you as you discover new flavors and textures that are unique to this region. Engaging with the local street food vendors provides a window into the rich culinary traditions and cultural heritage of Tamale.
For an authentic street food experience, make your way to the vibrant market area, where a cornucopia of food stalls awaits. The bustling atmosphere and colorful displays create an ambiance that is sure to stimulate your appetite. Explore the endless array of options, from deep fried tasties to skewers of succulent grilled meats.
Whether you’re craving the aromatic spices of jollof rice, the tangy flavors of kelewele (spicy fried plantains), or the comforting warmth of waakye (rice and beans), Tamale’s street food scene has something to satisfy every palate. Engage in friendly conversations with the local vendors, who are passionate about their craft and eager to share their culinary heritage with you.
Indulging in Tamale’s street food is not just about satiating your hunger but also about embracing the vibrant culture and sense of community that thrives in these bustling food hubs. So, let your taste buds guide you, be adventurous, and savor the flavors of Tamale’s street food as you embark on a gastronomic journey through the heart and soul of this vibrant city.
#4 – Experience the Chief’s Palace
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Tamale by embarking on a captivating journey to the Chief’s Palace. This unassuming, yet impressive, abode offers a unique opportunity to delve into the traditions and customs that shape the city’s identity. The Chief’s Palace serves as a window into the heart of Tamale’s cultural tapestry.
To experience the Chief’s Palace, one must familiarize themselves with the special protocols involved in securing an invitation. It all starts with a trip to the Central Market to buy an offering of Kola Nuts. But that’s just the beginning.
This exclusive access allows visitors to witness firsthand the intricate rituals and etiquettes that surround the palace. It highlights the significance and respect accorded to the Chief and his esteemed position within the community. Feel free to ask any and all questions you have. Your guide will be happy to explain everything.
Once inside, you will have the privilege of discovering the extended family and the Chief’s living quarters. The Chief’s Palace is not merely a physical structure but a symbol of heritage and lineage, serving as the seat of power and authority. Exploring the palace offers a glimpse into the familial relationships, hierarchies, and traditions that have shaped Tamale over generations.
As you navigate through the palace, knowledgeable guides will enlighten you about the historical and cultural significance of this revered institution. They will share captivating stories and anecdotes, bringing to life the legacy and role of the Chief in Tamale’s social fabric. From the intricate architectural details to the symbolic artifacts adorning the palace, each element holds a deeper meaning and reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Visiting the Chief’s Palace is an enriching experience that allows you to connect with Tamale’s past and gain a deeper understanding of its present. It is an opportunity to witness the embodiment of tradition and authority while immersing yourself in the vibrant tapestry of the city’s cultural identity.
#3 – Yellow-Yellow Rides
Discover the charm of Tamale’s iconic yellow-yellow rides, a popular and unique mode of transportation in the city. Jump aboard these semi-open tricycles, painted in many colors – despite their name, and embark on a delightful journey through the bustling streets.
One of the greatest advantages of choosing a yellow-yellow ride is its affordability and convenience. These tricycles (generically, tuk-tuks) provide an accessible transportation option for locals and visitors alike, allowing you to navigate the city without breaking the bank. Whether you’re headed to a market, a historical site, or a cultural attraction, yellow-yellows offer a cost-effective solution that fits within your travel budget.
Beyond the practicality, yellow-yellow rides offer a unique opportunity to engage with the vibrant community of Tamale. As you share the tuk-tuk with other passengers, you may find yourself striking up conversations and exchanging stories with fellow travelers. It’s a chance to connect with locals, gain insights into their lives, and perhaps even receive insider tips about hidden gems in the city.
The open-air design of yellow-yellows adds to the immersive experience, allowing you to soak in the sights, sounds, and aromas of Tamale as you traverse the streets. Feel the warm breeze against your face as you pass by colorful market stalls, bustling shops, and lively street vendors. Embrace the lively atmosphere and embrace the spirit of exploration that comes with every yellow-yellow ride.
Whether you’re a solo adventurer seeking to uncover the hidden gems of Tamale or a curious traveler eager to immerse yourself in the local culture, hopping on a yellow-yellow is a must-do experience. Enjoy the affordability, convenience, and the potential for memorable encounters as you traverse the vibrant streets of Tamale in these charming tricycles.
#2 – Central Market: A Vibrant Shopping Experience
No visit to Tamale, Ghana is complete without exploring the bustling Central Market. This vibrant marketplace is a treasure trove of sights, sounds, and flavors. As you step into the market, you’ll be greeted by a maze of narrow alleys filled with colorful stalls and enthusiastic vendors.
What’s great about Tamale’s Central Market is that you can dive deep into the center, or skirt along the outside. There’s plenty to see either way.
The Central Market is a hub of activity where locals gather to buy and sell a wide variety of goods. From fresh produce and spices to vibrant fabrics, handmade crafts, and traditional clothing, you’ll find a plethora of items to pique your interest. Take your time to browse through the stalls, engage with friendly merchants, and immerse yourself in the local culture.
In addition to shopping, the market is an excellent place to sample authentic Ghanaian street food. Indulge your taste buds with delicious local delicacies like waakye (rice and beans), kelewele (spicy fried plantains), and grilled meat skewers. The aromatic flavors and vibrant atmosphere of the Central Market make it an unforgettable experience for all visitors.
#1 – National Cultural Center: Discover Ghana’s Rich Heritage
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Ghana by visiting the National Cultural Center in Tamale. This complex is a testament to the country’s diverse traditions and artistic expressions. It serves as a hub for cultural activities and performances, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a deeper understanding of Ghana’s cultural identity.
As you explore the National Cultural Center, you’ll encounter a myriad of captivating shops that showcase the country’s traditional arts and crafts. Admire intricate wood carvings, vibrant textiles, ceremonial masks, and beautifully crafted pottery. Each piece reflects the skill, creativity, and cultural significance of Ghana’s artisans.
The center also hosts captivating performances that highlight various aspects of Ghanaian culture, including traditional music, drum and dance. These vibrant displays provide a captivating glimpse into the rich traditions of the Ghanaian people.
If you’re lucky enough to be there when the Tahma Cultural Troupe is performing, don’t hesitate to approach the instructors after the show to ask about the nature and meaning of the dance they performed that day. They’ll be happy to discuss it with you.
Whether you have a passion for art, music, or history, the National Cultural Center offers a captivating experience that celebrates the diversity and cultural heritage of Ghana. Plan your visit and prepare to be immersed in the vibrant tapestry of Ghanaian culture.
Make Time for Tamale
Tamale, Ghana, is a city brimming with hidden treasures waiting to be explored. From the Shea Butter Factory to the Chief’s Palace, each experience provides a unique insight into the local culture and traditions. So, when passing through Tamale, take the time to immerse yourself in the city’s rich heritage and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Video Transcript
Tamale, Ghana is one of those cities that a lot of travelers use as they pass through. They come in through the airport usually and then they are on their way to Mole National Park and they pass right through it. And a lot of times they barely stop and see it ever at all. Well, the truth is there is a lot here to see. Even if you just leave a few hours or a half day or an extra day or two in this city, you won’t be disappointed.
There is plenty to do and all it takes is a little planning. Everything I’m gonna show you I’ve gone and done with the help of my friend Abdullah, who is also a tour guide. I will definitely put Abdullah’s contact information in the description.
So it’s time to start our list. These are the best things to do in Tamale, Ghana.
Coming in at number nine is visiting the Shea Butter Factory. And it’s not a factory per se, except in that it’s all human run. And I should say all women run. Shea butter is a big industry here. It’s used for everything from traditional medicine to cosmetics.
And the women here they go, they pick the nuts, they bring them back, they crush them, they dry them and they pulverized them into a powder and then they mix them back into a concentrate. And there’s all these things they do and they do a wonderful job.
They were a little shy about being on camera, but they will be happy to give you a tour and show you how they work. It’s one of those industries that really empowers women here and it’s a great insight into women owned businesses.
Next up is Red Clay. Red Clay is the studio, gallery, and artist’s retreat created by contemporary Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama.
He is especially famous for his installation works like this piece with all of the antique shoeshine boxes, as well as his performance art. What’s really cool here is Mahama really likes to use old materials and they have meaning to him and he recycles them in ways that are very interesting. So there’s a lot of antiques around.
He’s even gone so far as to bring in old airplanes and old train cars, which he is transforming, restoring and transforming into classrooms for students to teach them art and when, what’s really cool on that is for the performance side of things, he’s creating a theater. Well in the theater, they’re gonna use the seats from the airplane in the theater so it all connects.
When a lot of people think of Africa, all they think of are the traditional arts and it’s a really nice breath of fresh air to see the works of a contemporary Ghanaian artist.
So the next item on the list is one thing with a bunch of sub things and that’s visiting Artisan Workshops.
I really enjoy meeting artists and in their workshops and finding out how they work, how they think and what their thought processes are. This is where having a guide comes in handy because pretty much most of them didn’t speak much English.
