Mole National Park

Mole National Park is Ghana's largest wildlife sanctuary, spanning over 4,800 square kilometers in the country's northern region. The park is home to more than 90 mammal species, including elephants, buffalos, kobs, and warthogs. Lucky visitors might spot leopards or hyenas during their visit.

What makes Mole special is its accessibility - you can observe wildlife on foot with an armed ranger guide, which is rare in Africa where vehicle safaris are the norm. The viewing platform near the park headquarters offers fantastic animal sightings, especially during dry season when animals gather at the water holes below.

The park is surrounded by traditional communities with rich cultural heritage. The nearby Larabanga village features one of West Africa's oldest mosques, built in the 17th century in Sudanese architectural style.

Mole was established in 1971 and has gone from a hunting reserve to a protected conservation area. The best time to visit is during the dry season (November to April) when wildlife concentrates around water sources. Though less famous than East African parks, Mole offers an authentic wildlife experience without the crowds and at a fraction of the cost.