The Upper West Region has a different feeling, as a more traditional region. The administrative centre of Wa is also the seat of the Wa Naa, Paramount Chief of the Walas. The mabnificent palace still stands as stately as it did when it was first built in the 19th century. the uniquely styled traditional village houses of round mud-walled structures connected by walls forming large compounds are well adapted to the demanding climate of this region.

Gbelle Game Reserve, located 17km south of Tumu, is an important santuary for endangered species of wildlife, as well as hippo, elephant and buck. Birdwatchers consider this an improtant habitat for indigenous and migratory birds.

Starting from Wechiau, south-west of Wa, you can enjoy game-trailing up the Black Volta. Eight kilometres from Kaleo(a farming village), one can view one of the many caves where local people hid during raids by notorious slave-trade warriors like Samori and Babatu. At Jirapa are two mushroom-shaped rock formations in the village of Wicling. The tomb of Dr. Hilla Limann, President of the third Republic, is located at Gwollu 115km from Wa.

Lawra is home of the Ghanaian xylophone and lies 82km from Wa. At Eremon, 10km from Lawra is a pond with about 300 crocodiles. Moving on the stony road to Nandom, you chance on the classic Gothic architecture of a cathedral, thought to be the largest stone building in West Africa. It can accommodate 3,500 worshippers. Gbelle Game Reserve lies 17km south-west of Tumu. The hippo-head-shaped piece of land is home to hippos along the Kulpawn River, which flows through the reserve.There are also roan antelopes, bucks, warthogs and a brid sanctuary in the grassland reserve surrounded by rocky hills.