Ghana - March 2026
Dates: March 1 - 24, 2026
Leader: Andrew Whittaker
E-bird
Total Species: 414 birds
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Overall Summary
Ghana was an outstanding success. This “true West African birding mecca” provided a plethora of many exotic, unique and colorful birds (over 400 species) including a record breaking ten species of spectacular bee-eater! Many magical big mammals too, including a mega Long-tailed Pangolin and a daily kaleidoscope of colorful butterflies.
Lying along Africa’s stunning Gold Coast, this beautiful country severed up so many sought-after West African and Upper Guinea endemics plus unique African bird families new to many of us. Our exciting comprehensive itinerary explored all of Ghana’s major biomes from; lush Lowland Rainforests; Coastal Savannas; Gallery Forest; rich Lagoons, glorious white sand beaches to farmbrush and arid Sahel region in the north.
We assembled at our delightful beach hotel in Accra. Where colorful woodland and Malachite Kingfishers plus fascinating cloaked Black Heron kept us happy.
Shai Hills offered us the perfect avian introduction. Our main targets seen well included Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, Violet Turaco, Blue-bellied Roller and Mocking Cliff-Chat.
We then moved onto rich gallery forest of Kalakpa Reserve and Amedzofe Forest. Highlights being Fiery-breasted Bushshrike, Ahanta Spurfowl, Guinea Turaco, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Baumann’s Greenbul, Red-cheeked Wattle-eye to tiny Tit-Hylia.
A memorable afternoon excursion to nearby farmscrub rewarded us with a breathtaking male Standard-winged Nightjar, (three birds in one) displaying its outrageous wing pennants, long-tailed and Plain Nightjar as well as stunning Northern White-faced Owl studies.
Returning to the bustling capital Accra via Sakumono Lagoon provided Senegal Thick-knee, Spur-winged Lapwing, Collared Pratincole, Little Bee-eater and Western Yellow Wagtail.
Next day we headed west to the rich coastal area of Winneba Lagoons a RAMSAR site of global importance for wintering shorebirds and terns. Enjoying Western Reef-Heron, Eurasian Whimbrel, Curlew Sandpiper, Bar-tailed Godwit and Pied Kingfisher. Later stepping back into Ghana’s history visiting the infamous Cape Coast Castle, built in 1653. Enjoying an excellent but solemn guided tour offering us a chilling reminder of the sad horrors of the transatlantic slave trade. However, thankfully brightening us up offshore were several West African Crested Terns!
From our well positioned Jukwa hotel we explored the famous lowland rainforest of Kakum National Park. The terrific canopy walkway was a true highlight offering a plethora of colorful avian treasures at eye level! Palm-Nut Vulture, Black-casqued Hornbill, dazzling African Emerald Cuckoo, Black Bee-eater, Sabine’s Puffback, Sharp’s Apalis, Purple-throated Cuckooshrike, Violet-backed Hyliota and Ussher’s Flycatcher. Plus, stunning Rosy Bee-eaters and a distant look at the rare Congo Serpent-Eagle!
Lush rainforest trails further provided African Hobby, Western Dwarf Hornbill, brown-cheeked and Western Long-tailed Hornbill, Yellow-billed Turaco, hairy-breasted and Yellow-spotted Barbet, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Narrow-tailed Starling and excellent looks at Forest Penduline-Tit.
Westwards was Ankasa Reserve one of my favorite spots. On route a wetland provided Hartlaub’s Duck, Greater Painted-Snipe, Piping Hornbill and striking Orange Weaver. Our beautiful lodge is nestled into the forest along the Ankasa River bordering the reserve. Localized Reichenbach’s Sunbirds and Black-headed Paradise Flycatcher greeted us in the grounds.
Over our following days, with 4 x 4 we penetrated deep into this magical forest which was a real joy, despite this year’s earlier flooding! Birding as always was exceptional enjoying Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Fire-bellied Woodpecker, displaying male Rufous-sided Broadbill, Orange-breasted Forest Robin, Dusky-Long-tailed Cuckoo, Fraser’s and Akun Eagle-Owl and several awesome sunbirds.
Secluded pools were extremely rewarding with Dwarf Bittern, rare White-bellied Kingfisher, Dwarf kingfishers, Blue-billed Malimbe, Red-fronted Antpecker and several endangered Dwarf Crocodile. At night skillful Phillipe and our forest guides managed to locate a roosting family of the legendary Nkulengu Rail! They followed their wild eerie duet off the road into the forest and we were rewarded by a family perched some 25 feet above a trail. What a real magical treat!
Leaving this fantastic area, we backtracked to Jukwa with birding at Brenu Beach grasslands enjoying spectacular views of Great-spotted Cuckoo, Blue-headed Coucal, Viellot’s Barbet, Pin-tailed Whydah and Red-winged Prinia.
Now heading north, we observed a large colony of Preuus’s Swallows before the rocky Pra River to nail the delicate Rock Pratincole and smart White-throated Swallows as they flew around the bridge. Arriving at the Abrafo Forest Reserve for lunch. Mid-afternoon hiking through the lovely forest to our benches where in silence we were spellbound watching the highly sought-after White-necked Rockfowl! WOW observing these bizarre forest ghosts appearing out of the forest like magic is truly a once in a lifetime experience.
After our Pangolin excitement we nailed Long-tailed Hawk and headed onto the Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary. Brimming full of colorful butterflies and cool birds. Goodies included a fabulous male Narina Trogon, African Gray Parrot, Black Cuckoo, Yellow-footed Honeyguide, Chestnut-capped Flycatcher, Black-winged Oriole, Red-billed Helmetshrike, Copper-tailed and Splendid Starling and uncommon Black Spinetail overhead.
Continuing northwards the countryside became more arid where water becomes essential for any wildlife. Our obligatory visit to Boadeng-Fiema Monkey Reserve was superb with mega close studies of the endangered Campbell’s Mona and striking Geoffroy’s Colobus!
Finally arriving in spectacular Mole National Park and our delightful lodge. Enjoying breathtaking views out over the park while sitting on our private balconies watching the antics below of elephants bathing in the watering hole or Red-throated Bee-eaters! Dinning that night the Blotched Genet put on a show!
This magnificent park provided so many highlights during our stay and water holes were a magnet. Sought-after birds included Abyssinian Ground-Hornbill, Denham’s Bustard, Forbes’s Plover, White-throated Francolin, Stone Partridge, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Oriole Warber, Abyssinian and Purple Rollers. Well known as the country’s best sites for big game we enjoyed close range Elephants, Uganda Kob, Roan Antelope and rare Western Hartebeest!
Our grand finale further north around Bolgatanga was observing the enigmatic and sublimely beautiful Egyptian Plover on sand bars. While Tono Dam gave us many goodies such as Bruce’s Green-Pigeon, Bearded Barbet, stunning African Green Bee-eater, Four-banded Sandgrouse and several Palearctic migrants.
A special thanks goes to our expert local birder Philip Senyo whose deep knowledge made the tour even more remarkable. Capped off by the wonderfully friendly and welcoming Ghanaians whose warm smiles made our experience even more special.
Day-by-Day Summary
March 1 - The group arrived in Accra and settled into a beachside hotel where the first colorful kingfishers and the cloaked Black Heron welcomed everyone. It was a relaxed start that set the tone for the adventure ahead.
March 2 - Shai Hills provided an excellent introduction to Ghana’s savanna and rocky habitats. Standout sightings included Swallow‑tailed Bee‑eater, Violet Turaco, Blue‑bellied Roller, and Mocking Cliff‑Chat.
March 3 - The group explored the gallery forest of Kalakpa Reserve, encountering a rich mix of Upper Guinea endemics. Highlights included Fiery‑breasted Bushshrike, Ahanta Spurfowl, Guinea Turaco, and the tiny Tit‑Hylia.
March 4 - Amedzofe Forest offered more forest specialties in the morning, followed by an unforgettable evening in nearby farmscrub. Three displaying Standard‑winged Nightjars stole the show, accompanied by Long‑tailed Nightjar, Plain Nightjar, and Northern White‑faced Owl.
March 5 - Returning to Accra, the group stopped at Sakumono Lagoon where Senegal Thick‑knee, Spur‑winged Lapwing, Collared Pratincole, and Little Bee‑eater were seen. The day ended back in the bustling capital.
March 6 - Winneba Lagoons delivered an impressive array of shorebirds including Western Reef‑Heron, Curlew Sandpiper, and Bar‑tailed Godwit. In the afternoon, the group toured Cape Coast Castle, a powerful historical experience softened by views of West African Crested Terns offshore.
March 7 - The journey continued west to Jukwa, the base for exploring Kakum National Park. The group settled in and prepared for the canopy experience ahead.
March 8 - The Kakum canopy walkway offered spectacular eye‑level views of rainforest birds such as Black‑casqued Hornbill, African Emerald Cuckoo, Black Bee‑eater, and Violet‑backed Hyliota. Rosy Bee‑eaters and a distant Congo Serpent‑Eagle added to the excitement.
March 9 - Forest trails around Kakum produced more specialties including Western Dwarf Hornbill, Yellow‑billed Turaco, Chocolate‑backed Kingfisher, and Forest Penduline‑Tit. It was a day rich with deep‑forest encounters.
March 10 - Traveling toward Ankasa, the group stopped at a wetland where Hartlaub’s Duck, Greater Painted‑Snipe, and Orange Weaver appeared. The lodge at Ankasa, nestled along the river, greeted everyone with Reichenbach’s Sunbirds and Black‑headed Paradise Flycatchers.
March 11 - A 4×4 journey deep into Ankasa’s flooded forest rewarded the group with Red‑billed Dwarf Hornbill, Fire‑bellied Woodpecker, Rufous‑sided Broadbill, and Orange‑breasted Forest Robin. The forest’s atmosphere made every sighting feel magical.
March 12 - Secluded forest pools produced Dwarf Bittern, White‑bellied Kingfisher, Blue‑billed Malimbe, and endangered Dwarf Crocodiles. After dark, the group experienced a rare and thrilling encounter with a roosting family of Nkulengu Rails.
March 13 - The return to Jukwa included birding at Brenu Beach grasslands where Great‑spotted Cuckoo, Blue‑headed Coucal, and Pin‑tailed Whydah were seen. It was a productive transition day.
March 14 - Heading north, the group observed Preuss’s Swallows and then Rock Pratincoles at the Pra River. The afternoon brought one of the trip’s greatest highlights: watching White‑necked Rockfowl materialize from the forest at Abrafo.
March 15 - After the excitement of a Long‑tailed Pangolin, the group visited Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary, where Narina Trogon, African Gray Parrot, and Red‑billed Helmetshrike were among the many species enjoyed. The sanctuary’s mix of birds and butterflies made it a serene stop.
March 16 - At Boadeng‑Fiema Monkey Reserve, close encounters with Campbell’s Mona Monkey and Geoffroy’s Colobus delighted everyone. The landscape began shifting toward the drier north.
March 17 - Arrival in Mole National Park brought sweeping views from the lodge overlooking waterholes. Elephants, Red‑throated Bee‑eaters, and a Blotched Genet provided memorable wildlife moments.
March 18 - Mole’s waterholes were alive with Abyssinian Ground‑Hornbill, Denham’s Bustard, Forbes’s Plover, and Northern Carmine Bee‑eater. Big mammals such as Roan Antelope and Western Hartebeest added to the day’s excitement.
March 19 - A second full day in Mole allowed for deeper exploration of its savannas and woodlands. More elephants and a variety of birds made for a relaxed yet rewarding day.
March 20 - The group traveled farther north to Bolgatanga, passing through increasingly Sahelian scenery. Evening birding set the stage for the grand finale.
March 21 - The enigmatic Egyptian Plover was observed on sandbars, its elegance and rarity making it one of the most celebrated sightings of the trip. It was a true highlight for everyone.
March 22 - Tono Dam offered a final burst of northern specialties including Bruce’s Green‑Pigeon, Bearded Barbet, African Green Bee‑eater, and Four‑banded Sandgrouse. Palearctic migrants added seasonal variety.
March 23 - The group began the journey back south, enjoying scenery, culture, and any last birding opportunities along the way. It was a reflective day as the adventure wound down.
March 24 - Back in Accra, the group prepared for departure, savoring final coastal views and Ghana’s warm hospitality. The expedition concluded after an extraordinary 24 days of birding and exploration.