Overview
Ghana is a middle-sized country in western Africa (238,535 sqkm). It borders Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Togo.
The country is largely flat with some gentle hills. Lake Volta in the eastern part of Ghana is the largest man-made lake in Africa. The climate is tropical with alternate wet and dry seasons. Tropical forests was predominant in the southwest, however most of it is now deforested and replaced by plantations, farmbush and secondary forest. The northern two-thirds of the country are covered by Guinea savanna with some Sudan savanna in a small corner in the extreme north-east.
Many ethnic languages are spoken but most people speak English well.
Birds
Notable Species
Over 750 species have been recorded in Ghana.
Many Upper Guinea endemics can be found here, nine species of hornbills occur and many other sought-after species. Notable species are Pel's Fishing Owl, Akun Eagle Owl, Fraser's Eagle Owl, Brown Nightjar, Black Bee-eater, Blue-moustached Bee-eater, Forbes's Plover, Brown Illadopsis, Rufous-winged Illadopsis, Puvel's Illadopsis, Long-tailed Hawk, Congo Serpent Eagle, Violet-backed Hyliota, Black Dwarf Hornbill, Yellow-casqued Hornbill, White-crested Hornbill, White-necked Rockfowl, Egyptian Plover and many more....
Areas of Interest
Upper Guinean Rainforest
The remnants of the tropical forest in Ghana is concentrated in the south-west of the country and restricted to National Parks. Most notably are Kakum National Park, Ankasa and Atewa.
Coastal habitats and mangroves
Mangroves are found patchily along the coastline. Several lagoons held many wintering waders.
Savanna
Mole National Park covers large parts of the Guinea savanna. Further north more savanna species can be found around Bolgatanga (Tono Dam, Tongo Hills). In the southwest and along the coast more savanna habitat can be found (eg. Shai Hills)
Access and Facilities
Many places can be accessed by public transport independently (busses and taxis), however this can be very time consuming and will be more difficult in the north. Many birders visit Ghana with a tour company. Several local tour companies offer their services.
Main roads are usually of good standard, side roads can be rather rough to drive on.
Hotels and guesthouses are of varying standards, some will be pleasant, others rather basic.
Before visiting Ghana check with your local GP for vaccinations and malaria precautions. A visa is needed to enter Ghana and permits are necessary for some national parks.
External Links
Pages in category ‘Ghana’
The following 10 pages are in this category, out of 10 total.
