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Bolgatanga

Ghana · City · GHS · 10.783330, -0.850000
Family friendly 6.7/10 · Rank 1024 of 2 709
Best season: November-April

Best for

Culture and craft lovers, budget travellers

Best season

November-April

Daily budget
$50.00 (≈ 4 500 ₽ · ≈ 750 GHS)
For 7 days
$350.00 (≈ 31 500 ₽ · ≈ 5 250 GHS)
Bolgatanga, known as Bolga, is the capital of the Upper East Region and a center of craft production in northern Ghana. The city is famous for its colorful markets where you can buy famous woven baskets and leather goods, and serves as a gateway to the cultural villages of the FraFra and Kassena peoples. Bolgatanga is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of northern Ghana and discover traditional crafts.
Summer
42.0°C
Winter
16.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

slow

Local character

Friendly, hospitable, hardworking

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Famous basket market
  • Affordable prices
  • Authentic atmosphere

Cons

  • No sea or beaches
  • Very hot climate
  • Limited infrastructure
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
29.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
35.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
42.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
26.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
35.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
16.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
May-October
Attractions

Bolgatanga Market

Lively market with traditional baskets, fabrics and crafts

Bolgatanga Museum

Local history museum with collections on the region's history and culture

Sacred Heart Cathedral

Catholic cathedral in the town centre

Best areas

City Centre

Compact centre with market, museum and main attractions

Must-try food

Fufu with Peanut Soup

Traditional Ghanaian dish of pounded yam with peanut soup

Banku and Tilapia

Traditional dish of corn dough with fried tilapia

Red-Red

Fried bananas with beans and spices, popular street food

Where to go next

Navrongo

Town with market and historic attractions, 1 hour by car

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
low
Getting there
Nearest airports
Kotoka International Airport (ACC).
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Visa
Visa requirements
required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
November-April
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$15.00
≈ 1 350 ₽ · ≈ 225 GHS
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$40.00
≈ 3 600 ₽ · ≈ 600 GHS
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$70.00
≈ 6 300 ₽ · ≈ 1 050 GHS
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$120.00
≈ 10 800 ₽ · ≈ 1 800 GHS
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$150.00
≈ 13 500 ₽ · ≈ 2 250 GHS
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$50.00
≈ 4 500 ₽ · ≈ 750 GHS
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$3.00
≈ 270 ₽ · ≈ 45 GHS
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$5.00
≈ 450 ₽ · ≈ 75 GHS
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.50
≈ 225 ₽ · ≈ 38 GHS
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.00
≈ 180 ₽ · ≈ 30 GHS
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$1.00
≈ 90 ₽ · ≈ 15 GHS
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$7.00
≈ 630 ₽ · ≈ 105 GHS
Burger
Average price for a burger
$6.00
≈ 540 ₽ · ≈ 90 GHS
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$3.00
≈ 270 ₽ · ≈ 45 GHS
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$5.00
≈ 450 ₽ · ≈ 75 GHS
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$25.00
≈ 2 250 ₽ · ≈ 375 GHS
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$0.50
≈ 45 ₽ · ≈ 8 GHS
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$4.00
≈ 360 ₽ · ≈ 60 GHS
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$40.00
≈ 3 600 ₽ · ≈ 600 GHS
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$8.00
≈ 720 ₽ · ≈ 120 GHS
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$20.00
≈ 1 800 ₽ · ≈ 300 GHS
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$25.00
≈ 2 250 ₽ · ≈ 375 GHS
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
—
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$40.00
≈ 3 600 ₽ · ≈ 600 GHS
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$10.00
≈ 900 ₽ · ≈ 150 GHS
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$5.00
≈ 450 ₽ · ≈ 75 GHS
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Frequently asked questions
Bolgatanga: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is November-April. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Bolgatanga: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +42.0°C, during the day — up to +35.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Bolgatanga: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +16.0°C, during the day — up to +35.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Bolgatanga: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on May-October. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Bolgatanga: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $50.00 (≈ 4 500 ₽ · ≈ 750 GHS) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Bolgatanga: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $15.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $40.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $70.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $120.00 per night, an apartment — $50.00 per night, a villa — $150.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Bolgatanga: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $3.00, dinner at a restaurant — $5.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.50, a 0.5L beer — $2.00, a 1.5L bottle of water — $1.00. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Bolgatanga: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $25.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.50, a short taxi ride — $4.00, car rental — $40.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Bolgatanga: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Bolgatanga Market — Lively market with traditional baskets, fabrics and crafts; Bolgatanga Museum — Local history museum with collections on the region's history and culture; Sacred Heart Cathedral — Catholic cathedral in the town centre. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Bolgatanga: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Fufu with Peanut Soup — Traditional Ghanaian dish of pounded yam with peanut soup; Banku and Tilapia — Traditional dish of corn dough with fried tilapia; Red-Red — Fried bananas with beans and spices, popular street food. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Bolgatanga: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: City Centre — Compact centre with market, museum and main attractions. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Bolgatanga: is a visa required?
Visa: required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Bolgatanga: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Kotoka International Airport (code ACC). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $25.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Bolgatanga: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — GHS. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $50.00 (≈ 4 500 ₽ · ≈ 750 GHS). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Bolgatanga: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Bolgatanga: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as low. There is not much nightlife, but the basics are available.
Bolgatanga: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Navrongo — Town with market and historic attractions, 1 hour by car. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

6.7/10
Overall rank: 1024 of 2 709
Rank among cities: 317

Best season

November-April

Useful information

Currency: GHS
Coordinates: 10.783330, -0.850000