1

It's a long slog but I would get a bus, VIP bus or something similar to Tamale. From Tamale you can get the bus direct to Mole (don't get the one just to Larabanga, it'll be more hassle than it's worth) ... don't think of getting off your Accra bus before Tamale where there's a junction to Mole/Larabanga - the cost & negotiation of a taxi from there isn't worth it either.

However, you can now fly to Tamale for reasonable prices with Starbow or Fly540! Later on this year Fly Africa World will be offering some great competitive rates!

Kira

2

Personally, I would recommend you break the journey in Kumasi. It's a long drive without the break, and much of the way is single carriage way, so if you're vehicle gets stuck behind a number of slow heavily laden trucks it really increases the driving time.

Just my personal opinion.

3

After doing this trip in one go from Takoradi to Tamale, which was hellish - I think David has a point.

Lately I don't seem to be reading posts properly!!!

However flying up to Tamale & heading south from there in stages in any direction would be interesting

Kira

4

Hi. As written before, you need to get to Tamale. I would recommend to do it in one run, if you can get a bus to cover all the distance; it is not too convenient to change buses in Ghana - different terminals, etc. - also, Kumasi is not at all interesting and so I do not really think breaking the journey there would be worth it. The journey would likely take good part of the day but you may be able to get there till about 13:00 and so be able to catch the bus to Mole.
I am also somewhat surprised by owadavid's remark about the road being "single carriage way" - I have not driven along direct Accra-Kumasi sector but have not encountered any such road on main routes anywhere in Ghana. The drivers there definitely had no problems to overtake one another anywhere there.

The only way to get all the way to Mole Motel in the Mole NP is the notorious Metro Mass bus, known to be always late if running at all. The only other option would be somewhat expensive private taxi - maybe worth it if you can share with other travellers. There should be also tro-tros going to Damongo and there should be possible to find a taxi to take you the remaining some 20 km.

The Mole Motel looks to be quite big and you should be able to find accommodation there without pre-booking.

We have been to Ghana in November 2011 and I have put a very detailed trip report on the internet where you may find further details about our experience in the Mole NP including logistics tips - if interested check it out at.. my site .

Have a good trip.

5

Hi Vaclav,

What I meant was that the majority of the main highway between Accra in the south and Tamale in the north (via Kumasi) is single carriageway (one lane going in either direction) - unless that has now changed? I was last on that road 2 years ago so I guess it may have been upgraded.

If you are on the road at the wrong time you can get caught behind slow moving trucks, happened to me nearly every time I have driven this route.

I wouldn't describe Kumasi as "not at all interesting" however! Kejeita market is an awesome way of throwing yourself into the hustle and bustle of life in Ghana, so full of activity. A trip out to Lake Bosumtwi is great if the weather is good, and personally I really enjoyed the crafts centre, really fascinating to watch the men and women making all manner of objects, especially the drums. Loved watching the guys hacking into large lumps of timber to shape the drums. Also, if you are there on a sunday, you can walk past any church and see the ladies in their finest clothes going to church. I stood outside one church for about 20 minutes listening to the singing, incredible!

All down to personal taste though.

6

Thanks all. I think I have realised how difficult the journey would be, as I aim to visit the Volta region too. I am tempted not to bother with mole and spend some time along the beach in Accra. Anyone been to The Rising Phoneix or The Hideout Lodge? Any others for quiet along the coast for 3 or 4 days?

7

The Rising Phoenix is fine for a few hours of reggae music, but the times I've been there, there's an awful smell from the sewers which must go past fairly nearby. Lovely spot but the sulphuric smell really put me off to ever stay there!

http://ghana-nima-tours.yolasite.com/links-to-our-friends.php - few suggestions here, the one up in the Volta region sounds interesting although not been there personally http://maranathabeach.com

Kira

8

OK David - my fault, I took your "single carriage way" characteristic as a road too narrow to overtake at all (something like in Norway or so); my English is not that good.

I fully agree that fealing about places depends on personal taste, so no offence meant. For some reason we have found Kumasi and its vicinity (we have visited Lake Bosumtwi too) the least appealing of the places visited in Ghana. But its also just a question of luck what you happen to encounter.

9

Hi guys,

Really good input here on getting up to Mole - I've done the journey a few times and always broken the journey up. We found it worth it to leave early, and spend some time in the middle stretching your legs!

Kira - there's lots of talk about the flights from Accra to Tamale, I've seen them advertised for around 149 cedis, do you know if this is one way? Just wondering if anyone can share their experiences of flying up as well - is it easy (airport time etc)? Potentially sounds like a great alternative, but hopefully someone can tell us the ins and outs..

Thanks!

10

Yes, Starbow are doing them for around that price, Fly540 might be too!

However there's another company that's going to come onto the market soon, Africa World Airlines who will probably cut that price even lower to Tamale, Kumasi & Takoradi.

Both airlines are looking to branch out & do more regional services to cities in the sub-region

The whole region is really gearing up the aviation business, hopefully it'll be sustainable for the future & not die like the others did

Kira

11

I flew from Accra to Tamale and back again at the end of July with Fly540. It was about 300cedis return.Good service though. Flight left and arived bang on time and we were able to get to Mole within a day from Accra.

We booked a room at the national park ... not sure whether it was necessary or not, although when we rang up for a double room, they could only offer a triple, which was more expensive.

Word of advice on getting back from Mole ... we told the hotel that we wanted to leave on the morning bus and they said that they would knowck on our door in the morning 30 minutes before the bus was leaving ... they didnt ... we almost missed the bus ...