Chief's Pond

Ghana


The pond's reptiles, which are held sacred by the local people, are reputed to be the friendliest in Africa. Local women even do their laundry in the pond while kids frolic in the water. Legend has it that this state of blissful cohabitation goes back to a pact the town's founders made with local crocodiles not to hurt each other. While we're not totally convinced, plenty of visitors do indeed manage to pose with crocs unharmed.

The feeding of the crocs is not for the faint hearted and raises questions about animal welfare.

Chief's Pond is on the main road. There is also a second crocodile pond in Panga – Zenga Pond is located about 500m east off the main road. Both are signposted. It's a 90-minute journey by tro-tro from Bolgatanga.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Ghana attractions

1. Cour Royale

15.53 MILES

More than 450 people live in Tiébélé's royal court, a large compound of typical sukhalas, or traditional painted houses. Children live with their…

2. Bolgatanga Library

20.45 MILES

Built by award-winning American architect J Max Bond Jr, Bolga's library is a stylish piece on 1960s modernist design.

3. Réserve de Nazinga

27.32 MILES

This 97,000-hectare wildlife reserve, about 40km southwest of Pô near the Ghanaian border, has become a highlight on many a wildlife-lover’s itinerary…