Shai Hills Resource Reserve is the easiest wildlife outing from Accra, and it rewards visitors who want a morning in the bush rather than a long drive. It lies at Doryumu in the Shai Osudoku district beside the Tema to Akosombo road, only around 17 kilometres from the city. Five separate hills are cloaked in a mosaic of forest, with grassland and low dry forest filling the valleys between them. Animals include baboons, green monkeys, several antelope species and zebras, and birdwatchers can find more than 170 species. The hills also hold caves and rocky outcrops that make for easy hiking and scrambling, and the reserve is used for nature walks, rock climbing and camping. A guided safari and hike takes the effort out of finding the animals and explains the history of the hills, which were used for shelter by earlier communities.
What the experience is like
The tour is a three to five hour trip by vehicle and on foot, led by a guide who knows where the animals gather. You drive and walk through savanna and forest, stop at viewpoints and learn to spot antelope in the early light.
Baboons are the stars and the troublemakers, since they are bold around people and will grab unattended snacks, bags and bottles, so keep food hidden and follow the guide's instructions. Zebras and antelopes are easier to enjoy from a distance, and the caves add a short, slightly adventurous detour.
What to bring
Closed shoes with good grip, a hat, sun protection, repellent and water, because there is little shade on the open ground. Early morning is best for animals and for temperature, and the walking is moderate rather than demanding. If you are travelling with children, check the age guidance with the operator. This is a modest reserve, not a big-game park, so go for the baboons, the scenery and the hiking rather than lions and elephants, which you will not find here. Photographers should carry a zoom lens for the antelope and birds.
Planning
The reserve works as a half-day outing on its own, and many visitors pair it with the Akosombo Dam and a boat cruise on Lake Volta, since both lie on the same road out of Accra. Ask whether your tour includes transport and entry fees, and book with a provider that offers hotel pickup.
The dry season, from roughly November to March, is the most comfortable for hiking, although the hills are greener after the rains. The tour has a high guest rating on the booking page, and the reserve is a good reminder that Accra is a short drive from real countryside.
Why it is worth the trip
Many visitors to Accra see only the city and the coast, and Shai Hills adds a different side of the country, one of open hills, rock and grass where you can walk and watch animals in a landscape that has a very different feel from the rainforest at Kakum. It is also one of the more affordable excursions from the city, and the short distance means you can be back at your hotel by lunchtime and still have the afternoon for the beach or a museum. Carry a small first-aid kit and insect repellent for the walk, and take a hat that will not blow off in the wind.
What to expect
The experience
A guided safari drive and hike through a forested hill reserve, with stops for wildlife and the caves.
Best time
Early morning for cooler temperatures and the best chance of seeing antelope and birds.
How long
Three to five hours including travel from Accra.
Tips
Hide snacks from the baboons, wear closed shoes, bring water and a hat, and follow the guide's instructions near animals.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants wildlife and a light hike without leaving the Accra area.
- Families
- A hit with children for the baboons and zebras; check age and mobility guidance first.
- Couples
- An active, scenic morning that fits easily into a city stay.
- Pair with
- Akosombo Dam and a Lake Volta boat cruise on the same day.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Where is Shai Hills Reserve?+
It is at Doryumu in the Shai Osudoku district, beside the Tema to Akosombo road, about 17 kilometres from Accra.
What animals can you see?+
Baboons, green monkeys, antelopes and zebras live in the reserve, and more than 170 bird species have been recorded.
Are the baboons dangerous?+
They are bold and can snatch unattended food and bags, so keep items hidden and follow your guide.
How long does the tour take?+
The safari and hike runs about three to five hours, depending on transport and the route.
Can I combine it with Lake Volta?+
Yes. Many visitors pair Shai Hills with the Akosombo Dam and a boat cruise, since both are on the same road.
