Ghana Mammal Tour

Ghana

4 Days

Track rare species in Kakum and Shai Hills Reserve

DESTINATION

Ghana

ACTIVITY

Nature, Wildlife Safari

DURATION

4 Days

GRADE

Easy

GROUP SIZE

Max 100

Highlights

Explore Shai Hills Reserve for rare Egyptian Tomb Bats and savannah mammals.
Visit traditional shrines and learn about the history of the Shai people.
Walk the famous canopy walkway at Kakum National Park for forest wildlife.
Search for pangolins, monkeys, squirrels, and bats during day and night walks.
Spot elusive nocturnal species like Galago, Potto, and Anomalures.
Enjoy expert-led tours in one of West Africa’s richest biodiversity hotspots.

Why Book With Ashanti

Ethical, Sustainable Tours

Ashanti African Tours leads in responsible tourism, offering low-impact trips that protect nature and benefit local communities

Charitable Community Projects

Ashanti builds schools, sponsors youth teams, and funds conservation initiatives benefiting local communities in the regions they tour

Local Empowerment

Ashanti supports local businesses and uses locally-owned hotels and services, ensuring tourism benefits go directly to the communities you visit

Expert Local Guides

Ashanti employs 20+ multilingual expert guides from West Africa, offering authentic insights and personal connections at every destination

Proven Experience

Established in 2005, Ashanti African Tours brings two decades of expertise in delivering exceptional West African travel experiences

Award-Winning Reputation

Ashanti is a multi-award-winning operator (including Ghana’s Best Tour Operator 2024) with excellent traveler reviews

Tour Summary

If you are a lover of all wildlife and would like to mix nature and culture or if you are on a journey to see the worlds mammal species and have specific targets that occur here in West Africa, our expert team of tour planners and local guides are excited to plan that perfect trip for you. Our Upper Guinea rainforests in southern Ghana protect Black-bellied and White-bellied Pangolin, Forest Elephant, Bongo, Chimpanzee, Olive and Black and White Colobus, Lowes Mona and Spot-nosed Monkeys, Lord Derby and Pel’s Anomalure, Potto, several species of Galago, Duiker, Civet, Leopard and many more species. As we move northwards through the broad-leaved guinea woodlands of central Ghana to the savanna habitat, we find Mole National Park which alone has over 93 mammal species. These include African Elephant, Leopard, Lion, Spotted Hyena, Hartebeest, African Buffalo and several primate specie that include Olive Baboon, Patas and Callithrix Monkey, Bushbuck, Kob, Waterbuck and further north we can enjoy river safaris to see Hippopotamus. Passing through remote locations seldom visited by tourists gives you a sense of isolation from the developed world enhancing your overall experience during your time in one of the finest wildlife regions of the world.

Our Price Promise

If you receive cheaper quotes from other legitimate companies, we will try to match or improve the price for the exact same tour package offered.

