3-Day Ghana Safari: Mole National Park & Laribanga Village Tour

Summary

Wildlife Encounters & Cultural Adventures in Northern Ghana

You’ll spot elephants up close in Mole National Park, walk through ancient villages, paddle a canoe with locals, and learn how shea butter is made—all in three days. If you want real wildlife encounters and genuine Ghanaian culture, this trip’s for you.

What’s the experience like?

The day started before sunrise, with that sticky Accra heat still clinging to my shirt as I shuffled through Kotoka Airport. The 6:20am flight to Tamale was quick—barely enough time for the coffee to kick in. By 7:20, we landed and met our guide, who greeted us with a big grin and a bottle of chilled water. The drive to Damongo took a while (about three hours), but watching the landscape change from city bustle to endless green was worth it. When we finally reached Mole National Park, I could hear birds everywhere—some calls sharp, others soft and distant. After dropping bags at Mole Motel, I just sat by the pool for a bit, letting the quiet settle in. Later, our first game drive kicked off right at 3:30pm. Elephants wandered surprisingly close, and a group of baboons darted across the track, barely glancing at us. By dinner, everyone was swapping stories over spicy jollof rice and cold drinks. The air felt cooler up here, especially after sunset.

Next morning, we set out early for a walking safari. The ground was still damp from last night’s rain, and you could smell the earth—rich and almost sweet. Our guide pointed out fresh antelope tracks and a flash of blue from a kingfisher near the waterhole. Breakfast tasted better after that walk, maybe because I’d worked up an appetite. Around mid-morning, we headed out to Laribanga village. The mosque there is tiny but old—older than any building back home—and the imam told us stories about its history under the shade of a neem tree. Not far off, we saw the so-called Mystic Stone; locals say it’s never been moved, no matter how hard anyone tries. In Mognori Eco Village, we tried paddling a dugout canoe down a slow river—my arms got tired fast, but it was peaceful out there. Later, some women showed us how they make shea butter by hand; their laughter filled the air as they worked. Back at the motel by lunchtime, I spent the afternoon just watching warthogs wander past the terrace.

On the last day, checkout wasn’t until noon, so there was time for one last stroll around the grounds. Packed up slowly, not really wanting to leave. The drive back to Tamale airport felt quieter somehow, maybe because everyone was already thinking about coming back someday.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival & Mole National Park Safari

• Flight from Accra to Tamale
• Transfer to Damongo
• Game drive in Mole National Park
• Dinner and overnight at Mole Motel

Day 2 — Walking Safari & Community Tour

• Morning walking safari
• Breakfast
• Visit Larabanga Mosque and Mystic Stone
• Canoe safari and village walk in Mognori Eco Village
• Shea butter processing lesson
• Dinner and overnight at Mole Motel

Day 3 — Check-Out & Return Flight

• Check-out from Mole Motel
• Transfer to Tamale Airport
• Flight from Tamale to Accra

Top questions

Is this safari suitable for families with young kids?

Yes, families are welcome! There are infant seats available and prams can be used on most parts of the tour.

How physically demanding are the activities?

The walks are gentle and the pace is relaxed, but some activities may not suit those with spinal or heart issues.

What kind of wildlife will we see?

You’ll likely see elephants, antelope, baboons, and plenty of birds—over 300 species have been spotted here.

Are meals included?

Yes, all meals are included during your stay at Mole Motel.

What’s included

This tour covers your return airport transfers, domestic flights between Accra and Tamale, all meals, two nights’ accommodation at Mole Motel, guided jeep and walking safaris, canoe trip in Mognori Eco Village, village walk, shea butter making demo, plus visits to Laribanga Mosque and Mystic Stone. Guides are local experts who know every trail and story along the way.