How to visit Mole National Park: World’s Cheapest Safari

How to visit Mole National Park (Ghana)

If you’re looking for a safari experience in West Africa, Mole National Park is about as good as it gets. It’s also one of the cheapest safari experiences in Africa!

Mole (pronounced Mo-lay) is Ghana’s largest and most well-known national park. A place where you can walk through the bush alongside elephants, watch wildlife gather at watering holes, and experience a completely different side of the region that most travellers never see.

That said, it’s not your typical African safari, like the ones you’ll find in Kenya or Tanzania. Instead, Mole is raw, simple, and refreshingly low-key. You might find yourself on a walking safari with just a guide and a rifle, or watching elephants from a hotel pool overlooking the savannah. Despite being overlooked, Mole is one of the most different and worthwhile experiences in Ghana!

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to visit Mole National Park, from getting there and booking safaris to what to expect once you arrive.

About Mole National Park

Mole National Park is the largest wildlife reserve in Ghana, covering roughly 4,500 square kilometres of savannah, woodland, and riverine forest.

Established in 1958 and later designated as a national park in 1971, Mole was created to protect the region’s wildlife and natural habitats. Today, it’s by far the best place in Ghana to see animals in the wild.

Mole National Park is home to over 90 species of mammals, including:

• Elephants (the main highlight)
• Antelope species like kob and bushbuck
• Buffalo
• Warthogs
• Baboons and monkeys

There are also more than 700 species of plant, 33 species of reptile species, and more than 300 species of birds (making it a great spot if you’re into birdwatching).

One thing that really stuck with me during my visit was the ongoing issue with poaching… In the two days I was there, nearly twenty poachers were being taken to the police station, on the hunt for bush meat…

Where is Mole National Park

Mole National Park is located in northern Ghana, in the Savannah Region.

The nearest major city is Tamale (150km away), which acts as the main gateway for most travellers visiting the park.

Just outside the park, you’ll also find the small village of Larabanga, famous for its historic mosque and often included as part of a visit to Mole.

Despite being one of Ghana’s top natural attractions, Mole still feels pretty remote. Getting here takes time, especially if you’re coming from Accra or travelling overland across West Africa, but that’s part of what keeps it relatively uncrowded.

How to get to Mole National Park

There are several ways to get to Mole National Park, from wherever you are in Ghana. Pretty much all routes go via Tamale and through the single park entrance, located 3km from Larabanga.

Mole From Tamale

To go from Tamale to Mole National Park you have a couple of options depending on your budget and patience:

• Private vehicle (easiest option): You can arrange a private taxi or driver in Tamale to take you directly to your accommodation in the park. This usually takes around 3 hours, but costs more (quoted around for Tamale round-trip 1500 GHC).
• Public transport (budget option): This is cheaper, but requires more effort and takes nearer 4-5 hours depending on waiting times.
  • Step 1: Get a tro-tro (shared vehicle) from Damongo Bus Station in Tamale to towards Damongo. Sankpala Station is another option to board.
  • Step 2: Get off at Larabanga or Daboya Junction.
  • Step 3: Take a motorbike taxi or local taxi to the park entrance or your accommodation. Often the tro-tro driver might offer you a further lift once others have got out.

Mole From Accra

If you’re starting in Accra, your first step is getting to Tamale. Once again, you have a couple of options depending on your budget and time:

• Fly (fastest and easiest option): Direct flights run from Accra to Tamale on a daily basis. It’s around 1 hour flight time, followed by the extra 3-5 hours to Mole from the airport. Africa World Airlines, Starbow and Antrak are the three main carriers.
• Bus (budget option): Several long-distance buses run from Accra to Tamale on a daily basis. Look for companies like STC, VIP, VVIP and Metro Mass Transit. The journey takes 11-14 hours depending on the conditions.
  • One alternative is stopping at Fulfulso (pre-Tamale), then taking a tro-tro to Damongo from there. However, the wait here is probably longer than in Tamale, so you could end up waiting longer…

If you’re travelling from Kumasi, it’s largely the same route as it is from Accra.

Where to stay in Mole National Park

There aren’t loads of accommodation options in Mole National Park, but there is something for every budget!

• Zaina Lodge: This is the high-end option in Mole National Park. Sadly out of my price range, but expect luxury facilities and food. It has an infinity pool, fire pit, and 25 rooms with private balconies.
• Mole Motel: This is my recommended option in Mole. Not as premium as Zaina, but still offers you a lot because of its prime location overlooking a watering hole!
• Larabanga: Places like Savannah Lodge and Belgha Bar & Hostel make it easier to explore the sights of Larabanga (e.g. the mosque) and offer a cheaper price than staying in Mole Motel.
• Damongo: Alternatively, you can stay outside of the National Park in Damongo. Accommodation is slightly cheaper here, but you will need to pay the park entrance fee each time you enter.
• Camping: You can even use the campsite at Mole Motel if you have a tent. You will need your own camping equipment, but it’s by far the cheapest option.

