Shai Hills Resource Reserve (Eastern Region near Tema, Akosombo and Accra), Ghana
Shai Hills Resource Reserve
Location: Shai Hills Resource Reserve is situated in Doryumu (Dangme West district). Dodowa as the district capital. And about 20 km from Accra (Ghana`s capital), and close to Akosombo, Akosombo Port and Volta dam. Size: Reserve area about 52 qkm. There are serval hills (the highest is 290 m) 150 recorded birds; there are vevet monkeys, spot-noised monkeys. It is a unique reserve in Ghana because it is the driest evergreen savannah forest in Ghana. |
The area used to be the home of the people of the Shai Traditional area until the British colonial masters forcibly expelled them in 1892 on the allegation that the natives were committing ritual murders. The area did not come under protection until 1962 when the government of the day decided turn it into a resource reserve to protect flora and fauna. At present you`ll discover 30 species of mammals and 13 recorded reptile species.
The Shai Hills Game Reserve is situated on territory traditionally claimed by the Shai people.
The Shai Hills Game Reserve is situated on territory traditionally claimed by the Shai people.
The reserve has some archaeological sites which can attract visitors as well. This is an important site in the reserve because until the British expelled the Shai people, it is believed that the reserve was occupied for over 1000 years therefore it would not be difficult to find things of archaeological interest such as grinding stones, pots and other farming implements.
There are several accommodation facilities in and around the reserve so visitors shouldn't have problems finding somewhere to stay. It is however advisable to find accommodation before your trip. Many of the sites on the game reserve are still considered sacred and used ceremoniously by them. |
See also below location map of the Shai Hills.
|
Interesting - Crocodiles, snakes and tortoises can also be spotted. The bird life in the park is also something to behold. Indigenous and migratory birds can be seen.
Three caves can be found in the reserve and these are Adwuku, Sayu and Hieweyu. These caves provide an excellent home for bats which will spend the entire day sleeping only to wake up in the night. Visitors can climb unto the summit of the caves and the inselbergs in the reserve to view the plains of Accra. Viewing is best done in the evenings or during sunset. |
When to visit
There are no restrictions to when the park can be visited. