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Mole National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Mole National Park is Ghana's largest and oldest protected area, covering an expansive 4,840 square kilometers in the Savannah Region of the northwest. Established in 1958 and upgraded to national park status in 1971, it preserves a vital section of the Guinea savannah ecosystem, featuring open grasslands and riverine forests. The park is most famous for its population of African elephants, which are frequently seen roaming near the main watering holes. The landscape is defined by the Mole Plateau, characterized by steep escarpments and rolling hills drained by the Mole and Lovi rivers. In addition to elephants, the park is home to buffaloes, hyenas, leopards, and several species of antelopes like the roan and kob, alongside over 300 bird species. Mole serves as the premier destination for walking and driving safaris in Ghana, offering a raw wilderness experience. Conservation management focuses on preventing poaching and maintaining water access for wildlife during the harsh dry season to ensure the park's ecological integrity.

Location: Ghana
Nearby: Mole National Park (15 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	26	29	32	31	30	28	26	26	26	26	27	25
Rain mm	2	9	26	71	108	132	201	228	191	93	9	1

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The main gateway to the national park is the town of Damongo, typically reached by road from Tamale. Visitors usually enter through the primary park headquarters, where most official safaris and guided walking tours commence.

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Best season

The dry season, typically running from late autumn to early spring, is widely considered the best time for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around scarce waterholes. The wet season brings incredibly lush greenery but can make certain dirt tracks impassable.

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Terrain & paths

The landscape is a vast expanse of open savanna interrupted by scattered gallery forests along watercourses. The walking trails and driving tracks cover predominantly flat but dusty or muddy ground, depending heavily on the recent seasonal rainfall.

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What to bring

Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colors is recommended to handle the heat and blend into the environment. A good pair of binoculars, strong sun protection, insect repellent, and plenty of bottled water are essential for any savanna excursion.

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Parking

Secure parking is provided at the main headquarters and visitor lodge complex, where vehicles can be safely left during guided activities. Driving your own vehicle into the deeper park zones usually requires adherence to specific official regulations.

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Safety

Due to the presence of large wild animals, unguided walking is strictly restricted; visitors must generally be accompanied by an armed park ranger. Maintaining a respectful distance from wildlife and strictly following the ranger's explicit instructions are paramount.

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Time needed

A standard guided morning or late afternoon walking safari typically lasts around two hours to maximize animal sightings. However, to truly experience the scale of the refuge, visitors often stay overnight at the local lodge and participate in multiple drives over two days.

Geography

Coordinates

9.83330, -1.86670

Facts

Ghana's largest national park (4,840 km²)
Established in 1958 as a wildlife reserve
Protects the Guinea savannah ecosystem
Home to over 90 species of mammals
Contains more than 300 species of birds
Famous for offering unique walking safaris

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Mole National Park15 km · WExplore →

Acacia Savanna Wildlife41 km · NExplore →

Northern Bird Sanctuary55 km · NWExplore →

Larabanga Mosque68 km · WExplore →

Wa76 km · SExplore →

Southwest Cocoa Region82 km · SEExplore →

Batié117 km · SExplore →

Gambo Hills119 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to see elephants?

During the dry season (December to April), they reliably visit the water holes near the lodge.

Are there walking safaris?

Yes, Mole is one of the few parks where you can take guided walking safaris.

How do you reach the park?

Best by flight to Tamale, then another 2.5 hours by bus or car.

Is there malaria there?

All of Ghana is a malaria zone; prevention and insect repellent are important in the park.

How much is the entrance fee?

There is a park entrance fee and separate fees for the safaris.

Mole National Park: where is it located?

Mole National Park is located in Ghana.

Mole National Park: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

Mole National Park: why is it worth visiting?

Mole National Park is Ghana's largest and oldest protected area, covering an expansive 4,840 square kilometers in the Savannah Region of the northwest.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →