RAINFORESTS, SAVANNAS & WEST AFRICAN WONDERS

Ghana

A vibrant journey through the heart of West Africa, Ghana offers a remarkable blend of culture, wildlife, and color. From tropical rainforests and golden coasts to the broad savannas of the north, this adventure delivers world-class birding and unforgettable encounters. We’ll explore canopy walkways alive with parrots and hornbills, observe rare species like the White-necked Rockfowl and Egyptian Plover, and experience the warmth and hospitality of this English-speaking nation. With over 450 species possible, excellent accommodations, and a spectacular diversity of habitats, Ghana is a feast for the senses—and one of Africa’s most exciting birding destinations.
Starting At
$11,425 per person
24 Days
24 Days
10 Guests
Difficulty
Pace
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Tour Overview

Exotic, welcoming, and richly biodiverse, Ghana is a shining jewel along West Africa’s Gold Coast. This comprehensive expedition spans the country’s most celebrated ecosystems—from the lush forests of Kakum and Ankasa to the sweeping grasslands of Mole National Park—revealing the extraordinary range of birds, mammals, and landscapes that make this region so special.

Our adventure begins in the vibrant capital, Accra, where coastal lagoons and nearby Shai Hills introduce us to a wealth of colorful bee-eaters, turacos, and barbets. Traveling westward, we’ll visit Cape Coast Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves a powerful link to Africa’s history. In Kakum National Park, we’ll explore Africa’s only canopy walkway, offering unmatched views of hornbills, sunbirds, and bee-eaters at eye level.

The lush Ankasa Reserve brings deeper immersion into rainforest life, where Great Blue Turaco, Long-tailed Hawk, and African Finfoot share the stage with butterflies, monkeys, and the elusive Nkulengu Rail. One of our most memorable experiences will come at dusk in Abrafo Forest as we quietly watch the rare White-necked Rockfowl—one of the world’s most extraordinary birds—return to their nests beneath towering cliffs.

Continuing north to Mole National Park, we’ll trade rainforest for open savanna. Here, elephants gather at waterholes and flocks of bee-eaters, rollers, and hornbills enliven the scene. Our journey culminates at the Volta River and Tongo Hills, where we’ll seek the elegant Egyptian Plover, Four-banded Sandgrouse, and an unforgettable spectrum of West African birdlife.

With fine accommodations, warm hospitality, and expert guiding throughout, Ghana offers a rare combination of comfort, diversity, and discovery—an African adventure of both heart and color.

Ecosystems Experienced

Lowland rainforest, mangrove lagoons, dry woodland, and open Sahel savanna—each home to a dazzling array of birds, butterflies, and mammals.The Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica) is one of the world’s most threatened biodiversity hotspots. Its complex mosaic of humid lowland rainforest, montane cloud forest, bamboo thickets, and coastal wetlands harbors extraordinary endemism. Brilliant tanagers, trogons, hummingbirds, and antbirds thrive alongside orchids, bromeliads, and towering palms—a living tapestry of color and sound.

Expected Climate

Temperature
Hot and humid in the south; drier and slightly cooler in the north. Typical daytime highs range from 80–95°F (27–35°C).
Rainfall
Brief tropical showers possible in the south; generally dry and clear conditions in the north during March.
Seasons
Late dry season brings ideal weather, high bird activity, and concentrations of migrants and residents alike.

Key Species

Egyptian Plover
White-necked Rockfowl
African Emerald Cuckoo
Great Blue Turaco
Blue-bellied Roller

