Daily costs per person in US dollars. Northern Ghana is one of West Africa's most affordable travel regions — these ranges cover the spectrum from bare-bones backpacking to comfortable lodge stays.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: GHS (Ghanaian Cedi) (Cash preferred — limited card acceptance)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $8–18 | $20–50 | $65+ | Guesthouses → mid-range hotels → Mole lodge |
| Food | $4–10 | $10–20 | $25+ | Chop bars → restaurants → hotel dining |
| Transport | $3–8 | $8–20 | $35+ | Tro-tros → shared taxis → private car hire |
| Activities | $5–12 | $12–30 | $50+ | Walking safaris → guided village tours → private jeep safari |
| Entry Fees | $3–8 | $8–15 | $15–25 | Mole park, cultural sites, mosques |
| Daily Total | $23–56 | $58–135 | $190+ | Budget backpacker → comfortable mid → safari lodge comfort |
Money-saving tips
Stay in local guesthouses
Simple guesthouses in Tamale cost 60-120 GHS per night with fan and shared bathroom — clean, safe, and a fraction of hotel prices. Ask for rooms with mosquito nets.
Eat at chop bars
Local chop bars serve tuo zaafi, waakye, and rice dishes for 8-20 GHS per meal. Roadside guinea fowl costs 25-50 GHS for a whole bird — filling and delicious.
Take shared tro-tros
Tro-tro minibuses connect Tamale to Mole, Bolgatanga, and Kumasi for a fraction of private taxi costs. The Tamale to Mole junction costs around 30-50 GHS.
Visit Mole on a budget
The Mole Motel has basic rooms from 100-150 GHS. Walking safaris cost 40-60 GHS per person. Pack your own food and water to avoid the inflated park canteen prices.
Buy crafts at source
Baskets, smocks, and shea butter are significantly cheaper bought directly from artisans in Tamale and Bolgatanga than in Accra's tourist markets. Negotiate respectfully.
Travel in dry season
November to March offers the best weather and road conditions. Wet season (June-October) makes some roads to Mole and villages impassable, adding transport costs.
