20-day Birding Tour in Ghana
Overview
A 20 day birding tour in various ecological zones (Coastal Savanna, Semi-Deciduous Rainforest, Guinea Savanna, and Sudan Savanna) with a birding specialist from the Ghana Wildlife Society. Elephants, monkeys and possibly marine turtles also may be seen. Includes a quick overview of Ghana via a couple days of historic and cultural sites.
Dates of travel: Best from October through March
Number of guests: Any number of people in your party
Number of guests: Any number of people in your party
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
Accra Arrival, Tema Area Orientation
- Meet your arriving flight at Kotoka International Airport in Accra.
- Travel to Tema in an air-conditioned vehicle.
- Refresh and relax. Neighborhood or Tema city orientation as time permits.
- Overnight in a deluxe hotel in Sakumono suburb of Accra.
Day 2
Sakumono Lagoon, Accra City Tour
- Meet your guide at 7:00 AM and depart for bird watching at Sakumono Lagoon.
- Tour of Accra: Kwame Nkrumah Monument, Independence Square, Makola Market, historic Jamestown, W.E.B. Du Bois Center, fashionable Oxford Street in Osu.
- Overnight in a deluxe hotel in Sakumono suburb of Accra.
Day 3
Sakumono Lagoon, Xavi Bird Sanctuary, Marine Turtles
- Sakumono Lagoon birding on a sandbar between the lagoon and the ocean.
- East to the Volta River. Afternoon canoe at Xavi Bird Sanctuary on Lotor River.
- Nocturnal marine turtle expedition.
- Overnight at an upscale resort on a clean sandy beach.
Day 4
Keta Lagoon Birding, Fort Pridzenstein, Keta Beach, Marine Turtles
- Early birding at Keta lagoon which is Ghana's most important marine birding site.
- Birds are abundant year-round, with enormous flocks during the European winter.
- Visit Fort Pridzenstein and Cape St. Paul lighthouse. Night turtle excursion.
- Overnight at an upscale resort on a clean sandy beach.
Day 5
Volta River, Adomi Bridge, Banana Plantation
- Use the bird watching lookout at nearby Woe.
- Travel inland, along the Volta River. Cross Ghana's only steel arch bridge.
- Visit a banana plantation, tour the Akosombo Dam, or socialize in the river village.
- Overnight at a budget chalet on the banks of the Volta River.
Day 6
Volta River, Akaa Falls, Umbrella Rock, Bead Market
- Morning canoe on the Volta River for sightings & relaxation.
- Depart on scenic drive to Akaa Falls. 250 concrete steps to this beautiful falls.
- Ascend the bamboo ladder to the top of Umbrella Rock. Visit a busy bead market.
- Deluxe hotel outside Koforidua, capital of the Eastern region.
Day 7
Atewa Forest, Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary and Forest Reserve
- Early morning depart for the Atewa Forest, a Globally Significant Biodiversity Area.
- Over 200 species of birds and over 400 species of butterflies have been recorded
- Afternoon hike at the Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary & Forest Reserve.
- Overnight at a mid-range hotel in Ejisu.
Day 8
Traditional Craft Villages and Shrines of the Ashanti Kingdom, Cocoa Farm
- Morning depart to visit craft villages around Kumasi showcasing traditional crafts: Kente weaving at Adanwomase, Adinkra stamping at Ntonso, carving at Ahwiaa.
- Healing Shrine. Cocoa Farm. One of the last remaining Ashanti shrines at Besease.
- Overnight at a mid-range hotel in Ejisu.
Day 9
Monkey Sanctuary, Mole National Park
- Early departure for long drive to Ghana's largest wildlife park, Mole National Park.
- Stop along the way for fun with habituated monkeys at Boabeng-Fiema Sanctuary.
- Arrive at Mole National Park in time for the afternoon safari walk (15:30 to 17:30).
- Overnight at a budget lodge in Mole National Park.
Day 10
Mole National Park, Larabanga Mosque
- Morning walking safari at Mole National Park (6:30 to 8:30).
- Visit the ancient Sudanese style mud-and-stick mosque at Larabanga.
