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Mole Overview

Mole National Park, Ghana’s largest and most renowned wildlife refuge, is situated in the country’s northern region, approximately 170 kilometers west of Tamale, the regional capital. Spanning an impressive area of about 4,840 square kilometers (1,869 square miles), the park was officially established in 1971, although it had been recognized as a game reserve as early as 1958. Mole National Park represents a critical effort to conserve Ghana’s natural heritage and biodiversity, offering a sanctuary for a wide array of wildlife in the heart of the Guinea savannah ecological zone.

The park’s landscape is characterized by rolling plains interspersed with rocky outcrops, riparian woodlands, and gallery forests along the watercourses, creating a diverse habitat that supports an abundance of flora and fauna. Mole is home to significant populations of large mammals, including African elephants, which are perhaps the park’s most famous inhabitants. It also provides a haven for leopards, buffaloes, hippos, and several species of antelopes, such as kob, waterbucks, and hartebeests. Beyond mammals, Mole National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 300 recorded bird species, making it an important site for avian biodiversity.

One of the park’s distinguishing features is its accessibility to visitors, offering the unique opportunity to experience wildlife on foot. Guided walking safaris allow visitors to encounter the park’s wildlife up close, in addition to traditional vehicle safaris. The park’s two main waterholes serve as focal points for wildlife viewing, especially during the dry season when animals congregate in large numbers to drink.

Mole National Park not only plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation but also contributes to community development and eco-tourism in northern Ghana. The park’s commitment to preserving the natural environment, combined with its rich wildlife and stunning landscapes, makes it an invaluable asset for conservation efforts and a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

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Park Map
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Mole National Park Highlights

Predators

Mole National Park is a haven for predators, where the law of the wild reigns supreme. These formidable hunters rule the savannahs:

Lion: Majestic and powerful, lions dominate the park’s ecosystem, hunting cooperatively in prides and striking fear into the hearts of their prey with thunderous roars.

Leopard: Stealthy and elusive, leopards are the shadows of the savannah, stalking their prey with unmatched precision and blending seamlessly into the golden grasslands.

African Wild Dog: With their intricate social structure and relentless hunting tactics, African wild dogs are the ultimate team players, coordinating strategic hunts to take down prey much larger than themselves.

Mole National Park Pictures

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Engaging Mole National Park

Embark on an exhilarating wildlife safari through Mole National Park’s vast savannas, home to diverse species such as elephants, buffalo, antelopes, and predators like lions and leopards. Guided by experienced rangers, visitors traverse the park’s rugged terrain, encountering iconic African animals in their natural habitat.

Experience the thrill of walking amidst the treetops on Mole’s Canopy Walkway, suspended high above the forest floor. This unique activity offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and provides opportunities to spot birds, monkeys, and other arboreal creatures.

Embark on a thrilling night safari to discover Mole’s nocturnal wonders. Led by expert guides, venture into the park after dark to encounter elusive creatures such as hyenas, civets, genets, and various species of owls and nightjars, offering a unique perspective on the park’s biodiversity under the moonlit sky.

Mole National Park Trails

Zaina Trail

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: 2 miles (3.2 km) round trip with minimal elevation gain

Description: The Zaina Trail leads hikers through savanna grasslands and woodland habitats, offering opportunities to spot elephants, antelopes, and various bird species.

Hikers will enjoy panoramic views of the park’s expansive landscape while experiencing the tranquility of nature.

Related National Parks More Ghana

Sources
  • Ghana Wildlife Division, Mole National Park, https://ghanawildlife.org/mole.html, retrieved March 2023.
  • Mole National Park, Park Site, https://molenationalpark.org/, retrieved March 2023.
  • Visit Ghana, Mole National Park, https://visitghana.com/attractions/mole-national-park-2/, retrieved March 2023.
  • UNESCO, Mole National Park, https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/1391/, retrieved March 2023.