Surely one of the greatest features of Ghana is its eutopian-esque natural and wildlife wonders. Sadly, much of the natural landscape has been cleared for agricultural purposes, but nature reserves and wildlife resorts offer an excellent opportunity to take in some wonderful species such as Elephants, Hyenas, Buffalo, Leopards and Pythons.   Such is the country’s diversity that it boasts over 725 different species of bird alone. 

Visiting one of Ghana’s 16 National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Resource Reserves is the best way to get ‘back to nature’ as it were.  One of the most interesting places for a budding eco-tourist to visit would be the Boaben-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary, which has facilities for hospitality on site or, for those who want a little more luxury, is located only 20 minutes from Nkoranza. The monkeys in this sanctuary are fiercely protected and actually revered; being seen, fascinatingly, as the children of the gods which overlook the Boaben and Fiema twin community.   

The vast Keta Lagoon site is also very much worth a visit, with over 300 square kilometres occupied by the protected lagoon and over 1200 square kilometres of protected land overall.  Unfortunately, this has not yet been developed with the specific endeavour of tourism in mind, yet the breeding ground the lagoon provides for sea turtles, the expansive mangrove forest and the plethora of migrating birds which can be seen there make it well worth a visit.

The most up-close eco-tourist experience could arguably be said to be the Mole National Park; the largest of its kind in Ghana.  It’s Savannah Woodland and forested areas cover a staggering space which measures just less than 5000 square kilometres.  Antelopes, Hyenas, Lions and Leopards can be found in the park but the star attraction is undoubtedly the Elephant. The park boasts over 500 of the massive mammalian species , three of which are said to  have become so acclimatised to tourists they will let interested parties get very close; whether you would want to get very close to such a huge, wild animal is another question altogether.

During the early year dry spell, some animals are forced to venture closer to the tourist lodgings in order to drink from the ponds there, thus visitors get a very personal appreciation of the wildlife which Ghana has to offer.  Ghana protects is nature and wildlife fiercely which allows for a great experience for any eco-tourist.