Mole National Park, located in the Savannah Region of northern Ghana, is the country’s largest and most famous protected area, covering approximately 4,577 km² (1,772 sq mi).
The origins of Mole date back to the 1950s, when the area was first set aside as a wildlife refuge by the Ghanaian government. In 1971, it was officially designated as a national park, managed by the Ghana Wildlife Division. Its establishment aimed to protect Ghana’s dwindling savanna ecosystems and wildlife from poaching and habitat destruction.
Over the decades, Mole became home to over 93 species of mammals, 33 species of reptiles, and 344 species of birds. It is especially known for its savanna elephants, which roam freely and allow tourists the unique experience of close-up walking safaris with trained guides.
The park has also served as an important center for conservation research and eco-tourism, providing jobs to local communities and preserving Ghana’s biodiversity.
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