Mole National Park

Places of Interest - Ghana

introduction

Mole National Park is the largest park in Ghana and is located in the northwest of the country. The park was declared a protected area in 1958 and offers the best chance to spot large wild animals in Ghana and perhaps West Africa. The park houses about 90 species of animals; examples are elephants, waterbucks, buffalo, wild boar, antelope, baboons and there are more than 300 species of birds to spot.

There even seem to be a number of lions and leopards in the park but have not been seen for years. In 1971, some small villages were moved outside the park and at some you can now visit and stay overnight. The (only) entrance of the park is located near the village of “Larabanga” where, besides a magical stone, you can also visit a beautiful “clay sticks” mosque.

highlights

Mole National Park / Mognori village

The great advantage of the savannah landscape in Mole National Park is that there is relatively little vegetation which animals can hide bdhind. Moreover, the area is gently sloping so you have a wide fantastic view.

Chances that you see something big like an elephant are enormous. And the density of those animals in this park is also large - about 800 pieces. It’s possible to make a walking safari with an armed guide or with a jeep. The park is actually a must for a visit to Ghana and/or West Africa.

Always wanted to see up close and experience how the local population of North Ghana lives? Next to the national park there lies the eco village called "Mognori"; you can not only visit this local village but you can also stay here overnight. In one of the mud barns you will be offered a room and since there are no other shops or something you will be obliged to join the family.

Helping making food is of course desirable and fun to do. There are also possibilities to spend the night on the roof which is very common in these regions.

Larabanga

About 4 km south of the national park Mole lies the small town of Larabanga. There are some hotels where you can stay overnight and you can enjoy yourself walking through this village and looking at how these people live and work here from their often muddy houses.

The absolute tourist attraction is the oldest mudbrick stick-mosque of West Africa. Unfortunately you can’t enter this beautiful white mosque, with next to this a beautiful old Baobab tree, but you can take photos after the local imam has given permission.

I would also advise you to take a look at the magical stone that is just outside the village.

Larabanga-Mole-National-Park-Ghana-Elephant-Safari-mudbrick

tips & advice (2012)

Mole National Park - Tamale: if you are lucky, a bus (daily) departs at Tamale and will arrive at Mole NP (and vice versa). It’s a very bad road with potholes. The bus often breaks down but when he doesn’t it takes between the 6 to 8 hours; it’s leaves at 5:30. The price is 5C.

Name: Hotel Mole Motel

Price: 18 C (dormitory incl. Toilet, shower)

Content:

This fantastically located hotel - you can look into the national park from the veranda and the chances of seeing an elephant at the two lakes that lie here – is situated in the park itself. It has different types of rooms, a restaurant, a large terrace and opportunities for safaris.

You can also enjoy yourself in the large swimming pool. The bus stops at the door and leaves here in the morning to Tamale.

Watch out for especially the local young guys who are trying to invite you for a walk in Larabanga where they will naturally act as a guide. There is a bit of a war going on in the village for tourist money.

Mole-National-Park-Ghana-Elephant-Safari-Wild-Animals

Mole National Park

Places of Interest - Ghana

introduction

highlights

tips & advice (2012)

see also:

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