20-Day Birding & Cultural Tour

In the morning you will begin your birding safari by making your way to Shai Hills in the hopes of seeing the many bird species that inhabit the hills, including the violet turaco and Senegal parrot. Later you will visit some of the traditional shrines found near the bat caves and learn about the history of the Shai people who moved here to escape the slave raiders during Ghana’s colonial years. Head back to Accra for lunch and to enjoy the Makola Market before making your way to the Kakum National Park.

Overnight at Rainforest Lodge

After an early breakfast you will make your way to Kakum National Park to reach the canopy walkway before first light. This is the best time for bird viewing and allows you to see the birds from 40 meters above the forest floor. The forest is semi-deciduous tropical rainforest and is home to an impressive array of bird life including the violet-backed hyliota, the chestnut-capped flycatcher and the black-collard lovebird. After an exciting morning of birding, head back to the lodge for lunch. Relax and explore the grounds or head to the bar and pool. You will have the option of going on a cultural excursion to the Cape Coast Castle should you wish and later head back to the canopy walk in the late afternoon for an evening of birding in search of more birds including some of the owls.

Overnight at Rainforest Lodge

Another early start to visit the Antwikwaa section of Kakum National Park in the hopes of adding more birds to your growing list of sightings. If you are lucky, the African finfoot may make an appearance. In the afternoon you will go to the Cape Coast for a culture tour and lunch. Make your way to the famous Cape Coast Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the afternoon on an emotional journey, touring this castle which held more slaves captive than any other in the region and view the dungeons and the infamous ‘doors of no return’. In the evening there will be an optional guided bird walk, in hopes of seeing more owls and nightjars before returning to the lodge for dinner and to update your birding notes.

Overnight at Rainforest Lodge

In the morning you will make your way to the forest trails at Abrafo just outside Kakum National Park. Enjoy some birding before the heat picks up and you return to the lodge for lunch. Spend some time at the pool and enjoy an afternoon nap before checking out of the hotel and heading to Brenu Akyinim, home to some of Ghana’s finest beaches and an excellent birding location. Head to Brenu Beach for an afternoon of relaxation amongst the coconut trees before heading to a local restaurant for a local meal. An optional evening walk gives you the opportunity to see the greyish eagle owl and long-tailed nightjar.

Overnight at Brenu Beach Hotel

An early start sees you heading to the coastal Savannah plains in search of some of the special species that can be found in the area including the yellow-winged pytillia, Wilsons indigobird and African wattled lapwing. In the afternoon you will head to Ankasa Reserve, an amazing park for birding. The reserve is home to an pristine evergreen rainforest and due to its remote location, provides exceptional sightings. Stay in a stunning tented camp with all the modern amenities and comforts, allowing you to truly enjoy being so deep in the forest. Head out for an early evening of birding in the hopes of seeing Fraser’s and Akun eagle owls. Your guide will also be looking for the legendary Nkulengu rail, which one of our previous clients was the first person to ever get a picture of. Spend the rest of the evening at your camp, enjoying being at one with nature.

Overnight at Ankasa Reserve Campsite

Your guide will be up early, listening for the unmistakeable call of the Nkulengu rail. If he locates the bird he will alert the group before breakfast. Later you will head deeper into the lush forest for a full day of birding as you search for the hartlaubs duck, dwarf bittern and the blue-breasted kingfisher. You may also see a long-tailed hawk and Congo serpent eagle. You will then spend the evening at camp, enjoying some good food and discuss the days birding over a cold refreshing drink.

Overnight at Ankasa Reserve Campsite

Enjoy your final morning of birding in this magnificent location as you target the species you have yet to see. After a full morning of successful birding, you will return to camp for lunch and then head to Elmina Town to visit the local fish market. Watch the colourful fishing boats bringing home their catch and see the traditional boat builders still using methods and techniques from centuries ago. You will also have the option of visiting the Saint George Castle, the oldest colonial building in sub-Saharan Africa dating back to 1482. In the evening you will make your way back towards Kakum National Park, arriving at the Rainforest Lodge for dinner.

Overnight at Rainforest Lodge

Today is a special day as you make your way to the yellow-headed picathartes nesting site. First you will enjoy a full morning of birding in the Abrafo Forest with some excellent sightings before heading to the north. Stop for an en-route lunch before arriving at a remote village close to the Guinea rainforest in Ashanti. Make your way into the forest to see the nesting sites, all of which we are proud to help protect from illegal hunting and logging. We are currently sponsoring 24 forest community committee members to patrol and help stop the illegal activities in the area. Arrive at one of the nesting sites for a chance to see these spectacular birds as you try to contain your excitement. Make your way to your hotel in the evening with your amazing stories of the day.

Overnight at Noda Hotel

The day is dedicated to visiting some of the regions villages for a cultural experience. Stop at Bonwire Village, the birth place of Ghana’s Kente cloth where you can interact with some of the community members to learn about their culture and purchase some of their beautiful, colourful cloths. Later head to Ntunso, an ancient village where the Adinkra symbols originate from. The Adinkra cloth with its traditional shell patterns date back more than four centuries. After lunch you will visit the Sokoban Village, known for its traditional brass and beaded jewellery. Observe the locals traditional methods used to produce these wonderful pieces and purchase a few for yourself. Later you will return to your hotel for the evening.

