Mole National Park

Mole National Park is Ghana's largest and most famous wildlife park, offering excellent opportunities for elephant viewing, antelopes, baboons, and...

Mole National Park at a Glance

Location
Northern Savanna & Cross-Border Wildlife, Ghana, West Africa
Coordinates
9.653056, -1.830764
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
High
Best Time to Visit
November to March (dry season) for wildlife and national parks. Best birding November to April.

Getting to Mole National Park

Nearest airport: Piste d´atterissage de Léo (XLU), 164 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aéroport International de Ouagadougou (OUA), 302 km away.

Big Five in Mole National Park

1 of the Big Five can be found here: African Buffalo.

Weather & Climate in Mole National Park

The warmest temperatures in Mole National Park occur in March, averaging 31.0°C (up to 37.2°C). The coolest conditions are in August at 24.8°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in January with average rainfall of 0.0mm. Average humidity: 18.9%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 27.8°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • February: 30.0°C (rainfall: 1.4mm)
  • March: 31.0°C (rainfall: 27.0mm)
  • April: 30.0°C (rainfall: 62.1mm)
  • May: 28.8°C (rainfall: 71.2mm)
  • June: 26.8°C (rainfall: 108.8mm)
  • July: 25.3°C (rainfall: 155.6mm)
  • August: 24.8°C (rainfall: 203.4mm)
  • September: 24.9°C (rainfall: 174.2mm)
  • October: 26.5°C (rainfall: 89.9mm)
  • November: 28.3°C (rainfall: 6.7mm)
  • December: 27.1°C (rainfall: 2.6mm)

Best Time to Visit Mole National Park

The best months to visit Mole National Park are January, February, November, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 27.77°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 18.9%
  • February: Great, temperature 29.96°C, rainfall 1.4mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 17.7%
  • March: Great, temperature 30.96°C, rainfall 27mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 46.7%
  • April: Great, temperature 30°C, rainfall 62.1mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 58.8%
  • May: Great, temperature 28.82°C, rainfall 71.2mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 68.3%
  • June: Good, temperature 26.77°C, rainfall 108.8mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 76%
  • July: Good, temperature 25.26°C, rainfall 155.6mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 82.4%
  • August: Good, temperature 24.78°C, rainfall 203.4mm, sunshine 8.2 hrs, humidity 83.9%
  • September: Good, temperature 24.93°C, rainfall 174.2mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 85.5%
  • October: Great, temperature 26.49°C, rainfall 89.9mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 74.8%
  • November: Great, temperature 28.27°C, rainfall 6.7mm, sunshine 10.8 hrs, humidity 44%
  • December: Great, temperature 27.1°C, rainfall 2.6mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 29.4%

Wildlife in Mole National Park

Home to 99 recorded species including 35 iconic birds, 25 waterbirds, 23 birds of prey, 5 tropical birds, 3 primates, 3 antelope & gazelle.

Recommended Packing List for Mole National Park

Based on average temperature of 27.6°C, typical conditions, humidity 57%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 28°C weather calls for light fabrics
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Mole National Park

2 safari lodges available.

Other

luxury

Similar Parks in Northern Savanna & Cross-Border Wildlife

Visitor Tips - Mole National Park

Mole National Park offers an incredibly intimate and authentic safari experience, particularly with its renowned walking safaris where you can encounter elephants on foot. We love the uncrowded feel, allowing for truly personal wildlife encounters that are increasingly rare in other parts of Africa. The sunsets over the savannah are sensational, painting the sky in vibrant hues that perfectly cap off a day of exploration.

Gate Times

Mole National Park's gates typically open at 6:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM. We recommend arriving early for morning game drives or walking safaris, which often depart around 6:30 AM, or planning for late afternoon activities to catch the best wildlife viewing. There are no complex permit requirements beyond paying the park entry fees and activity fees, which can be handled upon arrival at the park headquarters. Booking accommodation within the park, especially during the peak dry season from November to March, is always a good idea to secure your stay.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and greatly appreciated in Ghana. For your safari guide or ranger, we suggest GHS 50-100 per person per activity, depending on the duration and quality of the experience. For lodge staff, a communal tip box is often available, or you can discreetly offer GHS 20-50 to individuals who have provided exceptional service. Always tip in local currency, the Ghanaian Cedi, if possible.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Ghana

Travel advisory for Ghana

Mole National Park FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit Mole National Park for wildlife viewing?

The optimal time to visit Mole National Park is during Ghana's dry season, from November to April. During these months, water sources are scarce, concentrating animals around fewer watering holes, making them easier to spot. The vegetation is also less dense, significantly improving visibility for game drives and walking safaris.

What makes the walking safaris at Mole National Park a unique experience compared to other African parks?

Mole is renowned for its accessible and intimate walking safaris, often allowing visitors to get remarkably close to elephants and other wildlife on foot, accompanied by armed rangers. This direct interaction with the West African savanna environment, guided by experienced park staff, offers a truly immersive and personal encounter that is less common in many larger East or Southern African parks.

How can I get to Mole National Park, and what are the main accommodation options available?

Most visitors travel to Mole National Park from Tamale, which has an airport, by shared taxi, bus, or private vehicle, a journey of about 2-3 hours. Within the park, the primary accommodation is the Mole Motel, offering basic to mid-range rooms and a swimming pool with excellent views over a watering hole, often frequented by elephants.

What are the typical costs associated with a safari experience at Mole National Park?

Entry fees for non-Ghanaians are generally around GHS 100-150 (approx. $10-15 USD), with additional charges for guided activities like walking safaris (GHS 50-70) and game drives (GHS 100-150 per vehicle, plus guide fees). These costs are subject to change, so it's advisable to check current rates upon arrival or with the park directly.

Beyond the well-known elephants, what other specific wildlife can I expect to encounter at Mole National Park?

While elephants are a highlight, Mole is also home to a diverse range of antelopes, including roan, kob, hartebeest, and waterbuck, often seen during game drives. You can also frequently spot olive baboons, patas monkeys, and warthogs, alongside a rich birdlife featuring species like saddle-billed storks and various raptors, making for varied viewing opportunities.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Lonely Planet West Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers Ghana, Senegal, Gambia, Nigeria, Cameroon, and more. Includes national parks, wildlife reserves, and practical overland travel advice across the region.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.