Join Naturalist Journeys on a journey into the heart of West Africa for a Ghana birding and nature safari—this is an unparalleled trip for birding! Indeed, Ghana is actually a must-see destination for any birding and wildlife enthusiast, with thick lush forest home to primates, rare hornbills, and more. Ghana has the most developed infrastructure of any West African country, making it an easy choice for travel. We work with a well-established birding company that supports conservation and they give us an in-depth glimpse into nature and its interface with rural culture. This year we pair guide Paul Mensah of Ashanti tours as our local expert, with Washington Wachira, our favorite guide from East Africa as your tour host … what a team!

Ghana has seven national parks and along the coast, five Ramsar wetland sites. We can expect to see a variety of iconic African mammals and birds alongside a fantastic array of exciting West African Upper Guinea endemic birds. We begin in coastal wetlands and lagoons, then move inland through coastal savannah into the rich Upper Guinea Rainforests. Continuing northwards, we pass through broad-leaved Guinea Woodland and open savannah at Mole National Park. We visit the White Volga River to try for Egyptian Plover, a much sought after species. Peg Abbott, our founder and global traveler, added over 100 species to her life list last year in Ghana—imagine what you can do!

Ghana’s biodiversity is notable and presents a contrast to more southern parts of the continent often visited on various safari routes. March is a prime time to go, for both birds and seeing mammals in the northern section at Mole National Park. This year we changed the order a bit to end at Mole as the grand finale, and from here we fly back to Accra (cost included), saving a very long drive.

Tour Highlights

• Enjoy time in tropical Africa; see birds of the African rainforest, coastal wetlands, savannah, and Mole National Park
• Find unique species of the Guiana-Congo biome, forest-dwelling birds of West and Central Africa
• Visit thorn scrub habitat in the Shai Hills, then in the nearby Atewa Range, and later in Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary, walk forest trails to reach the endangered habitat of Highland Upper Guinea Rainforest
• At Kakum National Park, walk the span of one of only three canopy walkways in Africa; watch for raptors and forest species at eye-level
• Stay three nights at a comfortable forest lodge at Ankasa Reserve for incredible and rare forest birds
• Visit a Yellow-headed Picathartes nesting site and the local community that supports and is supported by tourism (this species occurs only in the rainforest of tropical west and central Africa)
• At Mole National Park, spend three nights at exquisite Zaina Lodge, known for incredible views
• Take safari drives to see birds and mammals at Ghana’s finest and largest protected area, Mole National Park, including African Elephant, Kob, Bushbuck, Waterbuck, Hartebeest, and Roan Antelope
• Have a chance to view and photograph the Egyptian Plover feeding along the White Volta River, a species recently placed in a family of its own.

Trip Itinerary

Itineraries are guidelines; variations in itinerary may occur to account for weather, road conditions, closures, etc. and to maximize your experience.

Fri., Feb. 28      Welcome to Accra!

Our tour officially starts this evening as we gather for dinner and a chance to get to know our guides and travel companions. You may wish to arrive early to rest up from travel and if so, we can assist with those reservations.
Accommodations in Accra (D)

Sat., Mar. 1     Accra City Tour | Birding at Shai Hills Reserve

Today is an easy day, allowing us to acclimate to West Africa after our travels. Our local guide and driver meet us for a morning city tour of Accra, visiting the National Museum, Black Star Gate, Independence Square and the Aburi Botanical Gardens and Craft Village. We see some of the birds of the city as we go. After lunch, it is about an hour’s drive to our hotel close to the Shai Hills Reserve on the outskirts of Greater Accra.  

After checking in to our simple but comfortable hotel that puts us close to this exceptional birding and wildlife area, we make our first visit to the Shai Hills, a drier habitat of open thorn-scrub woodland mixed with grassland where we find species we don’t see at other locations in our journey. After dinner, our guide briefs us on the following days’ activities and answers any questions.
Accommodations at Alexis Hotel or similar, Tema (B,L,D)

Sun., Mar. 2       Birding Shai Hills Reserve

We depart early and head for the open mix of thorn-scrub forest and grassland of the Shai Hills Reserve where we start the day listening to calls of Stone Partridge, and both Red-eyed and Vinaceous Doves. We should find Senegal Coucal, Western Plantain-eater, African Gray Hornbill, Striped Kingfisher, and Vieillot’s Barbet. With luck we may find Blue-bellied Roller, White-Helmetshrike, and Brown-throated Wattle-eye. 

We drive through the park, and make a few short walks to get out into the habitat. Along a long line of cliffs we look for Mocking Cliff-Chat and should find baboons, and in the open grassland, Ugandan Kob, and other wildlife. In a lush grove of trees at our turn-around point, look for African Green-Pigeon, Violet Turaco, and Senegal Parrot.

