The Northern part of Ghana offers unique tourist attractions that would get you thrilled and the Paga Crocodile Pond is no exception in terms of nature tours.
Also known as the Zenga Crocodile Pond, the Paga Crocodile Pond can be located at Paga in the Upper East region Ghana. The Paga Crocodile pool is a sacred pool where protected crocodiles can be seen, touched and fed. At the Paga, tourists enjoy crocodile riding at the back of these wild but friendly crocodiles to the extent of lifting their tails.
History of Paga Crocodile
Paga has been a trade center for centuries it is located near the Burkina Faso border and serves as a gateway to the Gulf of Guinea from points north. In the mid1800s, slave traders used the same route to transport their captives.
Today, Paga offers tourists an opportunity to see a remarkably well preserved outdoor slave camp, as well as a sacred pool, where protected crocodiles can be seen, touched and fed. Visitors can also enjoy a village tour and arrange evening drumming and dancing by a local cultural troop. A guided tour of the chief’s compound is a particularly fascinating experience.
The Pikworo Slave Camp in Paga was created as a holding place for slaves brought down from the north until they were forced to continue their trek 150 km south to the slave market at Salaga and then on to the coast for shipment.
The legend of Paga Crocodile Pond’s crocodiles dates back 600 years to a time when one of the animals is said to have led a young man to safety. As a result, the animals are considered to be totems for local residents.
Top things to do at Paga Crocodile Pond
Stop at the summer hut near the sacred pond to arrange your tours. Then explore the banks of the sacred pool with a guide, who will call one of the animals to the shore and offer you a chance to touch or even sit on the crocodile. For an extra fee (and not for the squeamish) you can see a crocodile being fed live prey. Time: 1 hour. Difficulty: 1
Tour the fascinating, but chilling Pikworo Slave Camp to see the feeding bowls for captives carved into the soft rock, the punishment rock, the lookout post and the slave graveyard. The site also features sweeping views of the surrounding lands. Time: 1.5 hours. Difficulty: 2
Discover how the residents of Paga spend a typical day on a guided village tour. You will see people at work, food being prepared and local landmarks. Time: 1.5 hours. Difficulty: 1
Guest can also experience drumming and dancing by a local cultural troop in an evening performance. This activity must be arranged in advance.
When to Visit Paga Crocodile Pond
The best period or time that tourists can visit the Paga Crocodile Pond to see the greatest number of crocodiles at are early in the morning and during the dry season (November- April) where both the sacred pool and slave camp are coolest early in the morning and in the rainy season.
Where to stay near Paga
Guests can have access to accommodations in Paga like hotels, guest houses and homestays as they enjoy traditional or local food and drinks. There is camping available for those who wish to spend some time in the habitat.
Getting there
Getting to the destination is about an 18km drive northwest from Bolgatanga to Navrongo. Turn right at the junction near the prison and continue 9 km to the signs for the site on the main road. Turn right down a rough dirt track toward the sacred pond. For public transport, take a taxi from the main transport station in Bolgatanga (behind SG Bank).
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