Already in Tamale? Here's How to Get to Mole National Park
You're closer than you think. Mole is just 150 km away — here's every way to cover that last stretch, and the one that gets you there in comfort.
Mole is Ghana's largest wildlife reserve — 4,500 square kilometres of savannah and woodland, home to elephants, antelope, buffalo, warthogs, baboons, and more than 300 species of birds. It has a single entrance gate, about 3 km from the village of Larabanga, and every route in passes through it.
Here's how to get there from Tamale — and how Uprise Travel can make the journey effortless.
Option 1: Rent a Vehicle from Uprise Travel — Best Option (~2 to 3 hrs)
This is the option we recommend, and not just because we offer it. A private vehicle gives you what nothing else on this list can: your own schedule, a reliable ride, door-to-gate service, and the freedom to leave when you want and stop when you like.
The drive from Tamale to Mole takes roughly 2 to 3 hours on mostly paved roads. You head west out of the city, pass through the town of Damongo, and continue toward the park gate. The landscape slowly opens up from busy northern city into wide savannah — by the time you reach Mole, the trip already feels like it has begun.
Our fleet is available for hire right here in Tamale. We'll collect you from your hotel, the airport, or anywhere in the city and drive you straight to the park gate — no waiting, no haggling, no surprises.
One thing worth knowing: fuel up before leaving Tamale. Stations are easy to find in the city but become scarce once you head west. With Uprise, that's handled for you — one less thing to think about.
Option 2: Public Bus / Tro-Tro from Tamale — Budget Option (~4 to 5 hrs)
If you're watching your budget and have time to spare, shared transport is the cheapest way to reach Mole — though it takes patience.
From Damongo Bus Station in Tamale (Sankpala Station is another pick-up point), catch a tro-tro heading toward Damongo. You'll get off at Larabanga or Daboya Junction, then take a motorbike taxi or shared taxi the rest of the way to the park entrance. Sometimes the tro-tro driver will offer to run you the final stretch once other passengers have cleared.
The whole trip usually takes 4 to 5 hours depending on how long you wait for the vehicle to fill, since tro-tros leave only when full rather than on a fixed schedule.
Worth knowing before you go by public transport:
- Departure times are unpredictable — vehicles leave when full, not by the clock
- You won't be dropped at the park gate — expect a motorbike or taxi for the last leg
- Luggage space is tight on busy days, so pack light
- It's workable for seasoned budget travellers, but adds a lot of uncertainty to a trip you've come a long way for
Option 3: Charter a Private Taxi from Tamale (~3 hrs)
A middle-ground option between the bus and a full rental is chartering a taxi for the trip. You can find drivers in Tamale willing to make the run to Mole, and the drive takes around 3 hours.
Before you agree to anything, sort out these details up front:
- Confirm whether the price includes fuel — this is the most common point of dispute
- Agree the full fare before you set off, not when you arrive
- Check the condition of the vehicle — the road is paved, but comfort varies a lot from car to car
- Ask whether the driver will wait for you at the park or return to collect you
A chartered taxi gives you more flexibility than the bus but less reliability than a dedicated service. With Uprise, all of this is agreed in advance — no roadside negotiation needed.
Our Fleet — The Right Vehicle for Your Trip
Whether it's just you, a couple, a family, or a large group heading to Mole together, we have a vehicle to match. Every rental comes with a professional, experienced driver — so all you do is enjoy the ride.
Vehicle | Best for | Notes
Saloon / Sedan | Solo & couple travel, airport transfers, city trips | Executive comfort for smooth paved routes — ideal Accra to Tamale via Kumasi
4×4 (Highlander / Land Cruiser) | Safari, national parks, off-road & Volta routes | Built for Mole's terrain and Ghana's more demanding roads — the vehicle of choice for wildlife travel
Minibus (15-passenger) | Small groups, family trips, seminar & event transfers | Spacious group travel — great for church groups, student trips, and corporate teams
Coaster Bus | Large group travel | For bigger groups across any Ghana route
Every Uprise rental includes a professional driver. Customised vehicle and driver options are available on request — just tell us your group size and schedule.
Planning Your Time at Mole
Once you arrive, Mole is all about wildlife and slowing down — walking and jeep safaris (one of the most affordable safari experiences in the world), a stop at the historic Larabanga Mosque, and sunsets over the savannah. There's accommodation for every budget, from the luxury Zaina Lodge to the popular Mole Motel overlooking a watering hole, and we recommend at least 2 nights to make the long journey worthwhile. The dry season (November to April) is the best time to spot elephants gathering at the watering holes.
For our complete guide to Mole — every safari type, where to stay, what to pack, the best time to visit, and how long to stay — see our full guide: [How to Get from Accra to Mole National Park].
A Few Things to Know Before You Go
- Carry cash from Tamale — there are no ATMs inside Mole and few facilities nearby. Park entry, safaris, and guide fees are all paid in cash, so withdraw what you need before leaving the city.
- Plan for early starts — the 7am safari is the best of the day. Your Uprise driver knows the timings and can get you there for it.
- Your driver knows the ground — where to fuel up, where to stop, and the best times to catch elephants at the watering hole. That local knowledge comes with the ride.
Why Travel to Mole with Uprise?
- Safety — professional drivers who know the route and the road conditions
- Comfort — clean, well-kept vehicles suited to the journey
- Reliability — we confirm your booking, show up on time, and get you there
- Stress-free — no waiting at the roadside, no haggling, no uncertainty
- Flexibility — we move on your schedule, not the other way around
Ready to visit Mole National Park?
You're already in Tamale — the hardest part is done. Let Uprise Travel handle the rest.
📧 tours@uprisetravel.com | 🌍 uprisetravel.com
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