Many tourists stop over in Tamale on their way to Mole National Park. At the same time, the craft activities of the Tamale Youth Home Cultural Group provide a tangible cultural point of reference in the city. For travel planning, a regional stop and a local offering of music and crafts are therefore two options to consider.

Tamale as a stop on the way to Mole National Park

The 2025 budget for Tamale Metropolis describes the city as a stopover for many tourists on their way to Mole National Park; they then continue their journey to the West Gonja District. Tamale and the onward journey are therefore two distinct stages of the trip.

Crafts and music with the Tamale Youth Home Cultural Group

Visitors, tourists and international students can take part in the craft activities, as well as in music and cultural activities. In drum-making, they can learn to repair and rehead Djembe, Kpanlogo, Gungon and Lunga drums. The four named drum types and the two tasks give the offering a specific focus on instruments. The group also offers tailoring and smock weaving. These textile activities have a different focus from drum-making. When choosing a topic, you can therefore consider instrument-making and textile crafts as two options. Check with the group before your visit to find out which activities are currently open to participants. Repairing focuses on restoring the drum, while reheading specifically means replacing its drumhead. Drum-making thus includes both the general goal of repair and a particular craft step involving the instrument itself.

Dance and drumming practice times

The Tamale Youth Home Cultural Group practices dance and drumming from 4 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The stated times give you a specific point of reference for planning your day. As the schedule may change, confirm the times with the group before your visit. The practice sessions offer a different way to take part than the craft activities: dance and drumming are the focus here, while the craft offerings include tailoring, smock weaving and drum-making. If you would like to combine several activities, check directly which ones you can take part in during your planned visit.

The shop as an additional reason to visit

The group also runs a shop selling items such as clothing, smocks, bags, drums and paintings. Its range includes textiles, instruments and pictures, offering a different point of interest from taking part in craft activities or practice sessions. If you are more interested in specific goods, you can plan to visit the shop as a separate stop. Before your visit, confirm that the shop is open and that items are available, especially if you are looking for a particular product.

For the broader travel overview: Tamale Municipal.