Overnight at Noda Hotel

After an early breakfast you will set off for the Offinso Forest, located between the southern wetland forests and the drier northern woodland habitat. The forest is home to various beautiful species. Enjoy some quality birding, including sightings of the bioko batis, the rufous-sided broadbill and the capuchin babbler. Later you will make your way to Mole National Park, Ghana’s premier wildlife reserve, stopping for an en-route lunch. On the road you can see many bird species including the grasshopper buzzard and the yellow-billed kite. Arrive at the park that protects 4,847 square kilometres of pristine wilderness and is home to almost 100 species of mammal and more then 330 bird species. Head to the hotel, offering beautiful views of the reserve and a large watering hole which gives you the opportunity to see some elephants and crocodiles. After your evening meal you will set off for an evening of birding around the airstrip in search of some standard-winged nightjars and white-faced scops owls.

Overnight at Mole Motel

Mole National Park is a real nature lover’s paradise and you are in for a real treat over the next two days as you immerse yourself in the exceptional bird and game viewing. Search for Pigmy and western violetbacked sunbirds, lavender and orange-cheeked waxbills and the white-shouldered black tit to name a few. Make sure you keep your eyes open for the rufous-rumped lark as well. Make your way back to the hotel for the evening.

Overnight at Mole Motel

Today you can enjoy some game viewing in the park, searching for bushbuck, waterbuck and the beautiful roan antelope. Enjoy a guided bush walk and be greeted by some green vervet and patas monkeys. Head back to the hotel for lunch and an afternoon nap before heading out for a late afternoon of birding, staying out till dark in the hopes of seeing some more of the nocturnal species including the Pel’s fishing owl. Return to the hotel in the evening for a relaxed dinner and drinks.

Overnight at Mole Motel

Enjoy your final morning of birding in the park as you try to spot the birds that have eluded you. Later you will head to Bolgatanga in the eastern region of Ghana. You will have the option of stopping at the Larabanga Mosque for the opportunity to take some beautiful photographs. The mosques were built in a traditional Sudanese style and date back to the 14th century and houses one of the original copies of the Koran. Arrive in Tamale and enjoy a tasty lunch before continuing to the beautiful Tongo Hills. Enjoy some beautiful birding before making your way to your hotel for the evening, reflecting on your exciting day.

Overnight at Premier Hotel

Today you set out to see another major highlight of the trip, the beautiful Egyptian plover. We help protect the birds by providing work for some of the locals in the area to monitor the species so we can help ensure their continued breeding success. In the past the locals would destroy the nests and take the eggs which can now be avoided by providing them with an income. Enjoy a morning of bird watching in the hopes of also seeing the chestnut-bellied and purple glossy starlings, African mourning dove and the zebra waxbill. The afternoon is dedicated to culture as we set off for Sirigu Village with its beautifully painted traditional homesteads. Visit the chief’s palace and the local market, offering the perfect opportunity to meet and mix with the locals whilst enjoying a calabash of pito, the local brew at one of the many spots bars. Later you will return to the hotel for a relaxed evening and a chance to update your birding list.

Overnight at Premier Hotel

Today is mostly filled with travel as you make your way back south towards Kumasi. Depending on what bird species you have not been able to see, you may want to stop at Tongo Hills. Later you will make your way to the Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary for an evening of birding before heading to your hotel for the evening.

Overnight at Noda Hotel

Begin the day with an early visit to Kejetia market in the heart of the city. Kejetia is the largest outdoor market in west Africa and visiting it is a wonderful opportunity to experience the everyday life of the people who work here as you explore the labyrinth of stalls. Return to your hotel for lunch and an afternoon nap or swim before heading to Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary for an early evening of birding. You will be looking for the Akun and Fraser’s eagle owls and if you are really lucky you will see the endangered long-tailed pangolin before returning to your hotel for the evening.

Overnight at Noda Hotel

An early start as you set off into the Guinea rainforest habitat in hopes of seeing magpie mannakins and Narina’s trogons amongst many others. Later you will make your way to Atewa, stopping for an en-route lunch. After some rest and relaxation, you will head into the farmland bush in search of the Baumann’s greenbul and the bat hawk before checking in to your guesthouse for the evening.

Overnight at Nelsban Palace Hotel

The Atewa Forest is home to numerous critically endangered and rare bird species. Enjoy a full day of birding as you search for some of these amazing creatures. Today you will head out on a guided walk to the Atewa Range with a packed lunch, ensuring you get as much time as possible in the reserve. You will be looking for the red-fronted antpecker, nimba flycatcher, crowned eagle and the brown-chested alethe amongst many others. Later make your way back to the hotel for an evening after an exceptional day out to enjoy a delicious dinner and to update your birding list.

Overnight at Nelsban Palace Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast of the tour before checking out of our hotel and setting off for the Koforidua bead market that sells traditional African beads from Ghana, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Nigeria as it has been doing for hundreds of years. On the way back to Accra, you will travel through the beautiful Akwapim mountain range, offering outstanding panoramic views of Tema and Accra in the distance. At the top of the range you will find the Aburi botanical gardens, established in 1890. The gardens are home to a wide variety of indigenous flora. Discover some of the medicinal plants on a walk through the gardens before heading over to the Aburi craft village, known for its traditional African drums and crafts. Pick up some last souvenirs before heading to Accra for an early dinner and later making your way to the airport for your flight back home.