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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.

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Elephant: Towering giants of the savannah, elephants roam Mole’s vast plains, shaping the landscape and captivating visitors with their sheer size and gentle demeanor.

Buffalo: Formidable and gregarious, buffalo herds traverse the park’s grasslands, their massive horns and imposing presence commanding respect from both predators and onlookers.

Antelope: Graceful and agile, various antelope species like the kob and waterbuck roam Mole’s expanses, showcasing their elegant movements and keen survival instincts.

Warthog: Despite their rugged appearance, warthogs are charismatic creatures found in Mole, known for their distinctive tusks and amusing antics as they forage for food on the savannah.

Giraffe: Towering above the acacia trees, giraffes gracefully navigate Mole’s landscape, their long necks reaching for leaves while their distinctive patterns add to the park’s allure.

Hippo: In Mole’s waterways, hippos find sanctuary, their grunts and splashes adding to the park’s soundtrack as they wallow and graze in the shallows.

Crocodile: Stealthy and ancient, crocodiles lurk in Mole’s rivers, showcasing their prehistoric presence and adding a sense of danger to the park’s aquatic habitats.

Zebra: Striped and striking, zebras roam Mole’s grasslands in small herds, their unique patterns creating a mesmerizing sight against the backdrop of the savannah.

Monkey: With their playful antics and curious expressions, various monkey species like baboons and patas monkeys bring life to Mole’s forests, entertaining visitors with their social interactions.

Birds: Mole National Park boasts a diverse avian population, with vibrant feathered residents like hornbills, vultures, and eagles soaring through the skies and adding color to the landscape.

Birds

Mole National Park is home to over 300 species of birds, making it a prime destination for birdwatchers and ornithologists alike.  Here are some of the favorites:

Vulturine Guineafowl: Strikingly adorned with blue and white plumage, these ground-dwelling birds are a common sight in Mole, often found foraging for insects and seeds.

African Fish Eagle: With its distinctive call and majestic appearance, the African fish eagle is a symbol of Mole’s waterways, soaring overhead and diving gracefully to catch fish.

Secretary Bird: Known for its unique appearance and distinctive hunting behavior, the secretary bird is a fascinating sight in Mole, striding through the grasslands in search of prey.

Yellow-billed Hornbill: These charismatic birds with their bright yellow beaks are often seen perched in trees or scavenging for insects and fruits on the forest floor in Mole.

African Grey Hornbill: With its striking black and white plumage and characteristic casque on its bill, the African grey hornbill is a common and captivating sight in Mole.

Marabou Stork: Towering and ungainly yet oddly majestic, the marabou stork is a frequent visitor to Mole, scavenging along riverbanks and marshes for carrion and scraps.

Hammerkop: Named for its unique hammer-shaped head, this bird frequents Mole’s waterways, where it builds large, conspicuous nests in trees along the riverbanks.

African Jacana: With its long legs and distinctive toe adaptations, the African jacana is a familiar sight in Mole, gracefully walking on lily pads and floating vegetation in search of food.

Grey-headed Kingfisher: A master fisherman of Mole’s waterways, the grey-headed kingfisher perches patiently on branches overhanging rivers and streams before plunging in to catch its prey.

African Pied Wagtail: These lively and sociable birds can be found near water sources in Mole, where they wag their tails energetically while foraging for insects and small aquatic prey

Mole National Park Pictures

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.

Sumiatu Trail

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 3 miles (4.8 km) round trip with an elevation gain of 328 feet (100 meters)

Description: The Sumiatu Trail takes hikers along the banks of the Mole River, where they may encounter hippos, crocodiles, and other aquatic wildlife.

Hikers will also have the chance to explore woodland areas and observe monkeys and other forest-dwelling animals.

Wadudu Trail

Rating: Moderate to Difficult

Distance and Elevation Gain: 5 miles (8 km) round trip with an elevation gain of 656 feet (200 meters)

Description: The Wadudu Trail offers a challenging hike through rugged terrain, including rocky hills and dense vegetation.

Hikers may encounter elephants, buffalo, and other large mammals while navigating the diverse habitats of the park.

Asibi Trail

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: 1.5 miles (2.4 km) round trip with minimal elevation gain

Description: The Asibi Trail leads hikers to the Asibi Hill, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Hikers may also encounter primates such as baboons and colobus monkeys while exploring the forested areas near the hill.

Mognori Trail

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: 2.5 miles (4 km) round trip with minimal elevation gain

Description: The Mognori Trail takes hikers to the Mognori Village, where they can learn about the culture and traditions of the local people.

Hikers will also have the opportunity to spot wildlife such as warthogs, bushbucks, and monkeys while walking through the village’s surrounding savanna.

Related National Parks

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.