available in Ghana
offering Safaris
Reserves and Wildlife
Areas
Overview
Ghana, with its vibrant cities, colourful wildlife, tropical coastlines and friendly inhabitants is a true African success story. After a turbulent past and a long struggle for independence, this West African country has become one of the most stable democracies in Africa. Expect thundering waterfalls, expansive rivers, lush forests and beach-side castles, not to mention a rich cultural and political history, and breathtaking national parks just waiting to be explored. Ghana is also one of Africa’s birding hot spots, home to 12 out of the 15 endemic bird species in West Africa.
Kakum National Park, located in the coastal plain region of Ghana, is a tropical rainforest. This unique park is one of just three places in Africa with a canopy walkway of 350 meters long. Equally as exciting are the rare animals which inhabit the area, including forest elephants, buffalo, civet and other cats, as well as antelope, red river hog, squirrels and tortoise as well as prolific bird life. The park offers exciting activities such as canopy walking, medicinal plant tours and bird watching.
Ghana’s largest wildlife sanctuary, Mole National Park is made up of grassland savanna and riparian ecosystems. This impressive park is the home of 93 mammals, 33 reptiles, and 344 bird species. There are also an incredible 56 endemic butterfly species. Here you will find elephants, hippos, buffalos, warthogs and antelope roaming freely, although you won’t easily spot hyenas, lions and leopards in the park any longer. The main activities of the area include game drives, safari walks and bird watching.
Bui National Park is the third largest park in Ghana, and is located in a woodland savanna zone. The park bisects the Black Volta river, and is famous for its large hippo population. Here you can also spot the endangered black and white colobus monkey, as well as antelopes, baboons, crocodiles, and warthogs. Although less popular than Kakum and Mole National Parks, this area offers a refreshingly different experience, including stalactite caves filled with large bat colonies, lush mountains and water cascades. Activities include canoeing safaris, hiking, wildlife viewing and village tours.
Travel Seasons
- Oct-Mar – It’s generally cooler and less humid at this time of year making it more pleasant to travel.
- Nov-Apr – This is the dry season when access along roads is good with no flooding. From Dec to Mar the harmattan, a dry desert wind, blows from the north-east. It’s also a great time for game veiwing as the animals are easier to spot and congregate around waterholes.
- Apr-Jun – During these months it’s the rainy season, you need to be aware of possible flooding.
General Information
- Capital city – Accra
- Currency – Ghana Cedi
- Language – Engliush is widely spoken, local dialects include Ga, Akan, Ewe and Twi
- Size – 239,567 km²
- Population – 28.1 million
- National parks – 16
Health & Safety
- Travel insurance is essential for all international travel. Click below to find out more:
- The CDC recommends the following vaccinations for Ghana: hepatitis A and typhoid. Check with your doctor which other vaccinations you might need and make sure your routine vaccinations are all up-to-date.
- Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory before you travelling to Ghana – a certificate is essential to enter the country.
- Malaria is present in Ghana – get specific medical advice on which prophylaxis to take.
- The Zika Virus is present and precautions must be taken, find out more about the risks here >>
- Meningitis vaccination is recommended for travel to the ‘meningitis belt’ during the dry season, this is in the north of Ghana (near the border with Burkina Faso).
- Stick to drinking bottled water.
- The best medical centre is at Lister hospital in Accra.
Pros
- Beautiful beaches
- Wealth of national parks and forest
- Bird watching mecca
- Year-round destination
- Tree top rope bridge in Kakum National Park
- Rich cultural history; Ghana was the largest of the African medieval empires
- Ghanians are very friendly
Cons
- The weather can be very hot and humid
- Road traffic accidents are common
- There are some diseases and health concerns to be aware of
Arriving in Ghana
- Important – you will need a yellowfever vaccination certificate to travel to Ghana.
- Ghana’s international airport is Kotoka International Airport in Accra.
- All the major European airlines fly into Accra, as well as Emirates and direct flights from the USA east coast.
- Accra is an important regional hub with multiple options including South Africa, Kenya and Ethiopia.
Getting Around
- The domestic airline servcies are Starbow Airlines and Africa World Airlines.
- It is possible to drive around Ghana, the best way to do this is to hire a car with a driver, which will cost from US$100 per day. If you want to drive your self (on the right hand side) you can hire a car from Ghana Car Rentals.
- There is a bus network, it’s advisable to book in advance, please be aware that you will be charged for luggage.
- If you have booked a tour package your transport arrangements will be organised by your tour operator.
Visas
- Visas are required by everyone except Ecowas nationals. Visas must be arranged before travel – a single entry 3 month visa is US$60, a multiple entry 6 month visa is US$100. Visas can be obtained from the Ghana High Commission >>
Ghana Safaris
10-Day Guided Southern Ghana Birding Tour
- 10 Days
This unique birding tour in southern Ghana is carefully packaged to cover interesting birding sites for...
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Country:Ghana,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:10 Days
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Start/end:Start in Accra, end in Accra
21-Day Birding & Nature Tour
- 21 Days
Join us on a 21-day birding safari that takes you across Ghana in search of the hundreds of spectacular...
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Country:Ghana,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:21 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Accra
Ghana Wildlife, Birds & Landscapes
- 12 Days
A 12-day birding and butterfly safari that explores three of Ghana's southern forest reserves and offers...
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Country:Ghana,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:12 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Accra
17-Days Ghana Birding, Nature and Wildlife Tour
- 17 Days
Our Ghana birding tours, designed to cover unique birding sites in Ghana, offer a fully comprehensive...
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Country:Ghana,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:17 Days
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Start/end:Start in Accra, end in Accra
20-Day Birding & Cultural Tour
- 20 Days
Experience the best of Ghana on a birding and cultural safari that offers travelers the chance to see...
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Country:Ghana,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:20 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Accra
15-Day Ghana Birding and Nature Tour
- 15 Days
Ghana is a highly productive African birding tours destination, with its special birds, rich wildlife,...
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Country:Ghana,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:15 Days
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Start/end:Start in Accra, end in Accra
17-Day Ghana Wilderness Safari
- 17 Days
An exciting birding safari that takes you to some of the remotest forests in Ghana for the chance to...
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Country:Ghana,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:17 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Accra
Ghana Birding & Forest Safari
- 12 Days
Explore the remote forests of Ghana on a birding safari that promises to deliver a world of exotic sightings...
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Country:Ghana,
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Departures:Year Round
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Length:12 Days
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Start/end:Start/end in Accra
