Tongo Hills

About this place

The Tongo Hills are a granite range south of the town of Tongo on Ghana's northern plains. With dramatic rock formations and deep spiritual significance, including the holy Tengzug shrines, they are among the best-known sights in the region, close to the city of Bolgatanga. Tongo is a small town and capital of Talensi-Nabdam District, known for the Tengzug shrine and its sowing and harvest festivals. It is also known for the Whistling Rocks, granite outcrops that sources say make a strange whistling sound in November and December. Groups of young people hike the hills each year, entering caves and climbing the peaks among the rocks. You see huge rounded granite boulders balanced on one another, among green trees in the rainy season and yellow grass in the dry months. From the top the wide plain stretches out with its colours and small villages, and the shrine and caves appear among the rocks. It is a fine place for photographs in the morning or shortly before sunset, when the stone warms in colour. The hills lie about 13.1 km from Bolgatanga in a straight line. This is a sacred site for local people, so take a local guide, ask before taking photographs and follow the rules for visiting the shrine, which may include special dress. The rocks are slippery and sharp, so wear sturdy shoes. Check the security situation in the Upper East Region before travelling, as travel advice names Bawku Municipality specifically, and stay away from it.