Mole National Park: Elephant safari & Tamale culture tour

Summary

Sunrise safaris, village life & ancient mosques in Ghana’s north

You’ll meet elephants at sunrise in Mole National Park, paddle past villages on a canoe safari with locals, explore Ghana’s oldest mosque in Larabanga, and wander Tamale’s lively markets—with time for art stops and real conversations along the way. It’s three days full of wildlife encounters and cultural surprises you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I remember is the way our driver, Kojo, grinned when he handed us chilled water at Tamale airport — “You’ll need this,” he said, and honestly, he was right. The air felt thick and warm, but not in a bad way. We stopped at the Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art before heading out to Mole National Park. I’m not really an art person (my partner is), but the place surprised me — bright colors everywhere, and a few kids outside practicing their English with us. One of them asked if we liked football or “just animals.”

The drive to Mole was long enough for a nap but I didn’t want to miss anything. When we finally got there, lunch was on a terrace looking over the savannah — you could hear birds everywhere and sometimes monkeys rustling in the trees below. Our evening jeep safari started just as the sun began to dip; it’s hard to describe that first moment when you spot an elephant moving through the gold grass. They’re quieter than I expected. Kojo pointed out warthogs too (they look sort of like they’re always late for something). That night I kept replaying the sound of distant animal calls while falling asleep.

Next morning was early — like really early — but worth it. The walking safari meant dew on my shoes and this fresh earth smell I still think about. We watched elephants near the water as the sun came up; everyone went quiet for a bit, just watching them drink. Later we took a canoe down the Mole River with a local guide from Mognori village who laughed when I tried to say “good morning” in Dagbani (I probably butchered it). He showed us how shea butter is made from scratch — my hands smelled nutty all day after trying it myself.

On our last day we passed through Larabanga, where an elder showed us around the old mosque — white mud walls, almost glowing in the heat. He told stories about traders coming through centuries ago; his voice had this calm rhythm that made me wish we could stay longer. Back in Tamale, we wandered through its market (so many smells: spices, leather, fried snacks) and tried making sandals at a leather workshop. Mine looked… well, let’s just say nobody offered to buy them.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tamale to Mole National Park Safari

• Visit Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art
• Drive to Mole National Park
• Lunch and evening jeep safari at Mole Park

Day 2 — Morning Safari and Eco-Canoe Tour

• Morning walking safari and sunrise watch
• Relax at viewpoint watching wildlife
• Eco-canoe safari and local village tour

Day 3 — Larabanga Mosque and Tamale Market

• Visit Larabanga Muslim community and mosque
• Drive back to Tamale
• Explore Tamale market and leather factory

Top questions

How do I get from Accra to Mole National Park?

The tour includes round-trip domestic flights between Accra and Tamale, plus private transportation from Tamale to Mole National Park (about 2 hours by road).

Are sunrise elephant safaris included?

Yes, both an evening jeep safari and a sunrise walking safari are included inside Mole National Park with local guides.

Is accommodation air-conditioned?

Yes, accommodations are air-conditioned with private bathrooms and access to a swimming pool.

What cultural sites will I visit?

You’ll visit Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art in Tamale and Larabanga Mosque—the oldest mosque in Ghana—plus Tamale’s main market and a leather workshop.

Is food provided during the tour?

The tour includes lunch overlooking the savannah on arrival at Mole National Park; other meals may be available depending on your accommodation package.

Can I try making shea butter or sandals?

Yes, you can participate in shea butter making at Mognori Eco-Village and try your hand at sandal-making at Tamale’s leather factory.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health due to some walking activities.

What’s included

Your trip covers round-trip domestic flights between Accra and Tamale, private air-conditioned transport throughout (with pickup), all entry fees and taxes, guided safaris (both jeep and walking), canoe excursion with local guide at Mognori Eco-Village, cultural visits including art center and mosque tours, two nights’ accommodation with private bath and pool access—and even chances to try your hand at shea butter making or crafting sandals before heading back home or onto your next adventure.