We take a mid-day break for lunch in route to the hotel, and stop to take a rest or perhaps a refreshing dip in the pool. We then head back out in the late afternoon, staying out to look for nightbirds at dusk before dinner and our checklist tally. 
Accommodations at Alexis Hotel or similar, Tema (B,L,D)

Possible Bird Highlights: Northern Crombec, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat, African Pygmy Kingfisher, Cardinal Woodpecker, Vieillot’s and Double-toothed Barbets, Mocking Cliff-Chat, Rock Martin, Red-shouldered Cuckooshrike, Violet Turaco, Senegal Parrot, Senegal Batis, Blue-bellied Roller, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, Oriole Warbler, Blackcap and Brown Babblers, Copper and Splendid Sunbirds, White Helmetshrike, Croaking and Siffling Cisticolas, African Thrush, Red-necked and Lizard Buzzards, Lanner Falcon, Green Woodhoopoe, Stone Partridge, Black-winged Stilt, Senegal Thick-knee, Common Ringed and Grey Plovers, Spur-Winged Lapwing, Black-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Common Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Wood and Common Sandpipers, Collared Pratincole, Marsh and Curlew Sandpipers, Ruddy Turnstone, Little Stint, Long-tailed Cormorant, Squacco Heron, Gray, Purple, Striated, and Black Herons, Little, Cattle and Intermediate Egrets. 

Mon., Mar. 3        Shai Hills | Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary | Atewa Range

We leave early to head to Atewa, passing through lower farmland bush surrounding Atewa where we stop with hopes to see Black-necked, Maxwell’s Black, Compact, and Grosbeak Weavers, Whistling Cisticola, Black-crowned and perhaps Marsh Tchagra. If we are lucky, we also find Baumann’s Greenbul and Bat Hawk. 

We then head on to Upper Guinea Rainforest habitat where so many of Ghana’s sought-after special species are found. Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary is a wonderful area of this habitat type, and it protects almost 500 species of butterfly, as well as a trove of birds. This morning we hope to see both Tit- and Green Hylias, Black-throated Coucal, both Grey and Red-fronted Parrots, the much sought-after Yellow-footed Honeyguide, and Red-billed Dwarf and Africa’s rarest, Black Dwarf Hornbill, amongst other species. 

The walk into the sanctuary is delightful with tall trees arching over the road and an intense mix of species singing along the way. At the caretaker’s home there is a clearing and if it’s sunny, butterflies abound. We have a picnic lunch here and then continue our exploring. Tambourine Dove call from lush perches, and with luck we hear the call and see Long-tailed Hawk. Little Bee-eaters sally out for insects showing off their gem-like colors. Melancholy and Buff-spotted Woodpeckers may be working across the dense tropical forest canopy and while searching for them we might see Velvet-mantled Drongo, Sharpe’s Apalis, and Red-billed Helmetshrike. 

After a full and rewarding day walking and exploring here, we check into our nearby hotel to freshen up, reflect, and enjoy an evening meal.
Accommodations at Nelsban Palace Hotel, New Tafo (B,L,D)

Possible Birding Highlights: Tit- and Green Hylias, Magpie Mannikin, Narina Trogon, Red-billed Dwarf and Black Dwarf Hornbills, African Grey and Brown-necked Parrots, Purple-throated Cuckooshrike, Black-throated Coucal, Golden-backed Weaver, African Piculet, Red-chested Owlet, Dusky Tit, Blue-headed Crested-Flycatcher, Yellow-billed Barbet, Gray-headed and Red-tailed Bristlebills, Yellow-footed Honeyguide, Black-necked, Maxwell’s Black, Compact, and Grosbeak Weavers, Whistling Cisticola, Black-crowned and Marsh Tchagras, African Emerald, Klaas’s, Levaillant’s, and Yellow-throated Cuckoos, Black-headed Paradise-Flycatcher, Western Bluebill, Tessmann’s Flycatcher, Baumann’s Greenbul, and Bat Hawk

Tues.,  Mar. 4       Atewa Range | Hike in Endangered Rainforest

Atewa Reserve holds critically endangered highland upper Guinea Rainforest and as it protects so many quality and rare species that we dedicate a full day to birding here. We take a packed lunch with us to maximize birding time. The walk here is a hike, a steady uphill grade but on a good trail that was once a road. There is forest cover all the way, with a mix of species. Hopefully we find Blue-moustached Bee-eater as the prize of our day! 

At the start of the trail we find a small pond where both Malachite and African Pygmy Kingfishers can be found. In this open section, find Black-winged Oriole, Marsh Tchagra, Red-faced Cisticola, Chestnut-breasted Nigrita, and Orange-cheeked Waxbill. Entering the forest there are numerous sunbirds (10 species on our last trip), both Crested and Red-headed Malimbes, Maxwell’s Black Weaver, Western Nicator, and Forest Penduline Tit. Sadly, this precious Atewa Range Forest Reserve is under severe threat as the Ghanaian government, under pressure, is considering allowing it to be mined for bauxite. Several NGOs that include our host company are petitioning the government to establish Atewa as a National Park to protect this lush habitat for future generations. 

Atewa protects some rare species of birds and we hope to get good views of such as Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Red-fronted Antpecker, Nimba Flycatcher, Crowned Eagle, Brown-chested Alethe, Forest Scrub-Robin, and Lowland Akalat amongst other species. The geology of the range is of interest and the scenery is stunning.  

