Safari in Northern Savanna & Cross-Border Wildlife
Explore vast savannas and iconic wildlife, including elephants and antelopes, across Ghana's northern reaches and into neighboring West African nations.
Northern Savanna & Cross-Border Wildlife Parks Map
Explore safari parks across Northern Savanna & Cross-Border Wildlife
Northern Savanna & Cross-Border Wildlife Safari Parks
Explore safari parks in Northern Savanna & Cross-Border Wildlife
Boabeng - Fiema Monkey Sanctuary
This unique community-managed sanctuary is famous for its sacred population of Mona and Black and White Colobus monkeys, which live freely among the villagers. Visitors can interact closely with these primates, making it a charming and accessible wildlife experience.
Bui National Park
Bui National Park is known for its significant hippopotamus population in the Black Volta River, as well as various antelopes and primates. The construction of the Bui Dam has altered parts of the park, but it remains an important site for riverine wildlife and birdwatching.
Mole National Park
Mole National Park is Ghana's largest and most famous wildlife park, offering excellent opportunities for elephant viewing, antelopes, baboons, and various bird species. Visitors can enjoy walking safaris and game drives, making it a premier destination for experiencing West African savanna wildlife.
Parc National de Fazao-Malfakassa
Parc National de Fazao-Malfakassa is a protected area in Ghana.
Parc National de Keran
Parc National de Keran is a protected area in Ghana.
Ranch de gibier et forêt de Nazinga
Ranch de gibier et forêt de Nazinga is a protected area in Ghana.
Compare Parks in Northern Savanna & Cross-Border Wildlife
Side-by-side comparison of safari parks in Northern Savanna & Cross-Border Wildlife
| Park | Area | Wildlife | Lodges | Crowds | Malaria | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mole National Park | 4,840 km² | 438 | - | Very Quiet | High | WZA (88km) |
| Boabeng - Fiema Monkey Sanctuary | - | 74 | - | Moderate | High | NYI (80km) |
| Bui National Park | - | - | - | Very Quiet | High | BDK (62km) |
| Parc National de Fazao-Malfakassa | - | 103 | - | Very Quiet | High | DXSK (44km) |
| Parc National de Keran | - | 63 | - | Very Quiet | High | DXMG (35km) |
| Ranch de gibier et forêt de Nazinga | - | 305 | - | Very Quiet | High | PUP (37km) |
139 species recorded in Northern Savanna & Cross-Border Wildlife10 threatened
We love the sheer scale of Ghana's northern savannas; it feels like stepping back in time. The air here is dry and carries the scent of sun-baked earth and wild grasses. We recommend venturing out at dawn when the light is soft and the wildlife is most active, often revealing herds of kob and hartebeest against the awakening landscape. The sunsets are sensational, painting the sky in fiery hues over the endless plains.
Terrain & Altitude
Expansive, gently rolling savannas stretch across the landscape, punctuated by rocky outcrops and occasional gallery forests along watercourses.
200-500m above sea level
Vegetation
Dominated by tall perennial grasses, scattered acacia trees, and drought-resistant shrubs, with denser woodland found near permanent water.
Water Sources
The Volta River and its tributaries are crucial, alongside numerous seasonal streams and man-made reservoirs that become vital during the dry season.
Unique Features
The region is characterized by its vast, open plains that transition into more wooded areas, creating diverse habitats supporting a remarkable array of wildlife.
Getting to Ghana's Northern Savanna requires a bit of planning due to the distances involved. We always recommend flying domestically from Accra to Tamale, which significantly cuts down travel time and allows more safari time. While driving offers a glimpse into rural Ghanaian life, the long hours can be tiring; consider an overnight stop if you choose to drive from the south.
Nearest Airports
Tamale Airport (TML)
120km / 2.5-3hr drive to Mole National Park
Daily connections from Accra on Africa World Airlines and PassionAir. We recommend booking these well in advance, especially during peak season.
Kumasi Airport (KMS)
350km / 6-7hr drive to Mole National Park
Frequent connections from Accra on multiple domestic carriers. This is a good option if you plan to explore central Ghana before heading north.
Bush Airstrips
Driving Routes
From Tamale
The road to Mole National Park is generally well-maintained tarmac for the first part, then transitions to a good gravel road. A 4WD is not strictly necessary but offers more comfort, especially after rains.
From Accra
This is a very long drive, primarily on good tarmac roads via Kumasi and Tamale. We strongly advise breaking the journey with an overnight stop in Kumasi or Tamale to avoid fatigue and enjoy the scenery.
Temperature
27°C
81°F
Rainfall
0.1 mm
Dry season
Humidity
22.2%
Sunshine
10.7 hrs/day
Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API
Planning tools for Ghana
Health & Travel Info
Important health and safety information for Ghana