The Savannah Region stands out as one of Ghana’s most rewarding destinations for travelers drawn to wildlife, heritage, and living tradition. From tracking elephants on foot in Mole National Park to standing before centuries-old mud mosques and learning Gonja customs in royal towns, the region offers deep, meaningful experiences far from crowded tourist routes.

Marked by open savannah grasslands, baobab trees, and a sun-washed landscape, this region blends nature, history, and culture into one unforgettable journey. It is ideal for travelers who want adventure without spectacle and authenticity without pretense.

Overview of the Savannah Region

Created in 2019 from the northern portion of the former Northern Region, the Savannah Region is one of Ghana’s newest administrative areas. Damongo, the regional capital, serves as the gateway to Mole National Park, Ghana’s largest wildlife reserve, and the traditional heart of Gonjaland.

The region is defined by vast savannah plains, seasonal rivers, and a dry, warm climate. It is home to ancient Islamic heritage, royal palaces, sacred sites, and some of the country’s most important conservation landscapes. Savannah Region is especially suited for eco-tourism, safari experiences, and cultural exploration.

Accommodation in the Savannah Region

(Expedia-style overview)

Accommodation in the Savannah Region is growing steadily, with options ranging from nature-based lodges to practical town guesthouses. Most stays are concentrated around Damongo, Mole National Park, Larabanga, and Bole.

Damongo (Regional Capital)

Damongo offers the widest range of accommodation outside the park.

Mid-range hotels and guesthouses provide air-conditioned rooms, private bathrooms, on-site dining, and reliable comfort. These properties are popular with tourists, researchers, conservationists, and business travelers.

Government and institutional rest houses are well-located and affordable, often used by officials and visitors staying for extended periods.

Local inns and budget lodges offer simple, clean rooms within easy reach of markets, transport connections, and cultural sites.

Mole National Park Area

Accommodation near Mole focuses on proximity to wildlife and immersive nature experiences.

Safari lodges located inside or close to the park offer comfortable rooms, restaurant services, trained safari guides, and panoramic views over waterholes where elephants, antelopes, and baboons gather.

Eco-lodges and community-run facilities provide more affordable stays with a strong conservation focus. Guests enjoy guided walks, birdwatching, and cultural interactions with nearby communities.

Mognori Eco-Village, just outside the park, offers basic accommodation alongside canoe safaris, village walks, drumming, and traditional dance performances led by community members.

Bole & Sawla Area

In the western part of the region, accommodation is modest but functional.

Town guesthouses and small lodges in Bole cater to travelers visiting historical mosques, markets, festivals, or passing through toward the Black Volta corridor. These stays prioritize convenience and local access over luxury.

Things to See & Do in the Savannah Region

The Savannah Region is Ghana’s premier destination for wildlife encounters and northern heritage. Its attractions are expansive, soulful, and deeply rooted in tradition.

Nature & Wildlife Experiences

Mole National Park
Ghana’s largest and most famous wildlife reserve, spanning over 4,800 square kilometers. Visitors can spot elephants, kob antelope, buffalo, warthogs, baboons, and over 300 bird species. Guided walking safaris and vehicle game drives offer close, ethical wildlife encounters.

Lovi & Polzen Rivers
Seasonal rivers within Mole National Park that attract wildlife and provide scenic viewing points, especially during the dry season.

Mognori Eco-Village
A community-based tourism site offering canoe safaris, forest walks, birdwatching, and cultural performances. A strong example of conservation linked with local livelihoods.

Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary (via Bole)
Accessible from the western edge of the Savannah Region, this community-managed sanctuary along the Black Volta River offers guided canoe trips to view hippos in their natural habitat.

Cultural & Historical Landmarks

Larabanga Mosque
One of West Africa’s oldest mosques, built in the Sudanese mud-and-stick architectural style. It remains an active place of worship and a major spiritual and cultural landmark.

Larabanga Mystic Stone
A sacred stone believed to be immovable despite repeated attempts to relocate it. Local legends reinforce its spiritual significance.

Bole Mosque
A beautifully preserved Sudano-Sahelian mosque, quieter and less visited than Larabanga, offering a more intimate heritage experience.

Gonja Royal Palaces
The Gonja Kingdom remains a powerful cultural institution. The Yagbonwura’s Palace in Damongo serves as the traditional seat of authority and plays a central role during festivals and ceremonies.

Festivals & Cultural Life

Damba Festival
Celebrated across the Savannah Region, featuring royal horse processions, drumming, dancing, and Islamic traditions.

Gonja Yam Festivals
Mark the harvest season and honor ancestors with communal feasts, rituals, and music.

Textiles & Smock Traditions
The region is known for distinctive northern smocks and vibrant market days where textiles and crafts are traded.

Getting Around the Savannah Region

Most travelers access the Savannah Region via Tamale, which has the nearest major airport. From Tamale, roads connect to Damongo, Mole National Park, Larabanga, and Bole by bus, shared taxi, or private vehicle.

Within the region, shared taxis and minibuses operate between major towns, though services may be infrequent. For wildlife viewing, visiting mosques, or reaching eco-tourism sites, hiring a private vehicle or local driver is strongly recommended.

Many travelers choose to base themselves in Damongo or Mole National Park, combining town amenities with easy access to safaris and cultural sites.

Travel Tips for Visiting the Savannah Region

Best Time to Visit
The dry season, from November to March, is ideal for wildlife viewing, safaris, and travel on unpaved roads.

Transport
Public transport is available but limited. Private transport offers the most flexibility, especially for reaching Mole National Park and rural heritage sites.

Connectivity
Mobile network coverage is reliable in towns such as Damongo and Bole but may be limited inside Mole National Park and remote villages.

What to Pack
Light clothing for hot weather, long sleeves for safari walks, sunscreen, insect repellent, sturdy walking shoes, and a reusable water bottle.

Cultural Etiquette
Respect for chiefs and traditional leaders is essential. Always greet locals, dress modestly, and ask permission before photographing people or sacred sites.

Language
Gonja is widely spoken, alongside Dagbani and English in towns. Learning basic greetings is greatly appreciated.