Ghana’s national parks offer some of West Africa’s most accessible and rewarding wildlife and nature experiences. From elephants and baboons in Mole to rainforest canopy walks in Kakum, staying inside or near these protected areas not only maximizes your time with nature—it immerses you in it. Eco-lodges and safari camps around these parks offer sustainable, low-impact lodging while supporting conservation and local communities.
Here’s a guide to the top places to stay in and around Ghana’s national parks.
1. Zaina Lodge – Mole National Park (Northern Region)
Type: Luxury Safari Lodge
Location: Inside Mole National Park, overlooking a waterhole
Why Stay Here:
Zaina Lodge is West Africa’s first luxury safari lodge and by far the most upscale option in any Ghanaian park. Nestled in the heart of Mole National Park, guests enjoy a full safari experience with guided game drives, nature walks, and stunning sunset views over the savannah.
Features:
- Spacious tented chalets with AC and ensuite bathrooms
- Elevated deck and infinity pool with panoramic views
- Daily game drives included with accommodation
- Locally sourced cuisine and fully stocked bar
- Eco-conscious operations with solar power
Best For: Honeymooners, wildlife enthusiasts, luxury travelers
Website: zainalodge.com
2. Mole Motel – Mole National Park (Northern Region)
Type: Budget Safari Lodge
Location: Within Mole National Park, near the park headquarters
Why Stay Here:
Operated by the Ghana Tourism Authority, the Mole Motel is a basic but well-situated option inside the park. It offers direct views of the elephant watering holes and easy access to park rangers and guided tours.
Features:
- Basic single, double, and family rooms with private bathrooms
- Restaurant and bar on-site
- Guided walking safaris and game drives available daily
- Swimming pool with a view of the watering hole
- Affordable rates
Best For: Backpackers, students, budget-conscious travelers
Booking Info: Contact via local travel agencies or call directly
3. Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary Guesthouse – Upper West Region
Type: Community-Run Eco-Lodge
Location: Along the Black Volta River, near Wa
Why Stay Here:
Located in a community-protected area rather than a formal national park, this sanctuary offers a unique eco-tourism experience built around the endangered hippopotamus population along the river.
Features:
- Rustic guesthouses built with traditional materials
- Hippo safaris via canoe
- Birdwatching and village tours
- All revenue supports local conservation and education
- Operated by the local community
Best For: Eco-tourists, cultural travelers, off-grid adventurers
More Info: ghanawildlife.org or inquire via regional tour operators
4. Rainforest Lodge – Near Kakum National Park (Central Region)
Type: Mid-Range Eco-Lodge
Location: About 10 minutes from Kakum’s entrance gate
Why Stay Here:
Rainforest Lodge is an eco-conscious hotel ideally placed for those visiting Kakum National Park, home to the famous canopy walkway. Though not inside the park, it provides comfortable access and supports local ecological education.
Features:
- Clean air-conditioned rooms with local décor
- Restaurant and bar serving Ghanaian cuisine
- Close proximity to canopy walk, stingless bee center, and crocodile pond
- Nature trails and birdwatching excursions
Best For: Families, educational groups, nature lovers
Website: Search on Booking.com or TripAdvisor
5. Bunso Eco Park Guest Chalets – Bunso Arboretum (Eastern Region)
Type: Eco-Lodge / Nature Retreat
Location: Bunso, along the Accra-Kumasi highway
Why Stay Here:
Though not a national park, Bunso Eco Park functions as a forest reserve and is a great low-key nature destination with overnight options. It’s a convenient stopover for travelers heading north or east.
Features:
- Treehouse canopy walk and zipline
- Guided tours through forest trails and cocoa farms
- On-site guest chalets with basic amenities
- Birdwatching and butterfly sanctuary
Best For: Weekend travelers, families, nature day-trippers
More Info: Visit bunsoecopark.com
6. Ankasa Conservation Area Camping & Forest Lodge – Western Region
Type: Remote Eco-Camp
Location: Near Elubo, close to the Ivorian border
Why Stay Here:
Ankasa is Ghana’s most biologically diverse rainforest and one of its least-visited parks. The lodging options are minimal but perfect for adventurous eco-travelers seeking a raw jungle experience.
Features:
- Simple forest lodges or camping platforms
- River canoeing, waterfall hikes, birding
- Strict conservation zone with research opportunities
- Limited amenities—travelers should bring essentials
Best For: Serious nature travelers, researchers, photographers
Booking: Contact Ghana Forestry Commission or local guides
7. Kyabobo Guesthouse – Kyabobo National Park (Oti Region)
Type: Park-run Guesthouse
Location: Entrance of Kyabobo National Park, near Nkwanta
Why Stay Here:
Kyabobo National Park, located at the foot of the Togo Mountains, is one of Ghana’s newest and least-explored parks. The park-run guesthouse is modest but offers access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and cultural sites.
Features:
- Basic lodging with electricity and bathrooms
- Guided hikes to Mount Dzebobo (Ghana’s second-highest peak)
- Wildlife includes duikers, monkeys, and rare birds
- Community tourism activities available
Best For: Trekkers, off-the-beaten-path travelers
More Info: Contact Forestry Commission or regional tourism offices
Comparison Table: Lodging Options in Ghana’s National Parks
| Lodge Name | Park/Location | Comfort Level | Unique Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zaina Lodge | Mole NP | Luxury | Infinity pool + safari drives | Couples, luxury wildlife stays |
| Mole Motel | Mole NP | Budget | Pool with view of elephant pond | Students, budget travelers |
| Wechiau Guesthouse | Wechiau Sanctuary | Rustic | Canoe-based hippo safaris | Eco-tourists, volunteers |
| Rainforest Lodge | Kakum (nearby) | Mid-range | Access to canopy walk | Families, school groups |
| Bunso Eco Park Chalets | Bunso Arboretum | Basic | Ziplining and cocoa tours | Weekenders, families |
| Ankasa Forest Lodge/Camping | Ankasa CA | Primitive | Remote jungle trekking | Researchers, birders |
| Kyabobo Guesthouse | Kyabobo NP | Basic | Trekking Mt. Dzebobo | Trekkers, off-grid travelers |
Tips for Booking Eco-Lodges and Safari Camps in Ghana
- Confirm availability in advance: Some park accommodations don’t have real-time booking systems. Call or email early.
- Pack light but smart: Insects, limited electricity, and humidity are common. Bring a flashlight, insect repellent, and water bottle.
- Ask about guides: Many lodges coordinate park rangers or local guides for activities.
- Expect limited Wi-Fi: Most eco-lodges and camps offer little or no internet connection—plan ahead.
- Bring cash: Mobile money is increasingly common, but remote areas may not have card machines or banks.
Final Thoughts
Staying inside or near one of Ghana’s national parks allows you to rise with birdsong, watch elephants drink at dawn, and experience rural Ghana at its wildest and most peaceful. Whether you’re craving luxury, rustic charm, or meaningful community encounters, these eco-lodges and safari camps offer accommodation as memorable as the landscapes themselves.
