Spotting wildlife in Mole National Park, Ghana

There is a sense of peace to be found at Mole (say Mo-lay), and if you are looking for a laid back approach to a safari, you’ve found it. Spotting wildlife in Mole National Park, Ghana makes for an unusual and memorable vacation. The animal life here seems to be peacefully going about its business, getting on with life in the savannah in an unhurried fashion. Elephants lumber towards the watering holes and squirt wet mud over their backs to ease the heat, antelope graze between the trees and crocodiles emerge lazily from the water. Take your pick from an early morning walking safari or join a driving group to go by 4×4, looking out for four of the ‘big 5’ – the only one that doesn’t live in the reserve is the rhino.

Wildlife in Mole National Park

Mole is the largest national park in Ghana, with an area of more than 4577 square kilometres. There is actually only a small proportion of the park accessible to visitors, who come for the varied wildlife and sense of space and peace. It is best to visit in the dry months of September to April because access is limited in the rainy season, and it can be harder to spot the animals when they are not forced to seek water at the few watering holes.

As well as Mole National Park’s headline attraction – over 400 elephants – there are another 92 species of mammals including several primates, leopards, buffalo and many different kinds of antelope. There are, according to park officials, some elusive lions, though spotting these would need a bucketful of luck as they have not been sighted by visitors for some years.

A premier site for birders, Mole is home to over 340 different species of birds, some of which are endangered or endemic to the region. There are a few high level hides in the park which, although basic, are great for getting close to the bird life and viewing wildlife on the ground over a greater distance.

Until recently, there was only one accommodation option at Mole, the Mole Motel, which has been ageing gracefully since its construction in the sixties. This is still a good budget option as there are dorms available, a pool, bar and convivial backpacker vibe. The new addition to the area is the Zaina lodge, which is a luxury option complete with infinity pool, teak loungers under canvas sunshades and tented chalets. Both are situated at the top of the escarpment that runs through the park, allowing a superb view over large swathes of forest, bush as grasslands. They both benefit from proximity to watering holes where animals, particularly elephants, regularly congregate.

Wherever you base yourself, waking in the morning to the sounds of the Savannah, gazing out over mile upon mile of untainted Africa, getting up close to nature and basking in the warm glow of Ghanaian hospitality will bring a sense of peace and wellbeing.

Make it happen

If you’d like to plan a trip to Mole National Park then our local experts in Ghana are just the people to speak to. Enquire today and they can begin creating your bespoke Ghanaian holiday of a lifetime, which can be shaped to your preferences.