National park · Ghana
Tongo Hills
Enter Tongo Hills for a short cultural hike: walk to the Tengzug Shrine (≈1 km (0.6 mi), 30 min) for free, or explore the Old School rocks and Hiding Cave (≈2 km (1.2 mi), 1 h) – start early in the dry season and respect sacred sites.Enter Tongo Hills for a short cultural hike: walk to the Tengzug Shrine (≈0.6 mi (1 km), 30 min) for free, or explore the Old School rocks and Hiding Cave (≈1.2 mi (2 km), 1 h) – start early in the dry season and respect sacred sites.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
More
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
5 km² (2 sq mi)2 sq mi (5 km²)
approximate
Established
2020
Best months
—
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 10Nine African countries on this site have no trip line bec…Carry an original yellow fever vaccination certificate on…
- Africa ↗When a route touches a yellow-fever country — even a transit of 12 hours or more — keep the original yellow card (ICVP) in your hand luggage; health desks and airlines can refuse boarding or entry without it.
- Africa ↗Nine African countries on this site have no trip line because governments advise against travel; several others have no-go regions. Read your government's advice for every country on the route before paying deposits.
- West Africa ↗Carry an original yellow fever vaccination certificate on any West African trip: several countries on the coast road demand it of every arrival, and the rest demand it after you have passed through a neighbour.
- West Africa ↗Cross land borders and drive between cities in daylight only; plan each crossing as a full travel day with cash for fees and passport copies for checkpoints.
- Ghana ↗Check visa and entry rules for your passport with the Ghana Immigration Service or a Ghanaian mission before booking; many nationalities need a visa in advance.
- Ghana ↗Check the yellow-fever vaccination certificate rules for Ghana before you fly; carry the certificate with your passport if you have one.
- Ghana ↗Do not photograph police, military sites, airports or the presidential buildings.
- Ghanaian Northern Plains ↗Drive only in daylight. Unlit trucks, potholes and livestock on the road make night driving risky.
- Ghanaian Northern Plains ↗Carry cash. Cards work in Tamale and some Bolgatanga hotels; ATMs are scarce and unreliable outside the cities.
- Ghanaian Northern Plains ↗Some communities and the Sirigu painted houses ask a small entry or guide fee; agree the amount before you start.
At a glance
- Country
- Ghana
- Area
- 5 km² (2 sq mi)2 sq mi (5 km²)
- Approx. 5 km² (check).
- Established
- 2020
- Best months
- —
- Permits
- Not needed
The Tongo Hills are a compact granite landscape near Tongo in Ghana's Upper East Region, featuring caves, rock formations and sacred Talensi shrines.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 2020.
Size and age
5 km² (2 sq mi)2 sq mi (5 km²) · national park since 2020
Approx. 5 km² (check).
Why go
- Granite outcrops and caves give striking scenery.
- Sacred shrines let you see Talensi cultural practices.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarGo
- AprCaution
- MayCaution
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctGo
- NovGo
- DecGo
- JanDry, cooler mornings
- FebDry, good walking conditions
- MarEnd of dry season, still clear
- AprStart of rains, some paths muddy
- MayRainy, trails slippery
- JunRainy, humid
- JulRainy, possible floods
- AugRainy, Harmattan dust
- SepRainy, still humid
- OctDrying, clear skies
- NovDry, pleasant
- DecDry, cool evenings
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Savanna birdsOct–Mar | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Bolgatanga
Car or bus 20 km (12 mi) southeast; last km by tricycle or taxi.Car or bus 12 mi (20 km) southeast; last km by tricycle or taxi.
30–45 min
From Tamale
Bus to Bolgatanga then transfer as above.
3–4 h
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Hills core | Granite outcrops, caves, shrines. | Open; walking on foot. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates approximate; based on map centre of the hill area.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrance | Free | person | Free entry (check with local authorities). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Entry permit no permit
Park rules
- Sacred sites
- Do not climb on shrines or take photos where prohibited.
- Litter
- Carry out all rubbish.
- Drones
- Not allowed near sacred areas.
Where to stay
Near the park
Bolgatanga hotels
Budget to mid‑range rooms, 20 km (12 mi) north of the hills.Budget to mid‑range rooms, 12 mi (20 km) north of the hills.
Safety
Heat and sun medium
Loose rocks low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Main paths are on foot; not wheelchair accessible.
Visiting lightly
- Support local guides who respect cultural sites.
- Avoid buying souvenirs that exploit sacred objects.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Tongo Hills?
Entrance is free; no ticket is required (check locally).
What are the best hikes in Tongo Hills?
The short walk to Tengzug Shrine (≈1 km) and the loop covering Old School rocks and Hiding Cave (≈2 km) are the most visited routes.
When is the best time to visit Tongo Hills?
The dry season, November to February, offers clear skies and cooler temperatures; the short rainy season (April–May) can make paths slippery.
Are there any restrictions on photography?
Photography is allowed except at sacred shrines where locals may ask you to refrain.
Do I need a guide?
A guide is not required for the short walks, but local guides can explain cultural significance and ensure respect for sacred sites.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Sources
Ask about Tongo Hills
Loading…
Was this useful?