Once satisfied with our hike and the species found, we head down the mountain and return to our guesthouse for the evening meal and a chance to tally up our sightings. 
Accommodations at Nelsban Palace Hotel, New Tafo (B,L,D) 

Possible Birding Highlights: Red-cheeked Wattle-eye, Purple-throated Cuckooshrike, Blue-moustached Bee-eater, West African (Bioko) Batis, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, African Hobby, Long-tailed Hawk, Congo Serpent-Eagle, Red-rumped, Yellow-rumped and Speckled Tinkerbirds, Little Green, Buff-throated, Blue-throated Brown, Olive-bellied and Collared Sunbirds, African Goshawk, Red-tailed and Green-tailed Bristlebills, Red-headed and Crested Malimbes, Orange-breasted Forest Robin, Little, Gray, White-throated, Icterine, Red-tailed, Western Bearded- and the Upper Guinea endemic Yellow-bearded Greenbul, Many-colored Bushshrike, Western Nicator, Brown Illadopsis and Bronze-naped Pigeon, Red-fronted Antpecker, Nimba Flycatcher, Crowned Eagle, Brown-chested Alethe, Forest Scrub-Robin, and Lowland Akalat

Wed., Mar. 5     Atewa | Rainforest Hotel

This morning we return to the farm fields surrounding the Atewa Range and perhaps extend into lower reaches of the forest. This is a good area to look for Blue-headed Coucal, Red-chested Cuckoo, Woodland Kingfisher, Lowland Sooty Boubou, Bar-breasted Firefinch, and other species. We have the full morning and with so many species to see here we are sure to find some new ones. 

We return to the hotel to pack up, stop at a local restaurant for lunch and start driving towards Cape Coast, taking the turnoff to Kakum National Park before reaching there. This area is close to the office of our host company, Ashanti African Tours, and if there is time, we stop in to say hello. Our hotel is about 15 minutes from the park. Our guide lives close by and after checking in, we should have time for a walk up to the hillside where he has built a home to enjoy birding on his home patch. Last year we saw over 50 species on this short leisurely walk! After settling in, we have dinner and fill in our species list. Tomorrow is a big day! 
Accommodations at Rainforest Hotel near Kakum National Park (B,L,D)

Possible Birding Highlights: Little, White-throated, Rosy, and Black Bee-eaters, Blue-throated Roller, Piping Hornbill, Red-rumped Tinkerbird, White-spotted Flufftail, Cassin’s Spinetail, Sabine’s Spinetail, Dideric Cuckoo, Melancholy and Buff-spotted Woodpeckers, Vieillot’s Black and Black-necked Weavers, Kemps and Gray Longbills, Western Nicator, Western Bluebill, Olive-bellied, Superb, and Johanna’s Sunbirds, Copper-tailed, Longtailed Glossy, and Violet-backed Starlings, Northern Yellow White-eye, Bronze Mannikin, Orange-cheeked Waxbill, Yellow-billed Barbet, and Ayre’s Hawk-Eagle. 

Thurs., Mar. 6      Kakum National Park & Canopy Walkways

Encompassing 145 square miles of tropical forest, Kakum National Park is unique in no small part because it was established at the initiative of the local people, rather than by the State Department of Wildlife, who are responsible for wildlife preservation in Ghana. It hosts some lush forests, and it is one of only three locations in Africa with a canopy walkway. Hosting one of the densest populations of forest elephants in Ghana, it is also rich in birds and butterflies. 

After an early breakfast, we head for the national park, which is a quick 15 minute drive from our lodge. Aiming to arrive at first light, we spend the most critical bird viewing hours 40 meters above the forest floor on the world-famous 1,150-foot-long canopy walkway. This walkway in the sky has sections strung between seven platforms large enough to hold our full group (and scopes!) and on the platforms, we comfortably scour the treetops for birds. For many this is one of the highlights of the trip, to be up in such pristine forest at eye-level with a spectacular array of birds such as Black Bee-eater, Yellow-billed Turaco, Blue Malkoha, and Superb Sunbird.  

Kakum National Park protects secondary upper Guinea semi-deciduous tropical rainforest. It is a wonderful feeling to be eye to eye with the local birds including the large hornbills—as many as four of the large showy species including Brown-cheeked, West African Pied, Black-casqued and Yellow-casqued. Blue Cuckooshrike, Yellow-billed Barbet, Cassin’s Honeyguide, and Golden Greenbul, can be seen at close range. Watch the skies for Congo Serpent-Eagle, Palm-nut Vulture, African Harrier-Hawk, Cassin’s Hawk-Eagle, and other raptors.

We return mid-day to our lodge to refresh and enjoy lunch. During the heat of mid-afternoon, options include birding around the lodge and grounds, resting in air-conditioned rooms or around the pool and bar, or going on a cultural excursion to Cape Coast Castle an important historic site from the days of slave trading.  

