Mole National Park
Ghana's largest wildlife refuge, and one of the few places in Africa where you can walk with elephants.
Region
Savannah Region
Size
Over 4,500 km²
Best for wildlife
November to April
From Accra
1-hour flight to Tamale, then 2 hours by road
Ghana's premier safari
Mole covers more than 4,500 square kilometres of rolling savannah and escarpment in north-western Ghana. It offers one of the most accessible and authentic safari experiences in West Africa.
Elephants, antelope, warthogs, baboons and hundreds of bird species live here. Leopards are present too, but they are elusive and rarely seen.
Ways to explore
Walking safaris
The highlight. Track prints on foot with an armed ranger and get thrillingly close to wild elephants.
Game drives & night drives
Cover more ground by 4×4, early morning or late afternoon. After dark, spotlights pick out civets, genets and sometimes a hyena.
Larabanga Mosque
One of West Africa's oldest mosques, famous for its black-and-white mud architecture, just outside the park.
When to go
November – April
Dry season: best for wildlife
Thin vegetation and scarce water draw animals to the waterholes near the lodges. The best time for photos and elephant sightings.
May – October
Wet season: green and quiet
The park turns lush and green. Animals spread out, but it's ideal for birdwatching and fewer crowds.
Any time
Mognori Eco-Village
Just outside the park: a canoe safari, shea butter making, and traditional drumming and dancing.
Where to stay
Luxury
Zaina Lodge
A tented safari lodge with an infinity pool and fine dining, on a cliff above the elephant waterholes.
Standard
Mole Motel
State-run rooms from budget dorms to air-conditioned chalets, with a pool, a restaurant and easy access to the trailheads.
Budget & culture
Eco-villages
Homestays and community guesthouses in nearby villages such as Larabanga.
Park rules
Keep yourself and the wildlife safe
- No drones. They are forbidden without national permits and will be confiscated.
- Stay inside at night. Hippos, buffalo and elephants roam the lodge grounds after dark.
- Always go with a ranger. Never walk into the bush without an official park guide.
Getting there
Nearly 700 km north of Accra
- FlyAccra to Tamale takes about an hour. From Tamale, a taxi, lodge transfer or bus covers the 2-hour drive to the park.
- CoachVIP or STC coaches run from Accra or Kumasi to Tamale. Cheaper, but 12 to 15 hours from Accra.
