Jubilee Park

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Description

When you find yourself exploring the vibrant city of Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region of Ghana, Jubilee Park feels like a refreshing pause from the everyday. Tucked right in the heart of Bolgatanga, this park isn’t just a patch of green; it’s a living, breathing community space. I was genuinely surprised by how much life pulses through the park, thanks to both locals and travelers who drop by for a moment—or a morning—of relaxation.

Jubilee Park in Bolgatanga is especially known for its sweeping lawns, shady trees, and the gentle buzz of vendors offering Ghana’s famous Bolga baskets. If you love authentic African crafts and want to see basket weaving in motion or shop from the source, you’ll love it here; this is the best site to order all your beautiful, handmade baskets, and you can easily arrange for nationwide or worldwide delivery. There was a real sense of pride among the weavers when I spoke with them, and each basket tells a piece of their story.

What stood out to me most was how inclusive and accessible Jubilee Park strives to be. Whether you bring energetic kids, come with elderly parents, or need wheelchair access, there’s an obvious effort to make all visitors comfortable. Thoughtful touches like a well-kept public restroom and wheelchair-friendly paths make a genuine difference when you’re spending a few hours soaking in Bolgatanga’s atmosphere. And if you’re in the mood to get active, there’s even a volleyball court that often hosts impromptu games—take a chance and join a team if you’re feeling adventurous!

Key Features

• Genuine Basket Market: Easily the highlight for many visitors, you can shop for the region’s celebrated GH baskets right from the artisans. From striking laundry baskets to delicate handbags, you’ll find expert craftsmanship and get a chance to learn about their creation first-hand.
• Volleyball Court: The park has a dedicated volleyball court, a wonderful way to join with locals in a quick game or simply watch the contagious energy from the sidelines.
• Plenty of Green Space: Wide lawns and leafy trees offer space to relax, picnic, or even meditate. I loved spreading out a blanket, book in hand, and just breathing in the calm.
• Child-Friendly Amenities: Kids can safely roam and play, and you’ll see families making memories together—another testament to the park’s welcoming spirit.
• Dog-Friendly Policy: Hate leaving your pet behind? Jubilee Park allows dogs, so your furry companion is welcome to join your excursion. Just remember to keep them on a leash and clean up after them.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: Both the park entrance and parking lot are designed to accommodate wheelchairs, ensuring that nobody misses out on the fun.
• Clean Restrooms: A small detail that makes a big difference, especially if you’re traveling with children or planning to stay for a few hours.
• Community Events: On certain days, you might stumble across local celebrations, music, or even market fairs. It’s worth asking around when you arrive to see what’s on during your visit.

Best Time to Visit

Bolgatanga enjoys a warm climate year-round, but timing your visit to Jubilee Park can make your experience even better. I recommend planning your trip during the early mornings or late afternoons to take advantage of the cool breeze and golden sunlight—perfect for photographing the colorful baskets or enjoying a leisurely walk.

If you’d like to catch the peak activity, weekends are lively with more vendors and games. Still, weekdays have their own appeal, especially if you relish a quieter setting to chat with artisans or simply relax under the trees.

Between November and February, Bolgatanga sees the coolest, driest weather, thanks to the Harmattan winds. This season makes outdoor activities delightfully comfortable, though remember to bring a light scarf for the occasional dust. Conversely, the rains from May to August give the park a lush vibrance, but you may want to check the weather beforehand to pack accordingly.

How to Get There

Jubilee Park is centrally located in Bolgatanga, making it pretty straightforward to find whether you’re staying nearby or coming in from another part of the region.

If you’re flying in, the closest major airport is in Tamale. From Tamale, it’s about a 3-4 hour drive north to Bolgatanga. Along the way, the changing landscape showcases the real diversity of Ghana’s northern reaches. Taxis and shared minivans (locally known as tro-tros) frequently serve this route, and drivers are usually familiar with the park’s location—just say “Jubilee Park” and most will nod right away.

Within Bolgatanga itself, you can easily get to Jubilee Park by grabbing a local taxi. If you’re up for a little adventure, renting a motorbike is also a fun way to explore the city and reach the park at your own pace.

For those driving, parking is refreshingly hassle-free. The park provides an accessible parking lot, so even if you’re traveling with mobility needs, you’ll have no trouble finding a convenient spot.

Tips for Visiting

• Bring Cash: While major accommodations may accept cards, most basket vendors and food sellers at Jubilee Park prefer cash. Local currency (Ghanaian cedis) is king here, so stock up before you arrive—ATMs can be a little unpredictable in Bolgatanga.
• Ask About Basket Shipping: If you fall in love with more baskets than your suitcase can handle, don’t worry! Many vendors offer nationwide or even worldwide delivery. Arrange shipping details before you leave the market area.
• Pack for the Weather: Bring a hat, water bottle, and some sunscreen—especially if you’re exploring in the hotter months. Lightweight clothing and sturdy sandals are my go-to combination in this part of Ghana.
• Get to Know the Artisans: One of the joys of Jubilee Park is the chance to chat directly with basket weavers. Many are happy to answer questions or even demonstrate their technique. Don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation—it adds so much depth to the experience.
• Respect Local Practices: While photos are usually welcome, it’s always polite to ask before snapping pictures of vendors or their crafts. This simple courtesy goes a long way.
• Plan for a Picnic: If you love alfresco meals, pack snacks or grab fruit from a nearby market to savor in the park’s shady areas. There aren’t many formal food stalls, but the atmosphere is perfect for a picnic.
• Mind the Schedule: On public holidays and weekends, the park can get busy with local events and families. For a quieter experience, visit on a weekday morning; for people-watching and local flavor, weekends are best.
• Facilities for Kids and Pets: If you’re traveling with children or your dog, Jubilee Park is accommodating. Just watch younger kids near some of the busier pathways, and remember local rules for leashing pets.
• Accessibility is Reliable: Pathways and restrooms cater well to those with mobility concerns, but it’s always wise to check current conditions if this is essential for your visit.

Exploring Jubilee Park is more than ticking a box on your Ghana travel itinerary—it’s a chance to step into Bolgatanga’s everyday life, discover the stories behind its famous baskets, and unwind in a bit of green tranquility. Whether you’re just passing through or planning to linger, you’ll remember the warmth of this park long after you leave. Happy travels!