Stories and facts

History of the Mole National Park

In 1958, the lands of Mole National Park were designated as a wildlife refuge, and in 1971, the small human population in the area was relocated, leading to its official designation as a national park. Although the park has not undergone significant development to attract tourists, concerns persist at the national and international levels regarding underfunding, poaching, and sustainability. Despite these challenges, the park has made notable strides in protecting important resident antelope species since its inception.

Scientists regard Mole National Park as a significant research area due to the absence of a human population within its boundaries. This unique setting allows for long-term studies in relatively undisturbed locations, particularly when compared to densely populated regions in equatorial West Africa. For example, a study conducted on the park's resident population of 800 elephants revealed that the extent of damage caused by elephants to large trees varies depending on the tree species. Economically valuable species like burkea africana and butyrospermum paradoxum experience more severe damage, while less important species like Terminalia spp. show less impact.

In recent years, honey produced from flowers in the Mole National Forest has emerged as the region's first fair-trade commodity. Local villagers employ traditional and non-invasive methods to harvest the honey, partnering with a company based in Utah to market it as a health and wellness supplement in the United States. The programme, co-founded by Ashanti Chief Nana Kwasi Agyemang, aims to revitalize local interest in honey and eventually expand its exportation to other African countries.

Exploring the native flora

Mole National Park boasts a rich variety of tree species, including Burkea africana, Isoberlinia doka, and Terminalia macroptera. While the diversity of savanna grasses is relatively low, notable species include Kyllinga echinata (a spikesedge), Aneilema setiferum var. pallidiciliatum (an Aneilema species), and two unique members of the Asclepiadaceae subfamily, namely the vine Gongronema obscurum and the edible geophyte.

Iconic wildlife species

Mole National Park is a renowned haven for nature enthusiasts, capturing the hearts of animal lovers with its remarkable biodiversity. The park's expansive grasslands and forests are teeming with a captivating assortment of wildlife, offering a rare chance to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

At the heart of this ecosystem are the African elephants, majestic giants known for their grace and intelligence. These awe-inspiring creatures roam freely across the savannah, leaving visitors in awe of their presence. Through dedicated conservation efforts, the elephant population in Mole National Park has flourished, making encounters with these magnificent beings a highlight of any visit.

The park also houses a variety of primate species, including baboons, vervet monkeys, and black-and-white colobus monkeys. Their lively calls resonate through the treetops, infusing the park with energy and vitality.

Mole National Park boasts a diverse collection of rare and elusive species, each contributing to its unique allure. Among them, the leopard stands out, known for its stealth and ability to blend into the surroundings. Spotting these elusive felines gracefully navigating the dense undergrowth is an exhilarating testament to the park's untouched wilderness.

For avid birdwatchers, Mole National Park is a paradise, hosting over 300 bird species. From the vibrant Violet Turaco to the striking African Grey Hornbill, the park offers a captivating display of avian beauty. With abundant opportunities for observation and study, bird enthusiasts will find themselves immersed in the wonders of flight within the park's boundaries.

Luxury accommodations

Mole National Park not only stands as Ghana's premier tourist destination with excellent visitor facilities but also hosts West Africa's first luxury safari lodge. Nestled within the picturesque Mole forest, Zaina, the country's top ecolodge, offers exceptional hospitality services with a distinctive flair.

Tourism

After improving the park's road infrastructure, there was a rise in park attendance, with the number of visitors increasing from 14,600 in 2014 to 17,800 in 2015. The proportion of foreign visitors fluctuates between 20% and 40% each year. Farouk Umaru Dubiure, the Park Manager, expressed concerns about the low revenue generated despite the high visitor count. The main reason for this is that 70% of the visitors are Ghanaian students who pay a small fee to enter the park and tend to have short visits, whereas foreign visitors stay longer to fully explore the park. Furthermore, the newly constructed road has been linked to facilitating illegal logging of rosewood, primarily intended for China.

Exciting activities and facilities for visitors at the park

Visitors to Mole National Park can partake in a range of safaris and even experience a night at the tree hide. Mole Motel offers a swimming pool accessible to both residents and non-residents. The Park's Information Centre houses a craft shop where locally crafted items are available for purchase, showcasing the significant role of art and crafts in the northern region's culture.

Conservation efforts and community involvement

Conservation endeavours have played a vital role in safeguarding the delicate ecosystems of Mole National Park, recognizing its ecological importance. Collaborative efforts involving government entities, local communities, and environmental organizations have been instrumental in ensuring the long-term preservation of the park and its wildlife inhabitants.

One notable initiative implemented involves the establishment of educational programs aimed at promoting environmental awareness and sustainable practices. These programs specifically target local communities and schools, fostering a sense of responsibility and understanding among the younger generation. By instilling a love for nature and conservation, these efforts have a ripple effect that extends beyond the park's boundaries.

Moreover, Mole National Park has received recognition from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a World Heritage site. This nomination followed Ghana's submission on the park, which experts from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) found favourable and impressive. Situated 687 km north of Accra, the park serves as a crucial wildlife corridor between Ghana and Burkina Faso, renowned for its substantial elephant population and diverse wildlife. The CEO of Ghana's Forestry Commission has emphasized the commitment to preserving the park's ecological integrity, attracting approximately 17,000 tourists annually. Initially designated as a Game Reserve in 1958 and later upgraded to a National Park in 1971, Mole remains a prominent tourist destination in Ghana. The incorporation of ecotourism into the park's conservation strategy not only provides sustainable livelihoods for local communities but also generates funds for its maintenance and protection.

Mole National Park stands as a shining testament to Ghana's dedication to safeguarding its natural heritage. Its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and ongoing conservation endeavours exemplify the collective action required to protect our planet's most valuable ecosystems.