More Information

Day to Day Itinerary

- Collect you from a prearranged location in Accra.
- The first place to visit is the Shai Hills reserve, an expanse of Savannah, grassland, and woodland.
- The focus of the time here will be seeing the Egyptian Tomb Bats which are not a common species.
- Other species of bat have also been recorded in the cave network found here, dedicate quality time looking for bats, rodents and other mammals that include Olive Baboon, Red-fronted Duiker, Kob and Bushbuck.
- Shai Hills also has an interesting local history; visit one of the many traditional shrines found near the bat caves and learn the history of the Shai people who moved here to escape the slave raiders during the colonial period in Ghana’s history.
- After a full morning dedicated to Shai Hills, enjoy lunch in a nearby restaurant before setting off towards the upper guinea rainforest habitat at Kakum National Park.
- The aim is to reach here in the late afternoon and early evening having a choice of setting off to the forest before or after the evening meal.
- The focus will be on seeing Bats, Rodents and also be looking for the more difficult to see species that include Potto, Duikers and Pangolins before setting off back to the hotel to rest for the evening in preparation for the following day.
Accommodation – Near Kakum National Park
- Head for the world-famous canopy walkway at Kakum National Park which is approximately a 15-minute drive from the hotel.
- Aim to get there for first light enabling, spending the most critical nature viewing hours 40 meters above the forest floor on the canopy walkway, which platforms are large enough to support Telescopes.
- The focus on the canopy will be Long-tailed Pangolin
- Squirrels are also possible looking for African Giant Forest, Gambian, Red-legged, Green, Fire-footed Rope and Slender-tailed Squirrel amongst other species.
- During the mid-afternoon heat, rest at hotel for a few hours as the nights will be dedicated to walking for several hours in the forest habitat at Kakum National Park.
- Re-visit the canopy in the evening when the main targets being the endangered Olive Colobus, Lowes Mona, Geoffrey’s Pied Colobus and Lesser Spot-nosed Monkeys. Long-tailed and Tree Pangolin are also possible as is Lord Derby’s and Pels Anomalure and some of the many squirrels recorded in Ghana. Bats are in good numbers.
- Return to hotel for an evening meal before returning to the forest or retiring to rooms for some rest.
Accommodation – Near Kakum National Park
- A full day dedicating quality time in and around Kakum National Park looking for all your target species.
- All species of Pangolin, Bossmans Potto, Demidoffs Galago and Common Cusimanse are on our lists as are Bush Baby, Tree Hyrax, Giant Pouched Rat, Monkeys and both species of Anamolure in addition to Royal Antelope and Maxwells Duiker amongst others.
- Wake before first light and enjoy several hours of night walking spot lighting hoping for a bit of luck in seeing the more secretive species this habitat is protecting.
- Nocturnal birds are in good numbers here in Kakum
- Keep eyes open for Akun and Frasers Eagle Owls and any other species be interested to see.
- In the evening discuss the main target species still needed and focus on these the following morning before your departure
Accommodation – Near Kakum National Park
- The focus will be on looking for new species still needed to see in this habitat and getting better views of species seen already.
- After lunch, set off back to Accra arriving in the early evening
- Drop off at a pre-arranged location after a wonderful 4-day Ghana Wildlife Tour.
End of Tour

Arrival:

Arrival times and details will be provided along with the full tour itinerary on completion of booking.

Departure:

Departure times and details will be provided along with the full tour itinerary on completion of booking.

Dates

Our tours can be scheduled year round for individuals, couples, families, small and larger groups.

Prices

Our tour prices vary depending on accommodation type and group size. Please contact us to discuss your tour requirements preferences.

Our Price Promise
If you receive cheaper quotes from other legitimate companies, we will try to match or improve the price for the exact same tour package offered.

Included

Accommodation
This will be pre-determined prior to your booking and will depend on your budget. We offer the choice from High-end, to mid-range and budget options.
Food
All our standard tour prices include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in addition we have fruit and snacks when available on all our vehicles.
Mineral water
Unlimited mineral water is available to every participant for the duration of your time with us on all our tours.
Transportation
In a fully air-conditioned vehicle for the duration of your tour, vehicle type will depend on the group size and all our vehicles are comprehensively insured and in excellent condition.
Driver
All our drivers are highly experienced and employed on a full-time basis by our company, their focus is on your safety and comfort. On the occasions we may need to rent vehicles and drivers from outside our company, these are well known to us and are of the highest quality with your safety and comfort as their priority.
Fuel
Unlimited daily milage and all fuel is included in the tour price.
Entrance fees
All entrance and excursion fees detailed in your itinerary are included in the tour price.
Guide fees
All expert guide fees are included in the price for all our tours.
Additional services
Our company offer 24/7 professional, care, attention, and office support to all our tour participants.

Not Included

International flights
Visas
Travel insurance
Soft and alcoholic drinks

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a visa to travel?

Most countries in West Africa require visas for entry and this will ultimately depend on your country of origin and your chosen destination. Once you have decided on your preferred holiday destination, go to the destination page for that country on our website and you will find all the entry requirements and visa information for that specific country in the Travel Tips section at the bottom of the page. Ashanti African Tours offer tours to Ghana, Togo, Benin, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Sao Tome and Principe and Ethiopia. If you do not see the visa information on the relevant pages, we are here to help, so please contact us

Do I need vaccinations/shots to travel?

All countries we travel to in West Africa require Yellow Fever vaccination and you must ensure you keep the certificate with your passport when entering the country as this may be requested for inspection. For up to date information on all other vaccinations you may need please consult your doctor, travel clinic or public health department six to eight weeks prior to departure for extensive up to date information on foreign travel to West Africa.

Do I need to bring medicine with me?