For those that wish, we revisit the canopy walkway in the evening to look for more of the key species including Brown-cheeked, both Black-casqued and Yellow-casqued Hornbills, Great Blue Turaco, and Fraser’s Eagle-Owl among other specialties. We return for dinner and the checklist.
Accommodations at Rainforest Hotel near Kakum National Park (B,L,D)

Possible Birding Highlights: Violet-backed Hyliota, Chestnut-capped Flycatcher, Sharpe’s Apalis, Brown-cheeked Hornbill, Long-tailed Glossy Starling, Bioko Batis, Blue Cuckooshrike, Little Green Woodpecker, White-crested Hornbill, Blue-throated Brown, Green, Collared, Johanna’s and Buff-throated Sunbirds, Red-headed and Crested Malimbes, Rosy Bee-eater, White-breasted and Gray-headed Nigrita, Red-fronted and Grey Parrots, Yellowbill, Western Black-headed and Black-winged Orioles, Rufous-crowned Eremomela, Splendid, Long-tailed Glossy, and Chestnut-winged Starlings, Preuss’s and Yellow-mantled Weavers, Green Hylia, Golden, Slender-billed, Little, and Grey Greenbuls, African Green-Pigeon, Yellow-billed Turaco, African Emerald Cuckoo, Blue-throated Roller, Yellow-throated, Red-rumped and Speckled Tinkerbirds, Hairy-breasted and Naked-faced Barbets, Ussher’s and Little Flycatchers, Cassin’s Honeyguide, African Pied Hornbill, Congo Serpent-Eagle, African Harrier-Hawk, Palm-nut Vulture, Cassin’s Hawk-Eagle, European Honey and Red-necked Buzzards, Long-tailed Hawk, Black Dwarf Hornbill, Yellow-footed Honeyguide and Black-collared Lovebird, Brown-cheeked, Black- and Yellow-casqued Hornbills, Great Blue Turaco, Brown Nightjar and Fraser’s Eagle-Owl.

Fri., Mar. 7         Rainforest Hotel | Winneba Lagoon | Ankasa Reserve

This morning we bird the grounds and local area, have breakfast, and then check out of our lodge to set off westwards on what is mostly a travel day with some birding breaks. By day’s end we reach amazing primary rainforest at Ankasa Reserve, for many a major highlight of our time in Ghana. Those that wish can pack in a way to travel light, storing some of your gear at Rainforest Hotel as we will return in a few days. 

Our main stop along the way is at Winneba Lagoon, where we have a great chance with scopes to scan a wide estuary home to numerous herons, terns, and shorebirds. Look for Common Ringed Plover, African Jacana, Whimbrel, Greenshank, Curlew Sandpiper, West African Crested Tern, Pied Kingfisher, and Western Reef Heron. At the village near our stop watch locals drying fish and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Ankasa is Ghana’s only wet evergreen rainforest, which is in near pristine condition. An exceptional forest in a remote location, Ankasa protects many rare and sought-after bird and mammal species. At the junction to the park and lodge we meet 4-wheel drive vehicles from the lodge, saying goodbye to our bus driver for a few days. It can be a rough ride on the final dirt road section of our trip to reach this birding paradise. But it is well worth it, for the next three nights we feel pampered, staying at the stunning lodge our host company built so tourists could experience this amazing forest without having to camp out. Enjoy a memorable, small and intimate lodge right at the edge of the reserve, just across a bridge that affords some fine birdwatching right on the property. 

The smiles of the staff and cold drinks are most welcome as we arrive this afternoon. We take time to settle in, check for birds along the lovely stream that flows through the property, and enjoy drinks and dinner. Dining here is most gracious, with a chef preparing a menu board daily, choices are difficult to make! Much of the food is locally sourced and cooked to perfection. On one of the evenings of our stay, perhaps tonight, we may head into the reserve for evening birding where we hope to see Fraser’s and Akun Eagle-Owls, and the legendary Nkulengu Rail, first photographed in the wild in 2011. Local rangers help us to find them, and if successful we make a dash!
Accommodations at Ankasa Reserve Lodge, Ankasa Reserve (B,L,D)

Possible Birding Highlights: Pale Flycatcher, Black-and-white Mannikin, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Lowland Sooty Boubou, Puvel’s Illadopsis, Olive-green Camaroptera, Red-faced and Whistling Cisticolas, Lesser Striped Swallow, Fanti Saw-wing, Chestnut Wattle-eye, Naked-faced and Hairy-breasted Barbets, Fraser’s and Little Green Sunbirds, Bue Malkoha, Red-cheeked Wattle-eye, Swamp Greenbul, Northern Fiscal, Spotted Greenbul, Finsch’s Flycatcher-Thrush, Yellow-whiskered and Red-tailed Greenbuls, White-crested Hornbill, African Harrier-Hawk, Long-tailed Hawk, Red-billed Helmetshrike, Rufous-sided Broadbill, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo, Congo Serpent-Eagle, Red-billed Dwarf and Black Dwarf Hornbills, Fraser’s and Akun Eagle-Owls, and Nkulengu Rail

Sat., Mar. 8 & Sun., Mar. 9      Birding Ankasa Reserve

Ankasa Reserve’s incredible forest protects so many rare and sought-after species that we dedicate three nights here. At over 500 square kilometers of continuous wet evergreen rainforest, Ankasa is biologically the most diverse rainforest in Ghana and one of the most diverse in West Africa. Protecting over 800 vascular plant species, almost 650 species of butterfly, in addition to Forest Elephant, Bongo, Diana Monkey, Chimpanzee, and several species of pangolin (secretive, not likely to be seen) alongside the most wanted West African bird species, Ankasa is a must-see destination.

