Ghana is a land endowed by nature and rich in natural treasures. From the lush savannah of the coastal plains, the dense tropical rainforest and the grasslands and arid desert of the north, Ghana provides many habitats for distinctive wildlife. Several rivers crisis-cross the country, providing life-giving water to our fields as well as generating spectacular waterfalls. Many of these falls are found in the Volta Region, as well as Brong Ahafo and the Eastern Region.

Southern Ghana, although close to the equator, has a climate that is tempered for much of the year by cooling ocean breezes. The coastline is wonderful necklace beaches mangrove swamps, lagoons and the palm gardens. In the Keta - Angaw lagoon basin important wetlands are a special breeding ground for migratory birds, as are the wetlands towards the eastern part of Accra, while the sandbanks of the Volta estuary are visited by rare Hawksbill, Leatherback and Green Turtles to lay their eggs.

In the Volta Region, which borders Ghana's most important river, the River Volta, that has been dammed at Akosombo to harness nature for benefit of man and to create one of the world's largest lakes, the scenic beauty of the wooded hills has lured adventurous ramblers and ecotourists.

The Kakum National Park is the showpieces of our conservation programmes. A natural rainforest in the Central Region, and a traditional habitat for some 40 species of larger mammals including the forest elephant, rare plants, birds and butterflies. A new canopy walkway provides for an adventure and allows visitors a unique view of the forest.

Much of the north of Ghana is board wooded savannah, still home to many plains game. Mole National Park, our largest national park (4840km2) is home to buck, such as duiker, antelopes, kob and hartebeest, leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo and many small primates. By the rivers and lagoons, visitors can see crocodiles basking in the sun. A lodge in Mole National Park provides accommodation.

The further north you go the nearer is the influence of the Sahel. The heat and sometimes arid landscapes of the upper east and upper west have spawned a special flora and fauna that have adapted to the local conditions. In Gbelle Game Reserve, 17km south of Tumu, herds of hippo wallow in the waters of the river, while elephant and Roan Antelope can be seen drinking at the water's edge.

At Paga, crocodiles can be observed, as they are protected by local traditions, and are fed in the lagoon by the local people.

The natural world is important to Ghana, and our conservation programmes are striving to protect our natural heritage so we can share it with our visitors, and to pass this responsibility down to our children.

Animal Checklist

Bird Checklist