If you are on any medication for your personal wellbeing, then please ensure you keep this in your hand luggage prior to travel in case your main luggage is delayed. Malaria is prevalent in West Africa and you will need to take preventative malaria treatment and there are several prophylactics available so please consult your doctor or travel clinic to see which one is best for you. Imodium or similar medication is always advisable to have with you when travelling in case you experience traveller Tummy which is common when travelling to places with a different climate. Pharmacies are common in most locations here in West Africa and your guide is always available to assist you if you need to visit a pharmacy, please be open and discuss any issues you have with your guide.

Do I need travel insurance?

You must ensure that you have adequate personal insurance cover for your trip. It is a compulsory requirement for all our trips in Senegal and other African destinations and it is your responsibility to take out a suitable policy. You will not officially join our tours until evidence of your insurance has been provided to our office. This must include personal accident, medical expenses, and repatriation to your country of origin. We also strongly recommend that your policy covers cancellation (especially significant since the Covid-19 pandemic), curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please note that free insurance cover offered by some credit cards does not cover repatriation expenses.

Who will meet me at the airport?

Prior to your arrival our office will provide you with a photo of your guide and driver in addition to their personal mobile/cell phone number in case you can not locate them at the airport. The guide and driver assigned to your tour will also be holding an Ashanti African Tours sign or a sign with your name on it at the arrival hall when leaving the main building after clearing customs and immigration. Please ensure you check your guide or drivers company identification card when meeting them prior to joining our vehicle. Airports can be busy and some people can be disorientated when arriving in an unusual country so in the rare instance you cannot locate your driver or guide please wait at the arrival hall and call their phone number which our office provided you. In the unlikely event you can still not reach them then call our office 24/7 emergency number and we will ensure they locate where you are in the airport.

How much spending money will I need?

The amount of spending money you will need is determined by the type of tour you have booked with us. Most of our standard scheduled and customized tours are all-inclusive, so you only need to budget for the following: snacks, soft (not mineral water as this is always included) and alcoholic drinks and items of a personal nature. If you have booked a budget tour, then some aspects of the tour may not be included in the tour price and you will receive this information during your enquiry process.

Can I access ATM’s to withdraw money?

Access to Automated Teller Machines varies greatly depending on the country, city, or town you are in and it is common for machines to have technical problems disbursing money. It is advisable to withdraw your spending money in the capital city of your chosen destination on your arrival, alternatively your guide can arrange for money to be changed at local Forex Bureaus and banks during your trip.

Will my driver or tour guide stay with me at all times?

Our drivers and guides are always available 24/7 during your time touring with us. For our student trips they will always remain with the group, staying at the same accommodations and are always on hand in case of an emergency. On our standard tours the guide and driver are with you for as long as you need them, sometimes they stay at the same accommodations, when this is not possible they stay at a nearby accommodation but are always available if needed. You will be provided with your guide and drivers personal contact number and our clients are always given a 24/7 emergency contact number.

How much should I tip?

All our company drivers, assistants and expert local guides are employed on full time contracts with Ashanti African Tours and receive a good salary and in addition a daily bonus when on tour. Ashanti African Tours also have a company policy to tip all local site guides and hotel staff. Therefore, if any of our clients would like to tip any of our guides, site guides, drivers, or staff at hotels we use, it is at the client’s own discretion.

Can I bring donations?

It is common for our tour participants to want to bring donations for schools, hospitals, library’s, and other organisations that are in need here in West Africa. This is very much appreciated; however, we do not encourage giving out pens, books and other items directly as these are often taken off their intended recipient by bigger or older people and also breeds a begging culture in locations we visit. To ensure the donations go to their intended recipients our office will identify schools, communities and organisations in need and we will arrange for you to hand them over to a representative or person in charge. This ensures the item and donation goes to those in most need of help. Ashanti African Tours have also registered our own NGO charity “Rainforest Rescue Ghana” which builds schools, helps local communities, youth and protects rainforest and endangered wildlife in Ghana. To date (2020) we have donated over $135,000.00 USD from our company profits to our projects, if you would like more information on our projects please contact us

Will my mobile/cell phone work?

If you would like to use your phone and number registered to your home country when in West Africa it is important you inform your service provider and arrange international roaming, you will then be able to connect to local networks, however please be aware this can be expensive way to use data and make calls. It is possible for our office and your guide to arrange a local sim for your phone for you to use during your time here, for this to work please ensure your phone is not locked to a network in your own country. The local sim would need to be registered but would be a cheaper way for you to call and use the internet.

What should I pack and bring on my trip?

Due to the wide variety of tours we offer, this information will be forwarded upon confirmation of your booking in your pre-trip information pack.

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