As visitors explore the vast grasslands, immerse themselves in the dense forests, and witness the untamed beauty of the park's inhabitants, they develop a deep appreciation for the delicate harmony between humans and nature. Mole National Park invites adventurers to discover, learn, and contribute to the ongoing mission of preserving Ghana's natural gem.

What to do at the Mole National Park

Guests have the opportunity to partake in any of the safaris and even enjoy a night at the tree hide if they wish. The swimming pool at Mole Motel is open to both guests staying at the motel and those who are not. Within the Park's Information Centre, there is a craft shop where locally made items are available for purchase, showcasing the important influence of art and crafts on the culture of the northern region.

Clothing recommendations

During the Dry Season (November to March), lightweight attire is advisable, especially for those who do not plan to venture deep into the park. However, for explorations of the park's interior, it is highly recommended to apply insect repellent and wear protective clothing, including socks and boots, to prevent tsetse fly bites.

In the Rainy Season (April to October), it is essential to carry an umbrella or raincoat at all times. Additionally, if entering the park during this season, wearing long-sleeved clothing, long trousers, socks, and boots, along with applying insect repellent, is crucial to avoid tsetse fly bites.

Security measures

Mole National Park has a strong emphasis on security, with the utmost focus on preserving and ensuring the safety of both humans and animals. This is accomplished through the presence of armed tour guides and diligent staff patrols.

During their visit, all tourists are required to have a guide accompany them at all times.

It is important to note that the Park does not take responsibility for the security of tourists once they leave its premises. At the Information Centre, experienced tour guides who have received proper training are available to provide guidance and interpretations to enhance the visitor's overall experience.

As the primary point of contact, tourists are obligated to report to the Information Centre at all times.

Getting to the Mole National Park

By Private Vehicle: To reach Mole National Park, it takes about 10 hours (690 km) from Accra, approximately 6 hours (422 km) from Kumasi, and roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes (146 km) from Tamale. If coming from Wa on the Wa/Kumasi road, the journey lasts about 3 hours (181 km), while from Bolgantanga on the Bolgatanga/Tamale/Kumasi road, it takes about 4 hours (307 km).

Driving from Accra: If you're driving from Accra to Mole National Park, follow these directions: Begin by taking the Accra-Kumasi Road. Stay on the main Kumasi highway until you reach Anloga Junction. At Anloga Junction, make a right turn. Continue straight until you reach Airport Junction. At Airport Junction, turn left and take the road towards Kumasi Magazine. This road will lead you to Techiman. In Techiman, ask for Tamale Road. After crossing a bridge over the White Volta, drive until you reach a small town called Fulfuso (also known as 'Damongo Junction'). At Fulfuso, you'll encounter a wide junction with a left turn. Take this road and drive for another 89 kilometres (approximately two-and-a-half hours), passing through Damongo and Larabanga, until you arrive at Mole National Park.

By bus or coach from Accra or Kumasi: If you prefer to travel by bus or coach, board a vehicle heading to Tamale from a station in Accra or Kumasi. If you don't wish to go all the way to Tamale, you can stop at Fulfulso and then take a tro-tro (minibus) to Damongo or Larabanga. From there, you can either take a taxi or catch a minibus to Mole National Park.

Scheduled Transport between Tamale and the Park: There is a daily Metro Mass Transit bus service between Mole National Park and Tamale. The bus departs from the Park at 3:30 am each day and arrives in Tamale around 6:30 am. It leaves Tamale at 1:30 pm, returning to Mole and arriving at approximately 5 pm.

By other bus or coach from Tamale: In Tamale, you can go to Sankpala Station, where you can board a tro-tro (minibus) directly to the Park. Alternatively, you can take a tro-tro bound for Damongo and, upon reaching Damongo, either take a taxi directly to the Park or board a tro-tro to Larabanga and then use a taxi or hike to reach the Park.

Road transport from other major towns: Several bus companies, including OA Travel and Tours, STC, Metro Mass Transit, VIP, and VVIP, offer daily services from Accra, Kumasi, and Bolgatanga to Tamale. Metro Mass Transit buses operate from Wa to Damongo daily, allowing passengers to disembark at Larabanga.

By bus or coach to Accra or Kumasi: It is advisable to proceed directly to Tamale without waiting at Fulfuso Junction for a bus to Accra or Kumasi. Waiting at Fulfuso can be unnecessarily long or unproductive, so it is better to spend an extra thirty minutes to reach Tamale and catch a bus from there. Buses and coaches bound for Accra and Kumasi have fixed departure times, with morning buses leaving Tamale between 6 am and 9 am, and night buses departing between 4 pm and 7 pm.

Outlying communities and nearby attractions

There are 33 communities located on the immediate outskirts of Mole, with a total population of around 40,000 individuals. One of these communities, Mognori, offers an immersive African village experience to Mole visitors. It showcases agricultural practices and animal husbandry, allowing visitors to explore the Mole River in traditional canoes and stay with local families. They can actively participate in daily activities such as accompanying their hosts to the farm and assisting with household tasks.

Another fascinating community that can be accessed from Mole National Park is Larabanga. Visitors have the option to reach Larabanga on foot or by bicycle, where they can choose to stay at a traditional lodge managed by the Salia Brothers. Larabanga village is famous for its 500-year-old mosque, which is recognized as the oldest in West Africa and has a captivating history surrounding its origins. Additionally, just one kilometre away from Larabanga, there is a revered sacred stone that holds great significance to the community, along with an enthralling story worth discovering.

Mole National Park stands as a testament to the natural beauty and ecological diversity of Ghana. With its breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and commitment to sustainable tourism, the park offers visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. By appreciating and supporting the conservation efforts in place, we can ensure that this remarkable sanctuary of nature continues to thrive for generations to come.