Mole National Park, Ghana’s largest wildlife sanctuary, is a gorgeous spot in the northwestern area of Ghana. There are more than 90 mammal species and at least 344 bird species within this protected area. Because of very poor road conditions the bus trip from Tema took us 15 hours. The students say their teachers laughed at them when they told them we were going to Mole (because of the driving conditions), but once there the drive was well worth the reward.
Notice the goats in the road. Very common, all over Ghana.Surprisingly there is little, or no, "road-kill!"
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The students rose early the next morning, headed to the waterhole overlook. What a gorgeous time of day, as the sun slowly rose and bathed the water and gorgeous tree limbs with warm light. This immediately became a favorite place for Paul, who could be found here whenever there was a free moment.
One of the first adventures we had was a guided, 2 hour hike through the forested area and alongside water reservoir/watering holes. We are here at the end of the rainy season so there were large flooded areas, which draw in wildlife.
Warthogs are common in the lodging area. We even managed to share breakfast space one morning, as we sat overlooking the largest waterhole. At one time we even wondered if a curious warthog would end up in the swimming pool!
Kob antelope and striped bushbuck were also common. It was exciting to walk the area, taking care to step around the deep elephant tracks. Peering through the brush were the various species of antelope, as well as baboon families, and the green monkey. Birds darted overhead and could be spotted in grassy field areas. A few we recognized, like the green heron and egrets. Birds of prey are also common, and we wished our son was with us to identify the hawks we saw along the way.
Besides the walking tour we took a ride deeper into the forest in late afternoon, looking for that elusive elephant. Elusive they remained.
As dusk settled over this sub-Saharan region of Ghana, we settled ourselves once more at the waterhole, hoping to see movement below. So calm, peaceful, and serene “wild Africa” is at this time of day.
One of the first adventures we had was a guided, 2 hour hike through the forested area and alongside water reservoir/watering holes. We are here at the end of the rainy season so there were large flooded areas, which draw in wildlife. Warthogs are common in the lodging area. We even managed to share breakfast space one morning, as we sat overlooking the largest waterhole. At one time we even wondered if a curious warthog would end up in the swimming pool! Kob antelope and striped bushbuck were also common. It was exciting to walk the area, taking care to step around the deep elephant tracks. Peering through the brush were the various species of antelope, as well as baboon families, and the green monkey. Birds darted overhead and could be spotted in grassy field areas. A few we recognized, like the green heron and egrets. Birds of prey are also common, and we wished our son was with us to identify the hawks we saw along the way. Besides the walking tour we took a ride deeper into the forest in late afternoon, looking for that elusive elephant. Elusive they remained.As dusk settled over this sub-Saharan region of Ghana, we settled ourselves once more at the waterhole, hoping to see movement below. So calm, peaceful, and serene “wild Africa” is at this time of day.
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And you are to me...we're on the same half of the earth right now, thinking of it.
Hugs D.