What’s really cool here too is that a lot of people are just working outta their homes and so you end up going out to their village and so you get a glimpse of village life too, just as it is. Nothing is put on, nothing is shined up or spit polished just for your visit. You get to see the place the way it really is and you get to meet the people where they really are.
Here’s a few of the artists and workshops you can visit.
So we went to see Labi the Potter. No fancy equipment, real simple. And I have to say her family and her compound were very welcoming. It was really fun to see where she lived and worked. What’s even cooler is she gets her clay from really nearby. When I asked, they said it was local and I said, how local? And she’s like, oh, it’s just over there. So I’m betting she has the, the younger people go and dig up clay for her.
And when she was working she had a shaping tool and I asked her about it and it turns out she was using a mango seed from the mango tree in her yard. Very practical. Of course, potters in general are very practical, but she built this pot in like a flash. It was like no time at all.
And she was just hand building and she did it and she was talking the whole time and it was just really enjoyable being there. And on the way out I got to see the big pots. I mean big pots. And I did ceramics in high school and college to some degree and I know you can’t do those all in one shot.
She said that those take a week to make because you’d have to build it, let the structure dry a little and then build some more. And just to know that she does that by hand just like she does the little ones is really amazing.
And like the potters in Senegal, that I have a video on, link in the description. They use a fairly simple firing method where they put the pots down and then they cover it up with combustible material, set it on fire and that gets it fired. And for as much as I did the video on the potters in Senegal, you can, if you compare the two, they’re hand building methods while technically similar, were actually really different.
Seeing Labi work in her pottery workshop was just a delight and it was a really nice visit. Definitely one of my favorite things.
We also went to see Katumi and she makes quilts. Now, they’re not the big thick super stuffed quilts that you’ll see in Europe and the US because it just doesn’t get that cold here. She can do a plain one or it can have a lining on the back, they just don’t make ’em super thick and fluffy.
But I have to tell you, Katumi’s place is the first time I have ever been chased by a chicken and I’ll tell you that in a minute.
But we went out to her house and she just sits there and she has the sewing machine, the manual sewing machine, and she’s stitching together these pieces of fabric and she said that she does choose.
She’s not just randomly putting any pieces together, she’s choosing to make sure they look good together. And what’s really cool is her materials come from the tailor. They are leftovers from the tailor, but she still picks ’em out carefully.
She doesn’t choose black-based fabrics and she chooses the patterns that she thinks will work best. I have to say I ended up getting a quilt because I needed something to cover one of my chairs. Because in the hot season a leather chair is not fun.
So I have this beautiful quilt over my chair and I had a really nice time with her and her kids. Katumi was awesome. She was a real artist in the way she designed these quilts.
Oh, the chicken story. Okay, so I was filming and as you can see the the living working area was really just kind of this L shape. And I wanted to go around the other side to see, just get a different angle of picture.
Well I went to go out and there were these little puffy chicks and I was doing everything I could not to step on them. And the one chick was doing everything it could to get under my foot.
Well, mama hen saw this and she ran at me and she, she brushed my calf. But she either saw that her chick was actually gonna be safe, or she just knew not to hurt the human.
But she was doing everything she could to protect her little chick and I don’t blame her one bit. But that is my first time being chased by a chicken <laugh> and I’m a city kid so if you’re sitting there and you’re somewhere rural and you’re just laughing your butt off, that is completely fine. I’m a city kid and there are chickens around here all the time, but that’s the first time I’ve been chased by one.
So if you’re vegan or even vegetarian, this next one might not be for you. But there is a Leather Works here. I will say that they get the hides from the butcher shop. No animals are being killed just for leather. They are using all parts of the animal.
But, what you get to see when you’re here is the whole process from when they get it, they soak it in water and ash and then they have to get the hair off and then they have to condition it more and it goes into other solutions.
All natural. This place is all natural. They do not use anything chemical.
It through goes through several processes before it’s ready to be dyed. And then they have all these different mixes, these natural mixes to dye any color you want, or their customers want. And then it gets used in furniture, not really in clothing here because, as I say, it’s hot. There’s no one walking around in leather jackets.
I was really impressed with the quality of the leather that they finished with though, it could have made a jacket. It was soft, it was well colored and it was really just top grade. If you’ve ever been curious about this process, this is the perfect place to see it because it’s a small workshop and they do a really nice little tour.
The next item on the list, I actually did a full video about. If you saw my video on Batik, that is my next best thing to do in Tamale, Ghana.
My top souvenir suggestion, my favorite thing, is to get a shirt made. Now you’ve probably seen me wear my other colorful shirts and I completely agree with that. Get a cool fabric that you like. Go to a tailor and get either a shirt, a dress, a singlet, whatever you want to wear, get a fabric you love and have something made. The tailors here are great, they don’t cost a lot and they can get things done pretty quickly.
