N10 to Fufulso, N7 to Sawla, then N12
Tamale to Wa by road
About 300 km from Tamale to Wa, the Upper West capital — the N10 to Fufulso, the N7 west past Mole to Sawla, then the N12 north. Usually 5 to 6 hours.
- Distance
- 303 km
- By car
- 5–6 hours
- Main road
- N10 to Fufulso, N7 to Sawla, then N12
Driving from Tamale to Wa
The first half is the road to Mole National Park: the N10 south from Tamale across the White Volta at Yapei to Fufulso Junction, then the N7 west through Damongo and Larabanga.
Past Larabanga the N7 carries on across open savanna to Sawla, where it meets the N12. Turn north there for the last 95 km or so into Wa.
Towns are far apart on this route and there is little traffic. Carry water, keep the tank topped up and avoid driving the long empty stretches after dark.
By bus or trotro
Buses and minibuses run between Tamale and Wa during the day, most of them leaving in the morning.
Travellers heading for Mole can take the same transport and get off at Larabanga.
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 Wa 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 Tamale or Damongo; Sawla is the next reliable stop before Wa.
- Leave in the morning so the whole trip is in daylight.
- Mole National Park and the Larabanga mosque are right on the way if you want to break the journey.