Overview
The Shai Hills Reserve is a small area close to Ghanas capital Accra. It consists of savanna with some forest covering the slopes of the five hills.
Birds
Notable Species
Over 175 species have been recorded in this area, mainly open-country species which are usually only seen in the north of Ghana. Violet Turaco is quite easy to see in early morning near the park gate.
Check-list
Birds you can see here include:
Yellow-billed Kite, Ovambo Sparrowhawk, Lanner Falcon, African Hobby, Helmeted Guineafowl, Ahanta Francolin, Double-spurred Francolin, Blue-spotted Wood Dove, Red-eyed Dove, Vinaceous Dove, Laughing Dove, Violet Turaco, Western Grey Plantain-eater, Little Swift, Blue-breasted Kingfisher, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, White-throated Bee-eater, Rufous-crowned Roller, Blue-bellied Roller, African Grey Hornbill, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Vieillot's Barbet, Flappet Lark, Red-shouldered Cuckoo-shrike, Common Bulbul, Mocking Cliff Chat, Senegal Eremomela, Northern Crombec, Wood Warbler, Short-winged Cisticola, Croaking Cisticola, Grey-backed Camaroptera, Northern Black Flycatcher, Grey Tit-Flycatcher, African Paradise-Flycatcher, Senegal Batis, Blackcap Babbler, Splendid Sunbird, Copper Sunbird, Black-crowned Tchagra, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Northern Puffback, Purple Glossy Starling, Olive-naped Weaver, Pin-tailed Whydah
Other Wildlife
Buffon Kob is common. Around the visitor centre a group of Olive Baboons roams around, be careful with them.
Site Information
History and Use
1962 the area was declared a Forest Reserve, 1971 a Game Production Reserve (and enlarged). It's popular at week-ends and visits on Saturday or Sunday should be avoided.
Areas of Interest
The visitor centre at the Doryumu junction is a good place for an early morning birdwatching. You will need a guide when walking in the park.
Access and Facilities
Entry to the reserve is at Doryumu junction. From Accra or Tema follow the Akosombo road to the north. The visitor centre is signed to the right. Acces by public transport is possible, however you will be unable to arrive in early morning.
In Accra and Tema accomodation is easily available.