But making batik and having a shirt I made all my own is really cool. I mean it’s still the African thing but it’s also my thing and I just really love having a shirt that I made. I’m gonna highly recommend that you do the batik class. She has all these stamps to choose from. You could alternate, you could do all one pattern, you could put spritzel, drop drip drops all over it.
It’s just fun. You can create anything you want. If you’re not looking for a piece of clothing, you can use it for curtains or a tablecloth or placemats, whatever you like. Batik fabric has a lot of uses. I just wanna say it was a really fun experience and I highly recommend it. One of the best things to do.
Another thing that’s all over Tamale that you should definitely partake in, is the Street Food. There’s street food of all kinds in the morning there’s a bunch of porridges and donuts, bofrot and sweet bad for the donuts. But beyond breakfast, come lunchtime, there’s meat skewers, egg skewers, pinkasso, some things I don’t know the name of, grilled sausage. There are snacks and food worth trying everywhere.
My suggestion is just try it. And if you don’t like the first thing, try something else. And even if it’s something you don’t normally think you like, try it again because they may make it differently here.
And even if it looks weird, give it a try. The worst that happens is you don’t like it.
So definitely, while you’re out and about and you see something, you’re feeling a little peckish, say ‘Hey, let’s try some street food’. Almost needless to say a lot of the street food is around the market area and it’s actually more on the outer edge than deep inside because that’s where you’re, they’re gonna get most traffic for people who want a quick snack. So if you’re wondering the best place to get it, just head straight to the market and you’ll definitely find something to try.
Going to the Chief’s Palace here in Tamale, Ghana is not like going to Windsor Castle. You don’t get to just walk up and buy a ticket and get a tour. Doesn’t work like that. There are special processes and procedures you must go through in order to be invited to visit the Chief’s Palace.
This is where Abdullah comes in wonderfully because he is actually part of the royal family that has the Chief’s Palace here in the center of Tamale. In addition to that, even if you wanna go out to a Chief’s Palace that’s in one of the more village areas, because every area does have its own Chief. He knows everybody there too. He can arrange it wherever you want to go, whether you wanna keep it in the city, or go rural.
For your Chief’s Palace experience, the first step to visit the Chief’s Palace is to go to the market, that wonderful Central Market that I’m gonna talk about in a minute, and buy some kola nuts. You buy a collection of kola nuts that you’re going to give to the Chief as an offering.
What I found interesting is they accepted the offering and then gave me several back. Just so you know, kola nuts are attributed a great number of medicinal qualities, but the biggest thing is they are full of caffeine and if you chew on them, it’s like chewing on…it’s like a cup of coffee.
The truth is though, they’re kind of bitter and they’re not gonna be to everyone’s taste. So you can try ’em if you want. But really just expect a a caffeine type jolt, from a kola nut.
After you get the kola nuts, Abdullah will take you to the Chief’s Palace and then they talk to one person who talks to another person and they arrange for you basically, to be received. Now the official Chief was not there the day that I went, but the, I don’t know if they were officially sub-chiefs, the people he left in charge welcomed me.
So once you are received, they will do some pictures and they will show you around and they will tell you what different things are for. And then they do things like they show you the Chief’s Stables and they show you where his wives live and where the extended family lives.
And it’s not a huge, huge place, but it is an important place. It is definitely an interesting cultural experience. Well worth your time.
The next thing on our list is one of my favorite things to do here and that is simply to ride in a yellow-yellow. This is a yellow-yellow, and this is a yellow-yellow, and this is a yellow-yellow and this is yellow-yellow. There are yellow, yellow-yellows but not all yellow-yellows are yellow.
It’s not exclusive to Tamale but there are so many yellow-yellows here that it is just easy. Grab a ride, go somewhere, have fun. These semi-open tricycles are cheap and easy to get around, easy to flag down. If you do a shared ride, you might meet someone and have a nice little conversation, or you might not.
I had a really stinky ride the other day.
This woman had this big thing of dried fish and then on top of that was another bowl with dried fish on it. She was obviously selling them, but yeah, that was honestly the stinkiest yellow-yellow ride I’d ever been on. I’d never been on a stinky one before.
And then sometimes you get into a conversation, and it’s always good to just say good afternoon or good morning to whomever is in the vehicle when you get in, or when they get in. And you don’t have to do a shared ride, you can do a private ride. If there’s two or three of you, you’re gonna end up with a private ride.