After breakfast we set off venturing deeper into this lush forest with our main goal being the Upper Guinea endemics including Yellow-bearded Greenbul, Rufous-winged Illadopsis, and Green-tailed Bristlebill in addition to other key forest species. Our vehicles follow us as we walk a bit, then drive, then walk again, giving us the option to rest or get a cool drink. 

Our guide knows where the specialty species are found inside Ankasa and we have the best opportunity to see them. Driving in Land Rover 4x4s enables us to navigate the difficult forest roads, ensures that we get to these sites at the best time of day, and permits us to bird remote trails around the pools where kingfishers and even African Pitta are occasionally found. As we approach the watering holes located deeper inside the forest, we hope to see Western Crested Guineafowl on the road, while key birds include Hartlaub’s Duck, Dwarf Bittern, African Finfoot, and four species of kingfishers. Forest raptors are always welcome, and we hope to see Long-tailed Hawk and Congo Serpent-Eagle. There are some rare species here and if we are lucky, we may see White-breasted Guineafowl, White-crested Bittern, African Pitta, Gray-throated Rail, Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo, Forest Scrub-Robin, Red-chested Owlet, and Akun Eagle-Owl.

We typically take a mid-day break for lunch at the lodge, and we spend each evening enjoying good food and discussing the days birding over refreshments.
Accommodations at Ankasa Reserve Lodge, Ankasa Reserve (B,L,D)

Possible Birding Highlights: Yellow-bearded Greenbul, Rufous-winged Illadopsis and Green-tailed Bristlebill in addition to Ansorge’s, Icterine, Red-tailed and Western Bearded- Greenbuls, Pale-breasted and Blackcap Illadopsis, Forest Scrub-Robin, White-tailed Ant-Thrush, White-tailed Alethe, Shining Drongo, Cassin’s Flycatcher, Yellow-spotted Barbet, White-throated Bee-eater, Chestnut-breasted Nigrita, Blue-headed Wood Dove, Western Bronze-naped Pigeon, Yellow-billed and Great Blue Turacos, Black-capped Apalis, Grey-headed Bristlebill, Tiny Sunbird and Red-fronted Antpecker, African Pitta, Western Crested Guineafowl, Hartlaub’s Duck, Dwarf Bittern, African Finfoot, Shining-blue, White-bellied, Blue-breasted and Dwarf Kingfishers, Long-tailed Hawk and Congo Serpent-Eagle, Crown Eagle, Square-tailed and Fanti Saw-wings, Black- and Yellow-casqued Hornbills, Black Dwarf and Piping Hornbills, White-breasted Guineafowl, White-crested Bittern, Gray-throated Rail, Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo, Forest Scrub-Robin, Blue-moustached Bee-eater, Red-chested Owlet, Akun Eagle Owl 

Mon., Mar. 10      Ankasa Reserve & Brenu Savannah | Rainforest Hotel

During a final morning’s birding at this wonderful location, we take time to savor and enjoy the exceptional biodiversity of this tropical habitat. Then, we head back for brunch and to freshen up before our departure from this remote and wildlife-rich location.

Our vehicle loaded, we retrace our route back to Rainforest Lodge near Kakum National Park, again stopping to bird along the way to break up this travel day. During our journey we search for several species not seen in other parts of Ghana. These include Reichenbach’s and Mouse-Brown Sunbirds, White-browed Forest-Flycatcher, Orange Weaver, African Pygmy-Goose, Carmelite Sunbird, and Little Grebe to mention a few.

A visit to Brenu Akyinim and the coastal savannah plains gives us some new open-country species to enjoy. We arrive late afternoon, and this time Rainforest Lodge feels quite familiar and gives us a nice respite to reorganize ahead of the next section of our journey.
Accommodations at Rainforest Hotel near Kakum National Park (B,L,D)

Possible Birding Highlights: Reichenbach’s and Brown Sunbirds, White-browed Forest-Flycatcher, Orange Weaver, African Pygmy Goose, Carmelite Sunbird, Little Grebe, Marsh Tchagra, Compact Weaver, Double-spurred Spurfowl, Oriole Warbler, Red-headed Quelea, Black-rumped Waxbill, Yellow-winged Pytilia, Wilsons Indigobird, Wattled Lapwing.

Tues.,  Mar. 11       Abrafo Forest & Yellow-headed Picathartes Nesting Site

Today is a special day, with opportunities to experience and support a unique cultural and conservation project as well as to do some superb birding. We check out of our hotel after an early breakfast and set off for Abrafo Forest, looking for species aligned with this habitat.