Leader

+ Local Leader
Andrew Whittaker
Primary Leader
Senior VENT leader and Amazonian bird expert with over 30 years of fieldwork, species discoveries, and a contagious passion for wildlife and conservation worldwide.
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Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive in Accra and settle into the Labadi Beach Hotel, an oasis by the Atlantic.
Day 2
Explore the hotel’s grounds and wetlands for kingfishers, herons, and weavers.
Attend an evening orientation dinner and welcome to Ghana’s colorful coastal capital.
Day 3
Begin birding in Shai Hills Wildlife Reserve, a scenic savanna grasslands and acacia woodland dotted with granite hills.
Look for Violet Turaco, Blue-bellied Roller, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, and Double-toothed Barbet.
Take in your first sighting of Guinea fowls and playful vervet monkeys.
Day 4
Journey to Ho, gateway to the forested slopes of Kalakpa Resource Reserve.
Bird amid lush Guinean forest and streams for Narina Trogon, Fiery-breasted Bushshrike, and Blue-breasted Kingfisher.
Explore forest edges alive with greenbuls, barbets, and bushshrikes.
Day 5
Journey to Ho, gateway to the forested slopes of Kalakpa Resource Reserve.
Bird amid lush Guinean forest and streams for Narina Trogon, Fiery-breasted Bushshrike, and Blue-breasted Kingfisher.
Explore forest edges alive with greenbuls, barbets, and bushshrikes.
Day 6
Travel west to the coastal wetlands of Winneba, a Ramsar site famed for migrant shorebirds and terns.
Visit the historic Cape Coast Castle for a moving glimpse into Ghana’s past.
Continue to Jukwa, gateway to Kakum National Park.
Day 7
Travel west to the coastal wetlands of Winneba, a Ramsar site famed for migrant shorebirds and terns.
Visit the historic Cape Coast Castle for a moving glimpse into Ghana’s past.
Continue to Jukwa, gateway to Kakum National Park.
Day 8
Experience the famous Kakum National Park Canopy Walkway, suspended 120 feet above the forest floor.
View hornbills, bee-eaters, and sunbirds at eye level amid a chorus of tropical sound.
Enjoy afternoon birding along forest tracks for Black Bee-eater, Yellow-billed Turaco, and Long-tailed Hawk.
Day 9
Experience the famous Kakum National Park Canopy Walkway, suspended 120 feet above the forest floor.
View hornbills, bee-eaters, and sunbirds at eye level amid a chorus of tropical sound.
Enjoy afternoon birding along forest tracks for Black Bee-eater, Yellow-billed Turaco, and Long-tailed Hawk.
Day 10
Venture deep into Ghana’s most pristine rainforest, Ankasa Reserve, exploring by 4x4 and on foot.
Seek Great Blue Turaco, African Finfoot, Rufous-sided Broadbill, and the rarely seen Nkulengu Rail.
Optional night walks for Akun Eagle-Owl, African Palm Civet, and other nocturnal wonders.
Day 11
Venture deep into Ghana’s most pristine rainforest, Ankasa Reserve, exploring by 4x4 and on foot.
Seek Great Blue Turaco, African Finfoot, Rufous-sided Broadbill, and the rarely seen Nkulengu Rail.
Optional night walks for Akun Eagle-Owl, African Palm Civet, and other nocturnal wonders.
Day 12
Venture deep into Ghana’s most pristine rainforest, Ankasa Reserve, exploring by 4x4 and on foot.
Seek Great Blue Turaco, African Finfoot, Rufous-sided Broadbill, and the rarely seen Nkulengu Rail.
Optional night walks for Akun Eagle-Owl, African Palm Civet, and other nocturnal wonders.
Day 13
Visit the protected cliffs of Bonkro to witness the legendary White-necked Rockfowl at its nesting site.
Quietly observe remarkable birds in the Abrafo Forest as they bound between perches just feet away creating an unforgettable experience.
Overnight in a community guesthouse supporting local conservation.
Day 14
Visit the protected cliffs of Bonkro to witness the legendary White-necked Rockfowl at its nesting site.
Quietly observe remarkable birds in the Abrafo Forest as they bound between perches just feet away creating an unforgettable experience.
Overnight in a community guesthouse supporting local conservation.
Day 15
Explore the butterfly-rich forests of Bobiri for Narina Trogon, African Piculet, and Velvet-mantled Drongo.
Continue north through woodland savannas to Mole National Park, home to elephants, antelopes, and more than 300 bird species.
Day 16
Explore the butterfly-rich forests of Bobiri for Narina Trogon, African Piculet, and Velvet-mantled Drongo.
Continue north through woodland savannas to Mole National Park, home to elephants, antelopes, and more than 300 bird species.
Day 17
Explore the butterfly-rich forests of Bobiri for Narina Trogon, African Piculet, and Velvet-mantled Drongo.
Continue north through woodland savannas to Mole National Park, home to elephants, antelopes, and more than 300 bird species.
Day 18
Early morning and late-afternoon safaris in the colorful rollers, bee-eaters, and ground hornbills in the Mole National Park.
Watch elephants and Kob from the lodge terrace as eagles circle overhead.
Take night drives to search for owls and the spectacular Standard-winged Nightjar.
Day 19
Early morning and late-afternoon safaris in the colorful rollers, bee-eaters, and ground hornbills in the Mole National Park.
Watch elephants and Kob from the lodge terrace as eagles circle overhead.
Take night drives to search for owls and the spectacular Standard-winged Nightjar.
Day 20
Early morning and late-afternoon safaris in the colorful rollers, bee-eaters, and ground hornbills in the Mole National Park.
Watch elephants and Kob from the lodge terrace as eagles circle overhead.
Take night drives to search for owls and the spectacular Standard-winged Nightjar.
Day 21
Explore the granite escarpments of northern Ghana in Tongo Hills for Mocking Cliff-Chat, Gosling’s Bunting, and Fox Kestrel.
Visit the Volta River for the exquisite Egyptian Plover and Four-banded Sandgrouse.
Day 22
Explore the granite escarpments of northern Ghana in Tongo Hills for Mocking Cliff-Chat, Gosling’s Bunting, and Fox Kestrel.
Visit the Volta River for the exquisite Egyptian Plover and Four-banded Sandgrouse.
Day 23
Return flight to Accra and relax at the seaside lodge before evening departures.
Enjoy an optional overnight stay for those departing the following morning.
Day 24
Return flight to Accra and relax at the seaside lodge before evening departures.
Enjoy an optional overnight stay for those departing the following morning.

What’s Included

Accomodations & Dining
Settle into comfortable accommodations with modern amenities. Enjoy freshly prepared meals that highlight local flavors and international favorites, with consideration for any dietary needs.
Guided Services & Gratuities
Experience each destination with the help of Leaders who share history, culture, and wildlife insights. Gratuities for crew and local guides are included, ensuring seamless service without extra concerns; tipping for your Leaders is discretionary and not included.
Active Essentials
Every tour includes the core elements that make our field experiences possible so you can stay engaged with a range of activities. All outings include the necessary equipment and full safety support, making it easy to join at your own pace.
Transportation & Logistics
We coordinate every transfer, from airport pickup to port boarding. Whether traveling by bus, boat, or charter, our team ensures smooth connections and stress-free travel.

FAQs

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