How to visit Mole National Park (Step-by-step)

Visiting Mole National Park becomes pretty straightforward once you arrive, but it’s a little different from a typical safari destination.

There’s no self-driving around the park, and you can’t just wander off on your own. All activities are organised through the park office, though your accommodation can usually advise.

Here’s how it works:

• Arrive at Mole National Park: Most travellers stay at accommodation within the National Park (which I highly recommend). Meaning you’ll need to pass through the entrance gates. Depending on your method of arrival, there’s a different entrance fee (Park Fees document).
  • Entrance fee: Ghanaian citizens cost 40 GHC, whilst non-residents cost 80 GHC
  • Vehicle Fee: Vehicles also pay a fee (5-15 GBC for Ghanaian citizens, whilst 20-70 GHC for foreign-plated vehicles)
• Check in at your accommodation: Once you’ve been dropped at your accommodation, you’ll register at reception and check-in to your room.
• Decide on your activities: Safaris (walking or jeep) are predominantly booked on arrival. So decide what safaris you’re interested in and be prepared to turn up early. Popular time slots – especially early morning – can fill up.
• Register & Pay fees: Meet at the visitor centre 15 minutes early. You will need to register your details and pay the activity fees (usually in cash).
• Join your safari: You’ll be assigned a guide (and driver if applicable), and head out at your scheduled time.

Safaris typically run early morning (around 7am) and late afternoon (around 3-4pm) – when animals are most active and temperatures are more manageable. Confirm these with your accommodation or the National Park centre so you know when to arrive.

NOTE: If you’re part of a tour or want to really plan, you can book private vehicles in advance.

Best things to do in Mole National Park

Mole isn’t packed with activities, but that’s kind of the point. It’s all about wildlife, landscape, and slowing down. Here’s my list of the best things to do.

1. Go on a safari

You can’t really visit Mole National Park without doing at least one safari! After all, it’s one of the cheapest places in the world for them!

Most safaris last for around two hours unless you pay extra for something longer. You have five different safari options in Mole – see below for help on how to pick the right safari.

As always with nature, you can’t guarantee what you’ll see, but elephants and antelope are some of the most common sightings. Besides that crocodiles, monkeys and a few bird species are also common during the daytime.

2. Visit Larabanga

Just outside the park, Larabanga is worth a quick visit. It’s home to the famous Larabanga Mosque – one of the oldest mosques in West Africa.

It’s also home to the so-called “Mystic Stone,” which has its own local legend.

If you are short on time, ask your driver to stop here for a flying visit on your way into Mole.

3. Relax at Mole Motel Viewpoint

Even if you don’t go on a safari, you can still see wildlife. The viewpoint at Mole Motel overlooks a watering hole where animals (especially elephants) often gather.

For a small fee, outside guests can even use the swimming pool to cool off during the day!

4. Visit Mognori eco-village

Take a village walk through Mognori where this community-run initiative showcases true village life. Here you can meet the local people including the chief or medicine men. Or you could witness a traditional dance performance with music.

5. Watch Sunset Over the Savannah

Sunset here is simple but special. Find a spot near your accommodation, grab a drink, and watch the light fade over the park.

This is where you really feel how remote you are, looking out towards the horizon!

Mole Safari Guide

Which Safari to choose at Mole National Park

There are multiple different safari options in Mole National Park, and it can be slightly overwhelming when you first arrive. Here are your options (the first two are most popular):

• Walking safari: This is the highlight of Mole. You’ll head out on foot with a ranger (carrying a rifle), tracking animals through the bush. It’s a completely different experience to being in a vehicle – more immersive, a bit more tense, and far more memorable. Seeing elephants on foot here is something you won’t forget.
  • Cost: Guide fee 30 GHC/hour (daytime), 60 GHC/hour (night)
• Jeep safari: If you want to cover more ground, a 4×4 safari is the way to go. You’ll explore deeper into the park and increase your chances of spotting a wider range of wildlife. It’s less intense than walking, but still bumpy.
  • Cost: 200 GHC/hour + guide fee (30 GHC/hour).
• Night safari: These only take place in off-road vehicles. Essentially the same as a 4×4 safari, but with the chance to see some of the many nocturnal species in the National Park (e.g. genets, bushbabies, hyenas, owls). Of course, you can still see elephants at night too!
  • Cost: 200 GHC/hour + night guide fee (60 GHC/hour)
• Canoe safari: If you want something different, the canoe safari gets you closer to the water. Here you’ll paddle down the river with the chance to see some monkeys and the occasional crocodile. Elephant sightings are less frequent on these safaris.
• Bird safari: This safari goes out with the intention of searching for birds. Great for birdwatchers as Mole has a huge variety of beautiful birds such as the martial eagle, many kingfisher species, and the white-backed vulture