After breakfast, we set off, heading northwards with a local lunch en route before arriving at a remote village close to a small Upper Guinea Rainforest in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. To align the locals with this ecologically significant place, our host company donated the building of a small ecolodge, and all proceeds of our stay here go to support the local community. The small and simple birding lodge provides employment for farmers adjacent to habitat important to a special bird, the Yellow-headed Picathartes, also known as White-necked Rockfowl. Because of the lodge and visits by birders, locals are now invested in assuring healthy habitat and protection for this most unusual species. Along with a restaurant and school this tourism project now offers more than 300 children access to education.

Travel with Naturalist Journeys to Ghana means you are also helping a local organization to protect the Yellow-headed Picathartes forest and all the wonderful wildlife that also call it home, as the project is funded from visits like ours. The project has created employment in the communities and also sponsors 24 community forest committee members from the surrounding villages to patrol and stop illegal hunting and logging activities in the forest reserve. The long-term goal is to get the reserve status, currently slated for timber concessions, converted to land protected as a sustainable eco-tourism project. We visit a colony either this afternoon or tomorrow morning, based on the advice of our guides and local trackers.  

There are 12 active Yellow-headed Picathartes nesting sites in this forest, and we visit one of the largest colonies, home to approximately 30 nests, in a typical year 16 of these active. As we set off on the walk through this beautiful forest you can see why it is one of the must-see species in the world—the whole experience adds to this mythical bird’s reputation. The walk takes between 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on fitness levels. As we approach the nesting site, we need to be incredibly quiet as we take our seats on bamboo benches. The overhanging rock face and small cave with mud nests sets the atmosphere as we wait for the birds to come back from foraging for snails, frogs, and insects during the day. It is exciting to watch these legendary prehistoric looking birds hop and jump on the rocks while preening themselves just meters from our eyes (no scope needed).

Once we have enjoyed good views, we leave the birds in peace as we set off back through the forest to our accommodations and a wonderful celebratory meal. Staying in this remote local community is a definite highlight of our time together, meeting the locals and relaxing in this perfect setting. Having the facilities to stay here not only benefits the protection of this forest but also allows us to enjoy the other wonderful birds and wildlife that call it home. As always, there is the option to go for night birding before we settle down for the evening.
Accommodations at Picathartes Guesthouse, Bonkro (B,L,D)

Wed., Mar. 12      Bonkro Forest & Kwabena Sam Forest

Enjoy a more relaxed breakfast this morning, as we are so close to the forest. There are several trails we can enjoy; your guide determines which one we take based on the bird species we have already seen and species we still would like to see. This is the site of the extremely rare and difficult to see Ghana Cuckooshrike. And we keep eyes out for elusive Long-tailed and Tree Pangolins.

We return to camp for a well-deserved afternoon rest or choose to visit the school or head into the village to meet some of the locals. The local tour company’s relationship with these communities is excellent and we have the opportunity to join one of the families to see their cocoa farm or learn the process of gari (a granular flour made from cassava tubers) that is made here. The restaurant is always open, and we enjoy lunch before heading back out into the forest for afternoon and evening birding.

The nearby Kwabena Sam Forest is an excellent forest location to visit before we head on tomorrow for new terrain. Depending on which nocturnal species we still need we can also stay after dark looking for owls and nightjars.

Spend a final night in this remote community as we enjoy a wonderful evening meal, update the checklist, and relax at the restaurant.
Accommodations at Picathartes Guesthouse, Bonkro (B,L,D)

Possible Birding Highlights: White-crested and Black Dwarf Hornbill, Gray-headed and Red-tailed Bristlebill, Rufous-sided Broadbill, Fire-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-throated and Thick-billed Cuckoo, Forest Scimitarbill, Blue Cuckooshrike, Sharpe’s Apalis, Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher, Gray-throated Tit-Flycatcher, Long-tailed Hawk, Congo Serpent-Eagle, Ghana Cuckooshrike, White-browed Forest-Flycatcher, Yellow-browed and Olive-green Camaropteras, Western Nicator, Puvel’s Illadopsis, Tit-hylia, Yellow-billed and Hairy-breasted Barbets, Green Crombec, Kemp’s Longbill, Black-capped Apalis, Blue-headed Crested-Flycatcher, West African Wattle-eye, Red-cheeked Wattle-eye, Black-throated Coucal, and Bronze-naped Pigeon

Thurs., Mar. 13      Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary | Noda

There is optional early morning birding at the nearby forest if some wish to do a bit more birding before we leave to our next site. After breakfast, we pack up and head back into the Upper Guinea Rainforest habitat where so many of Ghana’s sought-after special species are found. We were in this type of habitat earlier in the trip at Atewa, and now have the chance to explore its riches again. 

Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary protects almost 500 species of butterfly, as well as a trove of birds. This morning we hope to see Tit- and Green Hylias, Black-throated Coucal, both Grey and Red-fronted Parrots, the much sought-after Yellow-footed Honeyguide, and Red-billed Dwarf and Africa’s rarest, Black Dwarf Hornbill, amongst other species.

