Kumasi to Tamale by road

Driving from Kumasi to Tamale

The N10 leaves Kumasi northwards through Offinso and runs to Techiman, a major market town in the Bono East Region. The forest thins out as you go and the land opens into savanna.

Beyond Techiman the road reaches Kintampo, often called the geographic centre of Ghana, then crosses the Black Volta near Buipe before the long, straight run into Tamale, the Northern Region capital.

The northern half of the road is long and straight with few towns, so it's tempting to speed. Watch for slow trucks, animals and cyclists on the shoulder, especially near villages.

By bus or trotro

STC, VIP and other intercity coaches run between Kumasi and Tamale, and many buses from Accra to Tamale also pass through Kumasi. Overnight buses are common on this route.

Minibuses run in shorter hops — Kumasi to Techiman, Techiman to Tamale — if you want to stop along the way.

New to trotros? Read how to ride a trotro. Fares change often, so check at the station before you travel. For live directions — by car, bus, motorbike, bicycle or on foot — open Tamale on the Lincoln Navigation map. It shows road hazards other drivers have reported and the weather along the way.

Tips for the trip

• Fill up in Techiman or Kintampo — fuel stations are further apart on the northern stretch.
• Avoid driving the northern section after dark if you can.
• From Tamale, Mole National Park and Larabanga are a few hours west.