- Afternoon driving safari at Mole National Park.
- Overnight at a budget lodge in Mole National Park.
Day 11
Mole National Park, Mognori Cultural Village, Afternoon Safari
- Morning driving safari at Mole National Park (half or full day driving safari is extra).
- Relax poolside at Mole Lodge. Afternoon experience at the Mognori Cultural Village.
- Afternoon safari walk with the elephants at Mole National Park.
- Overnight at a budget lodge in Mole National Park.
Day 12
Morning Safari, Culture Village, Bolgatanga, Night Birding
- Morning safari walk at Mole National Park (6:30 to 8:30).
- Depart for the culture village of Sognaayilli to learn the life of northern tribes.
- Visit the NASIA Wetland for nocturnal birding with unique and exciting sightings.
- Overnight at a mid-range hotel in Bolgatanga.
Day 13
Tono Dam, Sirigu, Catholic Cathedral and Grotto, Evening Birding
- Morning birding at Tono Dam. Large populations of water birds at this location.
- Sirigu painted adobe village. Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows mud brick cathedral..
- Relax at your hotel before returning to Tono Dam for another nocturnal excursion.
- Overnight at a mid-range hotel in Bolgatanga.
Day 14
Tono Dam, Zayaa Mosque, Tamale City Tour
- Second morning at the Tono Dam. Visit the mud mosque at Wulugu.
- Tour Tamale, capital of the Northern Region. Includes the Gulpke Na palace, the Grand Mosque, a craft market and a Shea butter facility.
- Highly-rated mid-range chalet outside Tamale.
Day 15
Drive Day, Kintampo Falls
- Quickly depart on drive day from northern Savanna to central forests.
- Visit the refreshing Kintampo Falls along the way. This is Ghana's 2nd highest falls.
- Hike sandstone formations at Tanoboase or experience Ghana's largest food market.
- Overnight at a budget hotel in central Techiman.
Day 16
Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary, Picathartes Expedition
- Early-morning at Owabi wildlife sanctuary, Ghana's only inland Ramsar site.
- Visit the nesting site of the yellow headed Picathartes, a most sought after specimen.
- Continue to the coastal city of Cape Coast. This will involve some driving after dark.
- Budget, air-conditioned room near to the birding site.
Day 17
Kakum National Park, St. George Castle & Central Elmina
- Kakum is Ghana's most significant birding park, with over 266 species including white-breasted guinea fowl, African grey parrot, and nine species of hornbill.
- St. George Castle, Posuban Shrines, Ft. San Jago and fishing lagoon in Elmina.
- Overnight at a mid-range hotel near Kakum National Park.
Day 18
Kakum National Park, Crocodile Ponds, Stingless Bee Tour
- Wake to forest sounds. Visit the rainforest canopy walkway before the park opens.
- Continue hiking in Kakum National Park for lower-story and ground-dwelling species.
- Crocodile ponds and weaver bird community at Hans Botel. Stingless bee facility.
- Overnight at a mid-range hotel near Kakum National Park.
Day 19
Kakum National Park, Abandze Beach, Fort Amsterdam
- The Sun Bird Trail allows you to experience 3 different ecosystems: rainforest, a secondary forest and pond environment.
- Visit scenic Abandze beach overlooked by the hilltop Fort Amsterdam.
- Overnight at an mid-range beach resort.
Day 20
Accra Departure
- Enjoy the morning activities at the beach as the morning catch is brought in.
- Depart for Accra, stopping at the West Hills Mall to see modern Accra.
- Last minute activities of your choice in Accra. Say goodbye to new friends.
- Safe delivery to airport 2 hours before your evening flight.
Let us customize any tour!
Price
No reschedule fees!
No Covid cancellation fees!
$5,595 per person, as described,
for 2 guests in 1 room.
5% discount for bookings confirmed 30 or more days prior to travel.
Includes certified guide, vehicle & fuel, accommodations, meals and entrance fees.
Price adjusted for number of travelers, visited sites, tour inclusions/exclusions, and desired class of meals and accommodations.
Oct-2021
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Next Steps
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Awaiting your request
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