Mole National Park, one of Ghana's seven national parks, stands as the country's largest wildlife refuge. Covering an area of about 4,577 square kilometers of fairly undisturbed Guinea savannah, the park is located in the Savannah region of Ghana on savanna and riparian ecosystems at an elevation of 50 m, with a sharp escarpment forming the southern boundary of the park.
Birds of Mole National Park
Landscape of Mole National Park
Location and Accessibility
The Park is 24 km from Damongo, the district capital, and 146 km south east of Tamale, the Regional capital. The park is 700 km from Accra and 430 km from Kumasi. The park's entrance is reached through the nearby town of Larabanga. Mole National Park is Ghana’s biggest and best National Park and is located in West Gonja District of the Northern Region. It is accessible by road.
Getting to Mole National Park:
- By Air: Fly from Accra to Tamale Airport and then arrange a private vehicle, shared taxi, or bus to Mole.
- By Road: Buses operate from Accra, Kumasi, and other major cities to Larabanga.
History and Development
The park's lands were set aside as a wildlife refuge in 1958. In 1971, the small human population of the area was relocated and the lands were designated to a national park. Since the resettlement of humans from the area, the park has become an important study area for scientists. Mole National Park was transformed into a National Park but this called for expanding its land and in 1971, several people were relocated and land designated to a National Park.
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Ecosystem and Climate
The Park is located in a fairly undisturbed portion of the Guinea Savanna zone. The dominant vegetation is open savanna woodland with grasses that can reach 3 meters high during the rainy season. Bovals (open areas dominated by grass) are found on areas with shallow soils and iron pans. Narrow bands of riverine forest grow along most of the streams where birds like to stay in the daytime. The Levi and Mole Rivers are ephemeral rivers flowing through the park, leaving behind only drinking holes during the long dry season. This area of Ghana receives over 10 mm per year of rainfall.
The average annual rainfall is about 1100 mm with more than 90% of the rain falling between April and October, and peaks in July and September. The dry season lasts from November to March and is characterised by cold dry winds. The mean annual temperature of 28°C varies from 26°C in December to 31°C in March. It gets very hot in March and April, with temperatures sometimes nearing the 40°s.
Wildlife
Mole is rich in biodiversity and home to some 742 vascular plant species, over 90 mammal species including 5 primatespecies, of which species of conservation and tourist interest include Elephant, Buffalo, Kob, Western Hartebeest, Roan Antelope, Defassa Waterbuck, Oribi, Bohor Reedbuck and Red-flanked Duiker. Rare and endangered species include the Yellow-backed Duiker, Black and White Colobus Monkey, Leopard and Lion. The Park has the most viable elephant population in Ghana, and as such, is a hotspot for elephant conservation.
Elephants in Mole National Park
Some 94 mammal species, over 300 bird species, 9 amphibian species and 33 reptile species have been recorded in Mole. The large and commonly seen mammals include elephant, kob, roan antelope, hartebeest, waterbuck, bushbuck, warthog, buffalo, several duikers, baboon, patas and green (vervet) monkeys. Predators include lion, leopard, spotted hyena, caracal, aardvark, genet, civet and mongoose.
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Commonly Seen Animals:
- Elephant
- Kob
- Roan Antelope
- Hartebeest
- Waterbuck
- Bushbuck
- Warthog
- Buffalo
Birds: Over 300 bird species have been recorded, many of which are migratory birds heading to or from Northern Europe. Mole is unique in its bird populations: all 37 recorded Guinea-Sudanian biome species found in Ghana are here in the National Park.
Flora
The Park has very rich flora and fauna. Most of the 742 plant species found in Mole are widespread throughout the savanna zone. However, the species of conservation value (4 endemic, 12 disjunct and 24 species which are rare or have a very limited distribution) is relatively high. Tree species of the park include Burkea africana, Isoberlinia doka, and Terminalia macroptera. The savanna grasses are somewhat low in diversity but known species include a spikesedge, Kyllinga echinata; an Aneilema, Aneilema setiferum var. pallidiciliatum.
Tourism and Activities
Mole National Park is also Ghana’s most developed tourism site in terms of tourist amenities. After improvements to the roads leading to the park, the number of visitors to the park increased from 14,600 in 2014 to 17,800 in 2015. Depending on the year, about 20-40% of visitors are foreigners.
Entrance Fees:
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- Ghanaian citizens: GHS 10-15 (approx. USD 1-2)
- Non-residents: GHS 40-60 (approx. USD 4-6)
*Discounts apply for children and students
Activities:
- Walking Safari: Explore the park on foot with armed rangers.
- Game Drives: Open-top vehicle safaris for spotting wildlife.
- Birdwatching: A paradise for birdwatchers with over 300 species.
Accommodation
Mole Motel: Offers basic accommodations with A/C, a restaurant, and a bar. It’s a great place to relax by the pool while spotting elephants below.
Zaina Lodge: Provides a more luxurious experience with private tented chalets, an infinity pool, and premium services.
Nearby Attractions
- Larabanga Mosque: An ancient mosque with significant religious and historical importance.
- Mognori Eco-Village: Experience traditional village life.
Challenges and Conservation
Mole National Park, like other Ghanaian game preserves, is poorly funded for prevention of poaching. Nevertheless, the fauna of the park is guarded by professional rangers, and the poachers are at real risk to be put under arrest.
Safety Guidelines for Visitors
A safari to Mole National Park is safe because on ground is a trained team of ranger guides who protect the wildlife and the visitors to this park. While in the park, there are guidelines you are expected to abide by in order not to fall out with authorities or end up in the wrong points of the park.
- It is best not to get out of your vehicle during the game drive because Mole National Park has carnivores that may be watching out for you. In case you would like to get out of your vehicle you need to be in the company of a ranger guide.
- As a tourist, you must mind your safety by not walking in the forest without a ranger guide. keep the speed recommended for any drive in the park so that you do not end in unsafe parts of the park.
- Do apply insect repellant to protect your skin from stinging insect like mosquitoes, tsetse flies and much more.
- Wear the right safari attires in colors that are wilderness friendly like Khaki, tan, forest green and others.
- Carry your drinking water to quench thirst while on safari in Mole National Park as there is no stopover for a drink along the tracks.
- Ensure you have atleast a first aid box in case of an emergency so that you can have a backup.
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