In Northern Ghana, Mole National Park protects 4,840km² of undulating dry savannah woodland habitat. Terrain is mostly flat, apart from the Konkori Escarpment, on which the two hotels - Zaina Lodge and Mole Motel - are perched. The two main rivers, Lovi and Mole, flow seasonally and are tributaries of the White Volta River. There's a number of permanent waterholes, too, where game viewing can be very rewarding. Larger mammals which frequent the park include elephant, Western buffalo, hippos, warthog and a variety of antelope, with Buffon's kob, roan, Western hartebeest, Defassa waterbuck and bushbuck being seen most often. Spotted hyenas also occur. Of the five primate species present, visitors most hope to observe the agile patas monkey.
During night drives, mammal-watching fans come to seek the likes of Senegal galago, Gambian and slender-tailed mongoose, African civet, common genet, scrub hare, crested porcupine and red-flanked duiker. The yellow-winged bat is also high on the list of mammal watchers. At night, lucky birders might also see the spectacular standard-winged and long-tailed nightjars.
Mole has an impressive bird checklist, with visitors coming to seek species such as Senegal parrot, northern carmine bee-eater, blue-bellied roller, yellow-crowned gonolek and bearded barbet.
The park is most conveniently accessed by means of a domestic flight from Tamale, capital of the Northern Region, and we recommend a two or three-night stay.
Sarah Frankish
Travel Specialist
Looking for inspiration?
You'll find expert travel guides, holiday ideas and insider tips now on the Rainbow blog
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware