Mole Safari & Northern Ghana: Elephants, Savanna & Ancient Mosques

Today you begin your journey north, travelling to Ashanti Kumasi. You leave Accra and travel through rolling green country, cocoa farms and busy market towns into the forested Ashanti heartland (a short domestic flight can be arranged to shorten the journey). You arrive in Kumasi, the proud cultural capital of Ghana, where the Asantehene still reigns, and depending on timing you may take in a first taste of the city, perhaps the National Cultural Centre or a glimpse of the vast Kejetia market. Your guide shares the history of the powerful Ashanti kingdom as you go. As the day ends, you settle into your hotel in Kumasi, poised between the forested south and the savanna north. This evening, savour the atmosphere of the Garden City and Ghanaian cuisine. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey deep into the northern savanna towards Mole National Park.

Today you journey deep into the north, to the edge of the wild. You leave Kumasi and travel north as the landscape gradually changes from forest to open golden savanna, with baobab trees and a wide, luminous sky. Along the way you stop at the thundering Kintampo Falls, where the river tumbles in beautiful cascades through the forest, a refreshing and scenic break. You continue into the savanna country of the north, arriving at Mole National Park, Ghana's largest reserve, where you settle into your lodge, many perched on the escarpment overlooking waterholes where elephants and antelope come to drink. As the day ends, you may already glimpse wildlife below as the sun sets gold over the savanna. This evening, dine at the lodge amid the sounds of the bush. Rest well, for tomorrow you begin your safari among the elephants of Mole.

Today you go on safari in Mole National Park, the highlight of the journey. In the cool of the morning you set out on a walking safari with an armed, expert ranger, tracking wildlife on foot across the golden savanna and, with luck, coming upon wild elephants at close but safe quarters, an intimate, exhilarating and humbling encounter unlike any vehicle safari, along with antelope, warthog and birds. In the afternoon you take a game drive deeper into the park, seeking elephants, kob and other antelope, baboons, monkeys and a wealth of birdlife across the vast savanna. Back at the lodge, you watch elephants and antelope gather at the waterhole below as the sun sets. The thrill of the wildlife is profound. As the day ends, you dine at the lodge amid the sounds of the bush. Rest well, for tomorrow brings more of Mole and its surroundings.

Today you combine more wildlife with the culture of the savanna. At dawn you may take another game drive or walking safari, when the wildlife is most active and the light most beautiful, seeking elephants and the rich birdlife of the park. Later you visit the ancient Larabanga Mosque, one of the oldest and most beautiful mosques in West Africa, a gleaming white Sudanese-style structure of mud and timber studded with projecting wooden stakes, and hear its legends. You visit the Mognori eco-village, taking a canoe safari along the quiet river, drifting past birds, monkeys and perhaps crocodiles, and enjoying a village walk to learn about shea-butter making, drumming and savanna life, meeting the community. The wildlife and culture are captivating. As the day ends, you return to your lodge. This evening, dine amid the sounds of the bush. Rest well, for tomorrow you journey to Tamale.

Today you journey to Tamale, the lively hub of the north. You leave Mole, perhaps with a final glimpse of elephants at the waterhole, and travel across the savanna to Tamale, the largest city of northern Ghana and the gateway to the region. Along the way you take in the distinct landscapes, mud architecture and rhythms of the north, so different from the forested south and the coast. In Tamale you experience the culture of the northern peoples, perhaps visiting the central market, the smock-weavers and craft workshops, and enjoying the music, drumming and famously warm, unhurried hospitality of the north. The culture and warmth are captivating. As the day ends, you settle into your hotel in Tamale, immersed in the north. This evening, savour northern Ghanaian cuisine and the relaxed atmosphere. Rest well, for tomorrow you fly back to Accra, carrying the wild north with you.

Today you return to Accra from the north. After a relaxed morning in Tamale, perhaps a last visit to the market or a craft workshop, you transfer to the airport for your domestic flight south to Accra (a scenic option for those who prefer, though flying saves a very long drive). Back in the capital, depending on timing you may enjoy some final sightseeing or shopping, perhaps browsing the Arts Centre for crafts, or relax at your hotel, reflecting on the elephants, savanna and warm culture of the north you have experienced. As the day ends, you settle back into Accra for your final night. This evening, savour a farewell dinner and perhaps a taste of the capital's famous highlife and nightlife, reflecting on your wild northern safari. Rest well ahead of your departure tomorrow, carrying memories of Mole's elephants.

After a final morning in lively Accra, perhaps some last-minute souvenir shopping or a relaxed breakfast, you are transferred to Kotoka International Airport for your onward international departure. You leave having experienced a wild, adventurous side of Ghana few travellers see, the golden savanna and elephants of Mole National Park, tracked on foot and by vehicle, the ancient mud-and-stick Larabanga Mosque, the canoe safari and community of Mognori, and the distinct culture, music and warm hospitality of the north around Tamale. The images stay vivid long after you land, wild elephants glimpsed on foot in the bush, the herds gathering at the waterhole below your lodge at sunset, the gleaming white Larabanga Mosque, and the wide savanna sky. Northern Ghana offers thrilling wildlife, adventure and heartfelt warmth in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to the wild north of this welcoming land.