The Upper East and the Upper West, which are the traditional crossroads for the trans-Saharan trade routes share their northern borders with Burkina Faso. These two regions share similar characteristics with the Northern Region of Ghana. It is an exciting part of Ghana with much of the landscape of broad savanna grasslands dotted with the strange-looking baobab tree and striking distinctive round huts. The principal border town posts to Burkina Faso are found at Hamile, Kapulima, Paga and Kulungunu. The major market centres in Bolgatanga and Wa (the capital towns for Upper East and Upper West respectively) continue to be important trading points.
The Upper West Region has a different feeling, as a more traditional region. Large outcrops of rocks scattered about several distances characterize much of the region. The administrative centre of the region is Wa, which is also the seat of the Wa Naa, Paramount Chief of the Walas. The magnificent palace still stands as stately as it did when it was first built in the early 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.
