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 criss-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 a wonderful necklace of beaches, mangroves
swamps, lagoons and 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 in Ghana's most important
river, the River Volta, that has been dammed at Akosombo
to harness nature for the benefit of man and to create one
of the world's largest lakes, the scenic beauty of the wooded
hills has always lured adventurous ramblers and eco-tourists.
The Kakum National Park is the showpiece 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 broad wooded savannah, still
home to many plains game. Mole National Park is our largest
national park (4840kmē) 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 Gbele
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
Some of the animals you may see in Ghana are: |
Mona
Monkey
Diana Monkey
Colobus Monkey
Roan Antelope
Olive Baboon
Hartebeest Leopard Waterbuck
Genet
Kob
Aardvark
|
Warthog
Oribi
Bongo Chimpanzee Bushbuck
Duiker
Buffalo
Elephant
Lion
Civet
|
BIRDS
YOU MAY SEE
Over 400 species of bird have been recorded in Ghana
and amongst the birds you may spot are: |
| Bareheaded
Rock Fowl |
Fire-bellied
Woodpecker |
| Fraser's
Eagle Owl |
Narina's
Trogon |
| African
Grey Parrot |
Barbary
Shrike |
| Senegal
Parrot |
Woodland
Kingfisher |
| Ground
Hornbill |
Red-throated
Bee-eater |
| Denham's
Bustard |
Green
Wood-hoopoe |
| Palm-nut
Vulture |
Splendid
Sunbird |
| Long-crested
Hawk Eagle |
Beautiful
Sunbird |
| Pied
Hornbill |
Orange-
cheeked Waybill |
|
