Mount Krobo Travel Guide

Are you interested in exploring a location with immense historical and archaeological value? If yes, then you should put Mount Krobo on the top of your travel bucket list. Located in Ghana, this is a pristine destination that allows you to engage with nature and history.

History of Mount Krobo

Although precise details are not known, it is believed that the Dangme groups of East Africa, due to constant attacks and threats, left their settlements and decided to migrate around the end of the 16th century. Initially Dangme travelled as one group. When they finally reached Ghana they split into 7 smaller groups and went separate ways. The place where the split happened was named ‘Lolovo’ from Ewe language meaning ‘Love is finished (ended)’. 

Today the place of their separation is known as Tagulogo Plains.

The Krobo group crossed the river Volta but found themselves surrounded by other tribes. This prompted them to keep moving until the beginning of the 17th century when they landed upon the mountain Krobo. This was a good place to settle. The climb to the top of the mountain makes it difficult to reach. It seemed like a safe place to live and fight off invading tribes and enemies. They inhabited the mountain and began their civilization, which was akin to none other in Ghana leaving a significant mark to the extent that the mountain is associated with Krobo people to date and is named after them. The name “Krobo” is of Akan origin “Kro-obo-so-Fo”, which means “the town of rock/mountain dwellers”.

Yes, it was a town! People say it has been a town of massive, multi-storey stone houses. Each house had several rooms, they even built their own irrigation system for crops. Their population was growing, it expanded beyond the mountain. Until their eviction in 1892 the mountain was the cultural and spiritual place for people of Krobo.

During the colonial times Krobo settlement was seen as an issue for the Colonial Government. It was hard to monitor them and therefore control. British soldier reports stated that the mountain community practised some warrior cult and ‘broke multiple laws’ and was often referred to as the ‘Fetish Mountain’. Governor Griffiths took the first chance he had to remove the Krobo from the mountain. In 1892 the Governor gave the tribe 3 days to leave the mountain. People took whatever they could carry with them and the rest that was left behind was later destroyed. 

The colonial army, following orders, destroyed everything to the ground of what Krobo left behind. To this day every year Krobos organise a pilgrimage as a remembrance of their ancestors who had to leave their land. It usually takes place during the Ngmayem and Kloyosikplem festivals.

What it is like today?

Although the Krobo people no longer reside in the mountain, they have left their remnants. Today, the mountain is of great interest to archaeologists to uncover artefacts used by the Krobo people in their early days. Plus, with rock shelters, forest reserves near the peak, and several caves, this mountain invites people for adventure.

Sport Climbing the Mount Krobo

One of the most popular activities associated with Mount Krobo is sport climbing. 

If you like to enrich oneself with the experience of destinations, you should try sport climbing the Krobo. You will find plenty of ways to interact with the local nature, find the Krobo people's relics, witness the unique flora and fauna, and what not! 

Find details regarding sport climbing with the Ghana Mountaineers .