Walking the entrance road is like visiting a fairyland, with tall trees arching over the road. We stop at several small clearings to listen, look, and scan. The plant life is fascinating and if it’s sunny, butterflies abound. We have the full morning to walk this road and wander on one or more of the trails and we enjoy a picnic lunch on site. We can spend as much of the afternoon as we wish here, for our accommodations at a guest house tonight in Noda are just ten minutes from the sanctuary. 
Accommodations at a Guest House in Noda (B,L,D)

Possible Birding Highlights: Tit- and Green Hylias, Magpie Mannikin, Narina Trogon, Red-billed Dwarf and Black Dwarf Hornbills, African Grey and Brown-necked Parrots, Purple-throated Cuckooshrike, Black-throated Coucal, Golden-backed Weaver, African Piculet, Red-chested Owlet, Dusky Tit, Blue-headed Crested-Flycatcher, Yellow-billed Barbet, Gray-headed and Red-tailed Bristlebills, Yellow-footed Honeyguide, Black-necked, Maxwell’s Black, Compact, and Grosbeak Weavers, Whistling Cisticola, Black-crowned and Marsh Tchagras, African Emerald, Klaas’s, Levaillant’s, and Yellow-throated Cuckoos, Black-headed Paradise-Flycatcher, Western Bluebill, Tessmann’s Flycatcher, Baumann’s Greenbul, and Bat Hawk

Fri.,  Mar. 14     Noda to Mole National Park

After an early breakfast we set off northwards towards Mole National Park. Today is mainly a travel day but we can expect to see different species of birds as we head northwards and the habitat changes to the drier broad-leaved Guinea woodland and savannah. Your guides keep an eye open for the many raptors we hope to see during our regular leg stretch stops, including Beaudouin’s Snake- and Long-crested Eagles, Grasshopper Buzzard, Yellow-billed Kite, and Shikra. 

We take a detour along the way to search for a most elegant species, the Egyptian Plover. This most sought-after species has reliably (in recent years) been found along the White Volta River. Due to the importance of this species, which has recently been placed in a family of its own, we dedicate time to try to find it, contacting a local villager keen to help us out. With luck, we can enjoy watching and photographing this species in flight and walking along the sandy banks of the river. During our time here, we look for any other species coming and going before resuming our drive north. 

Returning to the main road, we continue our journey to Mole, which is Ghana’s largest national park, protecting an area of 1870 square miles of habitat, with almost 100 species of mammal and 330+ species of birds. This has a decidedly African feel to it and provides our best chance to see some of the large mammals. Warthogs often graze on the grounds as we enter the park, along with Green Vervet and Patas Monkeys. This park is our grand finale stop, very different from the other locations we’ve been, and here a wonderful lodge awaits. 

Zaina Lodge ranks high in creature comforts, a bit of luxury in the wilderness. It is situated on a 820 foot-high escarpment overlooking the park, offering breathtaking views. It is an amazing feeling to be sitting around the infinity pool on the hotel terrace watching Bushbuck or possibly African Elephants bathing in the two nearby watering holes inhabited by crocodiles below. 
Accommodations at Zaina Lodge, Mole National Park (B,L,D)

Possible Birding Highlights: Beaudouin’s Snake- and Long-crested Eagles, Grasshopper Buzzard, Yellow-billed Kite, Shikra, Standard-winged Nightjar, Grayish Eagle-Owl, and Northern White-faced Owl. Along the Volta River, Egyptian Plover. 

Sat., Mar. 15 & Sun., Mar. 16      Mole National Park

Mole National Park is a nature lover’s paradise, and we are in for a real treat over the next two days as we immerse ourselves into the exceptional West African birds and mammals found here. We set off after breakfast walking and driving deeper into this national park, with our expert guides directing us to all locations for species we hope to see.

Mammals are in abundance here in Mole and we hope to see Ugandan Kob, Bushbuck, Waterbuck, Hartebeest, and the beautiful Roan Antelope in addition to getting within close range to Africa’s largest land mammal, the African Elephant. Green Vervet and Patas Monkeys greet us in the bush as we enjoy our morning walks.

During the heat of the midday sun, enjoy a siesta or relax around the pool after lunch. Set off for afternoon birding around 3:00 PM and stay after dark for nocturnal species. Raptors are common here in Mole and we hope to see Martial, Booted, Long-crested, Tawny, African Fish-, and Wahlberg’s Eagles, and Brown and Short-toed Snake-Eagles to mention a few. Key species of birds not easily seen in other parts of the world include Forbes’s Plover, possible Pel’s Fishing-Owl, African Spotted Creeper, and Rufous-rumped Lark.