But it’s all good. The combination of open but semi-covered and comfortable makes yellow yellows a a great ride around town and they’re pretty much how everyone gets around. If you don’t have a vehicle and you need to go into or out of town, you just grab a yellow-yellow, they’re all over the place and as I say, they’re a fun ride.
So while you’re here, even if you’re on a tour, even if you have a private driver, make it a point to just take a yellow-yellow somewhere.
I’ll tell you a little secret, if you’re a coffee lover, pretty much this place runs on Nescafe. So this is a perfect combination with the yellow-yellow ride is, there are two places in town that I know of so far that serve real coffee and real espresso and that is Wooden on one end of town and Chez Mary on the other. So whichever one you wanna go to, I say take the one that is the longer yellow-yellow ride away from you, just for the fun, and it’s a great way to tour the town and you’ll end up driving through the market area, which is a great way to get a feel for it without necessarily having to be in the thick of it.
Just take a yellow-yellow ride, you won’t regret it. It’s all sorts of fun. You gotta do it while you’re here.
So finally, let’s talk about the Central Market. The Central Market in Tamale is really cool. It does just sprawl out from the center. It is the center of town.
But what’s really cool is, I know not everyone likes to dive into the center of a market. Some people get a little claustrophobic, or you just don’t like being in crowds. You can either go early and avoid the crowd or you can stay on the outside edge. And that’s what’s the cool part. If you love diving in and you like being in the center of a market, the center is there and it is interesting and it’s got all sorts of cool stuff going on, that’s where you’ll find the little enclaves and workshops. But as I mentioned, there’s also a lot of outside, there’s a lot of surface area to the market.
So it’s really easy to wander around the market without having to go deep inside, if that’s not your thing.
So you can enjoy it no matter what level of involvement you like or don’t like with your market.
And if you do go in deep, and let’s say you’re getting just maybe just tired or you’re just like, okay, I need to get out, I need to step away, you’re never too far from a way out of the center. Because I know sometimes I get in the center of the market and I start looking here, looking there. Next thing you know, I am thirsty, I am hungry, I am tired and I just wanna get to where I’m going.
But know that it’ll be easy. You’re not gonna have to spend half an hour finding your way out of the market.
I will mention that this is in an entirely local market.
You are not gonna find touristy stuff, you’re not gonna find tchotchke and cheesy souvenirs and that sort of thing. The one thing that is really cool to find in this market, even as a tourist is as I said, I always recommend buying some fabric to have a garment made. Whatever you want to wear, there are a number of fabric shops within the market that are just great to look through. I mean they’ll have dozens and dozens, if not hundreds, of fabrics to choose from. So that’s one of the best tourist things in the market.
The rest is to just see the place for the way it really is. That’s one of the wonderful things about going into a market is it tells you so much about the people there. Even if you just have a little bit of time, make some time to go check out the Central Market and see what they have to offer.
The number one thing to do when you come to Tamale, Ghana, if you make no extra time for anything else, stop at the National Cultural Center. Trust me on this. I did a whole big video on it. I will link that in the description. But you definitely wanna come to the Cultural Center.
In some ways it might look like just a bunch of souvenir shops, but it’s not. All of the things in the Cultural Center are handmade by local people. Some do come from neighboring countries and you can ask what comes from Ghana, what comes from Nigeria, what comes from Burkina Faso. They’ll be happy to tell you. They’ll also be happy to tell you if there’s stories behind the item, or where it’s made, or by what tribe it’s made. And it’s really interesting to hear the stories and to start to learn a little bit about the place that they come from and the people that make it.
So definitely stop in at the National Cultural Center and don’t treat it just like a tourist souvenir spot.
Talk to the shopkeepers, ask them questions. They are very nice and friendly and they will be happy to talk to you. Just check out the video I made and you’ll see what I mean.
And if you’re lucky, you’ll be there on a day when the Tahma Cultural Troupe is performing.
This is a group of young people who do both traditional and contemporary dances of their own making, which is really cool. They combine modern and traditional when they do their own and they are really wonderful. They have such energy and they are so good.
Depending on the time of year they start anywhere from 4:30-5:00pm is about when you want to arrive.
If you’re at the Cultural Center earlier in the day, ask about it and they’ll try and find out if they’re gonna be performing that day or not, whether you need to come back when it’s the right time.
If you make time for nothing else, go to the National Cultural Center. You will not be disappointed. There are very cool goings on there.
So that’s the list. If you’re visiting Tamale, Ghana on your way to Mole National Park, try to arrange a few extra days so you can stop and see some of the cool stuff that goes on here because it is really a fun place to be. It’s the capital of the Northern Region and is definitely worth your time.
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