• Walking safari: This is the highlight of Mole. You’ll head out on foot with a ranger (carrying a rifle), tracking animals through the bush (something that is becoming increasingly rare). It’s a completely different experience to being in a vehicle – more immersive, a bit more tense, and far more memorable. Seeing elephants on foot here is something you won’t forget.
• Jeep safari: If you want to cover more ground, a 4×4 safari is the way to go. You’ll explore deeper into the park and increase your chances of spotting a wider range of wildlife. It’s less intense than walking, but still bumpy.
• Night safari: These only take place in off-road vehicles. Essentially the same as a 4×4 safari, but with the chance to see some of the many nocturnal species in the National Park (e.g. genets, bushbabies, hyenas, owls). Of course, you can still see elephants at night too!
• Canoe safari: If you want something different, the canoe safari gets you closer to the water. Here you’ll paddle down the river with the chance to see some monkeys and the occasional crocodile. Elephant sightings are less frequent on these safaris.
• Bird safari: This safari goes out with the intention of searching for birds. Great for birdwatchers as Mole has a huge variety of beautiful birds such as the martial eagle, many kingfisher species, and the white-backed vulture

Which safari slot to pick

Throughout the day there are different safaris. Firstly, pick which time you want to have a safari

• Morning (7:00-9:00): Walking or driven safari, no sign-up required.
• Late-morning (11:00-13:00)*: Out-dated, I don’t think safaris run at this time any more.
• Afternoon (15:30-17:30): Walking or driven safari, no sign-up required.
• Night (19:00-21:00): Driving only, book in advance at the visitor centre.

You will need to gather 15 minutes before the safari departs, at the main visitor centre. It’s a 1 minute walk away from Mole Motel which was very helpful.

What to expect on safari

Safaris are safaris, but Mole National Park is different to East African safaris.

Here are my key takeaways:

• Expect early starts: The morning safari is one of the best you can do! It’s an early start, but not crazy hours.
• Hot daytime: The middle of the day in Mole is usually very hot. I preferred to have some quiet relaxation time rather than safaris during the heat of the day.
• Less wildlife dense. Compared to safaris in East Africa,
• Elephants are more dispersed: Elephants are generally in smaller groups, maybe because of the lack of predators.
• Elephants are the main highlight of these safaris: Aside from elephants, you might see buffalo, antelope, crocodiles or the very rare night-sighting of a leopard or hyena.
• Walking safaris are awesome: Being on foot while watching elephants feels more raw and real than from a vehicle.
• Sightings (like always) aren’t guaranteed: After failed sightings of hippos in Orange (Bissau), leopards in Jaipur (India) and many others, it’s important to remind ourselves that nature can never be predicted.

Best time to visit Mole National Park

The best time to visit Mole National Park largely depends on what you want to get out of your safari experience. For the majority of people, dry season is the best option.

Dry season (November to April): Best overall
This is widely considered the best time to visit Mole. Water sources become scarce, which means animals gather around watering holes, making wildlife much easier to spot.

There are watering holes near both Mole Motel and Zaina Lodge which is a big attraction.

• Higher chances of seeing elephants up close
• Easier walking safaris (less mud, clearer trails)
• Sunny, dry conditions

Wet season (May to October): Lush but quieter
During the rainy season, the park transforms into a greener, more vibrant landscape.

• Fewer tourists
• Beautiful scenery and birdlife
• Harder to spot wildlife (animals spread out more)
• Some roads/tracks may be more difficult

It’s still worth visiting in the off-season, just go in with different expectations. It becomes less about ticking off animals and more about the overall experience.

How long to spend at Mole National Park

You don’t need loads of time in Mole National Park to have a great experience, but planning your Mole itinerary will help maximise your experience!

I’d recommend 2 nights minimum. It gives you the best chance of seeing elephants and avoids turning Mole into a rushed stop on a bigger Ghana itinerary.