Our evenings are spent at our hotel enjoying the atmosphere of being so close to nature. This is a beautiful lodge to indulge a bit in as our journey comes to an end. One evening, after our evening meal, we set off for an evening of birding around the Mole Airstrip where we hope to see displaying Standard-winged Nightjar. The airstrip is also productive for owls and we look for Grayish Eagle-Owl and Northern White-faced Owl.
Accommodations at the beautiful Zaina Lodge, Mole National Park (B,L,D)

Possible Birding Highlights: Red-cheeked Cordonbleu, Scarlet-chested, Beautiful, Pygmy and Western Violet-backed Sunbirds, Lavender and Orange-cheeked Waxbills, Familiar Chat, White-fronted Black-Chat, Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-Weaver, Red-headed Quelea, Red-billed, Bar-breasted and Black-bellied Firefinch, Fine-spotted, African Gray, Golden-tailed and Brown-backed Woodpeckers, Violet-backed, Long-tailed Glossy, Bronze-tailed, Lesser Blue-eared and Greater Blue-eared Starlings, Abyssinian Ground-, African Gray, and Northern Red-billed Hornbills, Stone Partridge, Double-spurred and Ahanta Spurfowl, White-throated Francolin, Senegal Eremomela, Exclamatory Paradise-,Togo Paradise-, and Pin-Tailed Whydahs, Sahel Bush Sparrow, Little, Heuglins Masked-, Village, and Red-headed Weavers, Melodious and Willow Warblers, Brubru, Thick-billed, African, Black, and Great Spotted Cuckoos, Fork-tailed and Square-tailed Drongos, Northern Puffback, White-shouldered Black-Tit

Cost of the Journey

Cost of this 18-Day / 17-Night Ghana birding tour is per person, based on occupancy: $6590 DBL / $7685 SGL. This cost includes accommodations for 17 nights, internal flight from Mole National Park to Accra, all meals as specified in the itinerary, professional guide services, transportation during the tour, other park and program entrance fees and miscellaneous program expenses. Tour cost do not include: transportation from your home city to Accra, optional activities such as the early arrival cultural tour, or items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone charges, gratuities for guides, lodges and drivers, or beverages from the bar.

Travel Details

Please plan to make air travel plans only after the minimum group size has been met. We will send you a confirmation email as soon as the trip has been confirmed.

Arrival and Departure Airport: Kokota International Airport (ACC) in Accra, Ghana

Arrival Details: Plan flights to arrive February 28, 2025, at your leisure, ideally in time to get rested up. Our official start is dinner this evening at 6:30 PM. If you wish to arrive early, we can help with hotel reservations.

Departure Details: Plan flights to depart March 17, 2025, after 7:30 PM. We fly back from Mole National Park this day and will arrive at the airport around 4:00 PM. If you wish to stay over and fly out the next day, we can help with hotel reservations.

Entry Requirements: See "Essential Information" section under the "Know Before You Go” tab.

 

Browse below for trip reports and species lists from past versions of this and other tours from this destination.

• Paul Mensah—Ghana Expert
  

  Paul Mensah is an excellent birding and wildlife tour leader and has led many tours for international companies and private groups. Paul has an amazing ability to spot species in the most difficult habitat and he is also excellent at bird identification and knows all birds by song/call. An extremely popular leader with our clients, his professional attitude, logistical excellence and personable and social character are complemented by his calm leading style, enthusiasm and love of his work. His desire to always offer his best to clients ensures all his tours are highly productive and enjoyable. Paul lives near Kakum National Park and is always in the field researching species and new locations to find them. He is also one of our cultural tour guides as he loves sharing his exceptional knowledge of Ghana’s culture and history.

  Other trips with Paul Mensah—Ghana Expert
• Washington Wachira — East Africa Expert
  

  Washington has been leading Wildlife and Birding Tours in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda for many years. He has a taste for everything in nature, from the small to the big and everything in between. His education background is in Environmental Science (BSc.), Animal Ecology (MSc.) and Animal Ecology (PhD.). He has continued to enrich his knowledge through many trainings, including the Certificate course in Fundamentals of Ornithology and Certificate course on the Biology of Amphibians and Reptiles. He is a member of the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association (KPSGA). He was awarded the African Sustainable Tourism Fellowship Award in 2016. He co-authored the Guidebook to the Birds of Dakatcha Woodland IBA. He wrote the first Checklists to the Birds of Eburu Forest; and the Birds of Kenyatta University. He founded the Kenyatta University Birding Club in 2014. Over the years, he has worked and interned with many organisations; including the Ornithology Section of the National Museums of Kenya and Giraffe Center. He previously served as the Manager for the Kenya Bird Map Project. He is a member of the Bird Committee of Nature Kenya, and chairs the National Bird of Kenya Sub-committee. He is the Chairperson of the East African Rarities Committee. He is a National Geographic Explorer, on his work with African Crowned Eagles. He is a passionate film maker, and released his first documentary, “Urban Crowns”, in 2017. He is also an experienced nature photographer and has won many awards, including First Position in the Underwater Category of the 2016 East African Wild Life Photo Competition. He is a featured photographer in the ON THE ROAD INITIATIVE by NIKON. He is also a member of the African Primatological Consortium for Conservation. He is a former Chairperson of the Kenya Herpetofauna Working Group. He is also a TED Speaker, and gave a TED Talk titled “For the love of birds” in 2017. Washington has also discovered a lizard species new to Science (year 2021), which was named after his second name (Agama wachirai).

  Other trips with Washington Wachira — East Africa Expert

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