Mole National Park - Ghana Safari & Wildlife

Mole National Park is Ghana largest and most prestigious wildlife reserve, covering 4,577 square kilometres in the Northern Region. It is one of the few places in West Africa where you can walk alongside wild elephants and experience authentic African bush on foot.

Safari Experience

Walking Safaris

Mole is one of the few parks in Africa where you can do walking safaris with armed rangers. Walk through savanna grassland and gallery forest, tracking elephants, antelopes, and other wildlife on foot. An unforgettable experience that is far more intimate than a jeep safari. Morning walks depart at 6:30am; afternoon walks at 3:30pm.

Jeep Safaris

For those who prefer wheels, open-top 4x4 safaris cover more ground and access deeper parts of the park. Best for seeing larger groups of elephants and accessing remote watering holes.

The Watering Hole

The Mole Motel overlooks a natural watering hole where elephants, warthogs, antelopes, and baboons come to drink -- often right below the swimming pool terrace. Simply sit with a cold drink and watch the wildlife parade. This alone makes the trip worthwhile.

Wildlife

Mammals

  • Elephants (700+ individuals -- almost guaranteed sighting)
  • Kob antelopes, hartebeest, waterbuck
  • Baboons and green vervet monkeys
  • Warthogs (very common)
  • Buffalo (rare)
  • Spotted hyena and leopard (very rare)

Birds (300+ species)

  • Abyssinian ground hornbill
  • White-backed vulture
  • Martial eagle
  • Violet turaco
  • Red-throated bee-eater
  • Saddle-billed stork

Visitor Information

LocationNorthern Region, near Larabanga and Damongo
Getting ThereFly to Tamale (1hr from Accra), then 2-hour drive. Or 14-hour bus from Accra to Tamale, then onward to Mole.
Entry FeeGHS 40 (adults), camera fee GHS 10. Walking safari: GHS 50-80 per person.
Where to StayMole Motel (only accommodation in the park -- book ahead), Zaina Lodge (luxury), Mognori Eco Lodge (community-run)
Best TimeDecember-April (dry season, animals congregate at watering holes). Peak: January-March.
How Long2-3 nights minimum for walking and jeep safaris.

Frequently Asked Questions

Almost certainly in the dry season (December-April). Mole has over 700 elephants and they regularly visit the watering hole visible from the Mole Motel. Walking safaris also frequently encounter elephant herds.

Yes. Walking safaris are led by trained, armed Wildlife Division rangers who know the park and animal behaviour well. They maintain safe distances from wildlife and know how to handle encounters.

The easiest route is to fly to Tamale (1 hour) then drive 2 hours to Mole. Alternatively, take an overnight bus to Tamale (14 hours) and arrange transport to Mole. Some tour operators offer all-inclusive packages.

Explore Ghana

Travel Guides

Visa Information