• 1 night (minimum): This works if you’re short on time, but it can feel a bit rushed — especially after the long journey to get there.
  • Arrive, do an afternoon safari
  • Stay overnight
  • Morning safari the next day
• 2 nights (ideal): This is the sweet spot for most travellers as it gives you multiple chances to see wildlife and time to actually enjoy the lodge and surroundings.
  • Day 1: Arrival + afternoon safari
  • Day 2: Morning safari + relax + optional second activity
  • Day 3: Departure
• 3+ nights (slow travel): If you’ve got time, staying longer lets you Do multiple walking safaris, try different safari times/routes, fully unwind (the pool overlooking the watering hole is a big highlight).

How much does Mole National Park cost?

I spent a total of 1665 cedis (~$150 USD) in two nights at Mole National Park. I left feeling very satisfied, but I could’ve spent both more or less.

• Park Entry Fee: 80 GHC (as a foreign adult)
• Vehicle Entry Fee: 15 ceHCdis (as a local-plated vehicle)
• Walking Safari: 30 GHC per hour (minimum 2 hours)
• Vehicle Safari: 200 GHC per hour (minimum 2 hours) + ranger fee from above
• Food & Drinks: Varies depending on purchases – my breakfast was included, and I averaged 100 GHC per meal beyond that.
• Accommodation: 950 GHC per night (for an A/C room).

My walking safari cost 60 GHC in the morning (2 hours). My vehicle safari cost 160 in the afternoon (400 for the vehicle divided by four people, plus 60 for the guide fee).

My living costs were ~400 GHC for food and drinks, plus 950 for my accommodation (as we split between two).

You can calculate all of the potential costs for safaris using this Park Fees document.

What to pack for Mole National Park

In reality, you don’t need too many safari-specific items for your visit to Mole National Park. Here’s what I recommend packing:

• Lightweight, breathable clothing: It gets hot quickly, particularly on walking safaris. Loose, long-sleeved clothing is ideal to protect from both sun and insects.
• Comfortable walking shoes: Essential if you’re doing a walking safari. Trails can be dusty, uneven, and rocky in places. Trainers are fine.
• Hat & sunglasses: There’s limited shade out in the savannah, so sun protection is important.
• Sunscreen: The Ghanaian sun is strong, even in the early morning.
• Insect repellent: Especially important around dawn and dusk.
• Reusable water bottle: You’ll want to stay hydrated on your 2-hour safaris.
• Binoculars: Not essential, but a great addition for spotting animals (especially birds) from a distance. You can also rent these from the visitor centre for 25 cedis.
• Camera or phone with zoom: Wildlife can sometimes be far away, particularly on jeep safaris. I was so glad to have my telephoto lens with me (even just for spotting animals).
• Headtorch (optional): Useful for early starts, evenings, or getting around your accommodation at night.
• Light jacket or hoodie: Early morning safaris can be surprisingly cool depending on the time of year, particularly if you’re in an open vehicle.

My tip: Keep a small daypack ready the night before your safari. Early starts are the norm, and you won’t want to be scrambling around at 6am.

FAQs

What animals are at Mole National Park

While Mole National Park isn’t as wildlife-dense as places like Kenya or Tanzania, it still offers some great sightings.

The commonly spotted animals include:

• Elephants. Mole is one of the best places in West Africa to see them in the wild, often surprisingly close
• Antelope species: Kob, bushbuck, waterbuck
• Warthogs: You’ll see these everywhere, often wandering around the lodges
• Baboons and monkeys: Especially near accommodation areas
• Crocodiles: Occasionally seen near water sources
• Birdlife: Over 300 species, making it a great destination for birdwatchers

There are also predators like leopards, spotted hyenas and apparently lions in the park, but sightings are extremely rare.

You’re not coming to Mole for the “Big Five.” Instead, it’s about the experience, walking through the bush, seeing elephants up close, and enjoying a much quieter, less commercial safari.

Is Mole National Park safe?

Yes – Mole National Park is generally very safe to visit, and it’s one of the most straightforward wildlife destinations in West Africa.

That said, there are a few things to be aware of:

• Always follow your guide’s instructions: This is especially important on walking safaris. You’re in the wild, and animals like elephants are unpredictable.
• Don’t walk around alone at night: Wildlife often moves near the lodges after dark. Stick to lit areas or ask staff if you’re unsure.
• Keep a safe distance from animals: Even if elephants look calm, they’re still wild animals.
• Basic travel precautions apply: Keep valuables secure and be mindful of your surroundings, as you would anywhere.

In terms of general travel safety, Ghana is considered one of the safer countries in West Africa, and Mole reflects that.

I felt completely safe throughout my visit. The guides were knowledgeable, professional, and clearly prioritised safety, which made the whole experience feel relaxed rather than risky.

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