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Pikworo Slave Camp

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Historical site
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Pikworo Slave Camp (Ghana)

Weather…

The Pikworo Slave Camp, located in Paga in northern Ghana, was established around 1845 as a primary transit center for the trans-Atlantic slave trade. It served as a holding point for captives from the Sahel region before they embarked on the grueling 600-kilometer march south to the coastal slave markets. One of the most poignant features of the site is the series of hollows carved directly into the rocks, which the captives used as eating bowls for their meager meals. The camp functioned as both a slave market and a penal colony, where rebellious individuals were subjected to harsh punishments on designated rocks. Guards monitored the camp from strategic lookout points on the surrounding boulders to prevent escapes in the arid landscape. Today, the site stands as a somber memorial and educational center, offering a stark look into the history of human exploitation that shaped Ghana's regional identity. It preserves the physical evidence of the logistical organization of the slave trade during the mid-19th century.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252932323028272626262625
Rain mm141057921222132691946820

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Pikworo Slave Camp is a historical memorial site open to the public. Visitors can view the remnants of cells and punishment areas.
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Typical hours
The memorial is usually open during daytime, but exact hours should be inquired locally. It is recommended to book a guided visit to understand the full historical context.
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Photography
Photography is allowed on the site, but out of respect for history, avoid close-ups of burial areas. Ask your guide for suitable photo points.
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Time needed
A guided tour typically lasts 1 to 1.5 hours. Those wanting more time for reflection and details should allow 2 hours.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with the nearby Paga Crocodile Pond and the Pikworo Museum. The traditional villages in the area also offer cultural insights.
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Getting there
Pikworo is about 6 kilometers northwest of Paga, reachable by taxi or on foot. A gravel road leads directly to the camp entrance.
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Insider tip
Bring a flashlight to see the dark cells better. A local guide is essential to tell the stories and horrors of the past.

Geography

Coordinates
10.91640, -1.15110

Facts

  • Founded around 1845 as a transit camp
  • Located in Paga in the northern region of Ghana
  • Captives marched 600 km to reach southern markets
  • Rock hollows served as eating bowls for prisoners
  • Site functioned as both a market and penal colony
  • Guards used granite boulders as lookout posts

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Hapa Crocodile SanctuaryHapa Crocodile Sanctuary2 km · WExplore →
Navrongo CathedralNavrongo Cathedral7 km · NWExplore →
PagaPaga9 km · NEExplore →
Paga Crocodile PondPaga Crocodile Pond10 km · WExplore →
DakolaDakola14 km · NEExplore →
Gambia HillsGambia Hills22 km · NExplore →
PôPô28 km · EExplore →
Royal Court of TiébéléRoyal Court of Tiébélé29 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What was the Pikworo Slave Camp?
It was a transit camp where slaves were held before starting the long march to the coast.
Where is Pikworo located?
The camp is located in Paga, in the Upper East Region of Ghana, near the Burkina Faso border.
What are the 'slave bowls' in the rocks?
These are indentations in the rock that served as plates for the slaves' meager meals.
Can the camp be visited all year round?
Yes, it is accessible year-round, but the dry season (November to March) is more pleasant for travel.
Are there other attractions nearby?
Yes, the famous Paga crocodile ponds are very close and can be easily combined with your visit.
Pikworo Slave Camp: where is it located?
Pikworo Slave Camp is located in Ghana.
Pikworo Slave Camp: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Pikworo Slave Camp: why is it worth visiting?
The Pikworo Slave Camp, located in Paga in northern Ghana, was established around 1845 as a primary transit center for the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
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Nearby cities

Bolgatanga — Pikworo Slave Camp (Ghana)
Bolgatanga
Bolgatanga serves as the capital of the Upper East Region and is renowned for its crafts.
Bawku — Pikworo Slave Camp (Ghana)
Bawku
Bawku is a significant trading town in the Upper East Region near the border with Burkina Faso.
Navrongo — Pikworo Slave Camp (Ghana)
Navrongo
Navrongo is an important town in the Upper East Region, known for its historic mud cathedral.
Dakola — Pikworo Slave Camp (Ghana)
Dakola
A small border town with Ghana that monitors the formal transport of goods.
Pô — Pikworo Slave Camp (Ghana)
Pô
A town near the border with Ghana and an important access point to the Nazinga Game Reserve.
Béré — Pikworo Slave Camp (Ghana)
Béré
A small rural community in the Zoundwéogo province.

History & landmarks

Navrongo Cathedral — Pikworo Slave Camp (Ghana)
Navrongo Cathedral
A fascinating basilica from 1906, built of mud bricks featuring wall paintings that blend local and western art.
Paga — Pikworo Slave Camp (Ghana)
Paga
Paga is a lively border town in northern Ghana, renowned for its sacred crocodile ponds where visitors can safely interact with these fas…

More places

Hapa Crocodile Sanctuary — Pikworo Slave Camp (Ghana)
Hapa Crocodile Sanctuary
A less visited but great crocodile habitat.
Paga Crocodile Pond — Pikworo Slave Camp (Ghana)
Paga Crocodile Pond
A unique place to see crocodiles up close.
Gambia Hills — Pikworo Slave Camp (Ghana)
Gambia Hills
Small rock formations in the north.
Bongo Hills — Pikworo Slave Camp (Ghana)
Bongo Hills
Prominent granite hills in the extreme north.
White Volta Valley — Pikworo Slave Camp (Ghana)
White Volta Valley
A fertile valley along the White Volta.
Royal Court of Tiébélé — Pikworo Slave Camp (Ghana)
Royal Court of Tiébélé
Traditional painted houses of the Kassena people.
🗺️
Nazinga Hills
Pic de Nazinga is a rocky high point in the Nazinga area.