Ghana - Tour Destination

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Ghana is a West African destination like no other. It is a politically stable, English-speaking nation, which is acknowledged as the friendliest country in the region. Ghana is one of the only safe countries in which the Upper Guinea forest bloc, a severely threatened habitat, can be visited.

Our new, comprehensive itinerary affords even more time in these ancient forests. We spend a full day in the gallery forest of Kalakpa which offers such star species as Puvel’s Illadopsis, Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat, Red-cheeked Wattle-eye, Capuchin Babbler and many more. In addition we spend four full days exploring the wonders of Kakum National Park, as well as remote forests in the Brong-Ahafo region where the much sought-after White-necked Picathartes has recently been rediscovered. We have obtained special permission to visit these colonies located in community-managed forests and our stay will aid in the conservation of these endangered birds. Other forests near Kumasi and Atewa will also be explored.

In a broad belt across the centre of Ghana lies an extensive tract of pristine, broad-leaved Guinea woodland and in this zone is our next base, the vast Mole National Park. The beautiful Oriole Warbler, Violet Turaco, several species of kingfishers, bee-eaters, rollers (including Blue-bellied), barbets (including the giant Bearded), sunbirds, starlings and seedeaters will certainly create a riot of color! We will not ignore the typical savanna mammals that occur here and Mole boasts a healthy population of particularly well-habituated and good-natured elephants.

As we travel into the seldom visited far north of Ghana, these woodlands give way to dry Sahelian savanna, home to some very special birds including the sought-after Standard-winged Nightjar, one of the world’s most uniquely adorned and spectacular birds! Here also we will search for the splendid Egyptian Plover. We will spend time exploring this remote region with its fascinating cultures, as well as other sites ranging from coastal lagoons, extensive coastal grasslands, moist savannas and higher-altitude forests.

A birding tour of Ghana therefore allows a thorough coverage of these core West African habitats, resulting in an impressive bird tally and an exciting African experience.

Please contact us for the detailed itinerary for this tour.

tour name & date for 2011	Ghana Mega: Rockfowl & Upper Guinea specials I: 29 Nov - 22 Dec (24 days)
tour cost for 2011	Ghana Mega: US$ 6,250 pp; US$ 575 ss
max group size	8 & 1 Rockjumper leader
tour leaders 2010	Comprehensive II: Keith Valentine
tour leaders 2011	Mega I: David Hoddinott
habitats covered	lowland rainforest, broad-leafed woodlands, wetlands, Sahelian savanna
climate	hot conditions; dry in the north and humid in the south
tour pace & walking	moderate pace, undemanding forest and woodland trails
accommodation	comfortable hotels
ease of birding	moderate with some challenging species
no. of species expected	Mega 500, Comprehensive 420+, Highlights 350
top mammals	King Colobus, Patas Monkey, Pel’s Anomalure, African Elephant, forest duikers
other attractions	Kakum canopy walkway, Farafara tribesmen, Cape Coast Slave Castle, Larabanga mosque, Mole National Park
photographic opportunities	good

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