The Gambaga Escarpment, located in Ghana’s newly constituted North East region, is one of the country’s longest and largest plateaus. The plateau runs across a number of towns in the northern part of the North East region, stretching from the Walewale township to Tusugu, the northern border town between Ghana and Togo.
The plateau stretches for 100 kilometers and reaches a height of roughly 300 meters above sea level, making it one of the most fascinating destinations for tourists to go hiking.
The scarp is primarily made up of fine-grained sandstone layers, with magnificent green vegetation covering the top, especially in Gingana, Naamoori, and Nakpanduri (three of the towns the plateau runs through)
What is the Gambaga Escarpment?
The Gambaga Escarpment runs along the northern edge of the Volta River basin and the eastern edge of the Wa and Mamprusi granite plateaus.
A narrow plateau is to the south, followed by a gentle drop to the surrounding countryside. The Gambaga’s high erosional scarps reveal a sandstone composition that is almost horizontal. The temperature is reasonably cold and damp due to the height (1,000–1,500 feet [300–460 m]), allowing for the production of grains and yams as well as stock raising.
Gambaga, a former cotton-picking center that is now a popular hill station, is the plateau’s only significant settlement. The scarp’s main significant road connects Gambaga to Walewale, and then to Kumasi.
Gambaga Escarpment Hiking Points
Nakpanduri is currently the best hiking spot along the escarpment, owing to the accessible aspect of that section of the scarp as well as the fact that it is among the highest points. Tourists may see practically the entire town of Nakpaduri, as well as adjacent towns, after they reach the top of the Nakpanduri part. Tourists looking for a good vantage point to climb to the top of the scarp will be drawn to the magnificent green foliage above the cliff.
Aside from the approachable nature and gorgeous greenery of the Nakpanduri escarpment, there are a number of additional distinctive characteristics along the journey to the top of the scarp. The most remarkable of these are an umbrella-shaped rock and a couple of caverns thought to have been prehistoric people’s homes.
Gambaga Escarpment Wildlife
Wildlife used to live in the plains surrounding the escarpment, and tourists could readily see them from atop the plateau, but that is no longer the case. Animals such as elephants and deer that used to live in the forest have been pushed away by human activities such as hunting and other things. Monkeys and baboons are the only animals surviving in the forest today, and even they are in short supply; as a result, seeing them when trekking or touring the plateau is extremely rare.
While hiking, tourists are likely to come across some smaller fauna, such as different species of wild lizards and other uncommon insects.
Ghana Travel Restrictions
Ghana is open to most travelers again. I mean travelers from all over the world. However, you do need proof of your COVID-19 vaccination(s) or a negative test result before being allowed entry.
Many hotels, attractions, and private tours are open with new health & safety protocols in place, and you still have to follow certain guidelines. They are all good for our safety.
Read the ultimate travel guide to Ghana to help you plan your trip.