Bolgatanga — ‘Bolga’ — is the lively capital of the Upper East and the gateway to Ghana’s far north. Here’s how to hire a car or driver to explore it.
GHThe CarRentalGH Team Updated 18 October 2026 · 5 min read
Representative photo via Wikimedia Commons — replace with your own
Bolgatanga, affectionately “Bolga,” is the capital of the Upper East Region and one of the most characterful towns in the far north of Ghana. Famous for its crafts — the world-renowned Bolga baskets, leatherwork and straw hats — and surrounded by distinctive northern landscapes and cultures, it’s the base for exploring a region most visitors never reach. Given the distances up here, a hire car (ideally with a driver who knows the north) is the way to see it.
Why hire a car in Bolga
The Upper East’s attractions are spread across a wide, remote region, and public transport is sparse between them. A hire car opens up the crocodile pond at Paga, the historic town of Navrongo, the mystical Tongo Hills and more — and lets you cover the long northern distances on your own schedule. For anyone exploring this far corner of Ghana, it’s close to essential.
Car Rental in Bolgatanga — car hire across Ghana with CarRentalGH Photo via Wikimedia Commons — replace with your own
Exploring the Upper East
Paga crocodile pond — where you can sit beside the famously docile sacred crocodiles, near the Burkina Faso border.
Navrongo — home to the striking mud-built Cathedral.
Tongo Hills and the Tengzug shrine — dramatic rock formations and living tradition.
Bolga market — the heart of the region’s famous craft trade.
The right vehicle
For the town and main roads, a saloon is fine; for rougher rural tracks to the shrines and hills, an SUV is wiser. Given the distances and the remoteness, many choose a driver who knows the north.
Rates and delivery
Guide rates: a saloon around GH₵ 800 self-drive or GH₵ 900 with a driver, an SUV around GH₵ 1,200–1,300, before fuel; full list on our rates page. We can deliver in Bolga or arrange a vehicle for the journey up; our Accra to Bolgatanga guide covers the long drive north.
Hire a car in Bolga
Tell us your dates and what you want to explore and we’ll confirm one clear price with a driver who knows the north.
Tell us your dates, your trip, your group size, and self-drive or a driver. We’ll confirm the vehicle and one clear price. No payment on the website.
Rates and distances are guide figures reviewed October 2026. Delivery and long-distance hire are quoted on the route.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rent a car in Bolgatanga?
Yes. We offer self-drive and with-driver hire in Bolgatanga and across the Upper East, and can deliver the vehicle to you in town or arrange a car for the journey north.
What can I explore from Bolgatanga?
The Paga crocodile pond near the Burkina border, the mud-built Navrongo Cathedral, the Tongo Hills and Tengzug shrine, and Bolga's famous craft market. The region's attractions are spread out, so a car helps.
How far is Bolgatanga from Accra?
It's in the far north, a long drive of around 800 km. Many fly to Tamale and drive on, or hire a car and driver for the journey. See our Accra to Bolgatanga road guide.
What car should I hire in Bolga?
A saloon for the town and main roads; an SUV for rougher rural tracks to the shrines and hills. Given the distances and remoteness, a driver who knows the north is a popular choice.
How much does car rental cost in Bolgatanga?
As a guide, a saloon is around GH₵ 800 self-drive or GH₵ 900 with a driver, and an SUV around GH₵ 1,200–1,300, before fuel.
GH
The CarRentalGH Team
Written by the CarRentalGH team in Accra. We rent cars, run airport pickups and drive clients across all sixteen regions of Ghana every week, so these guides come from the road, not a desk.
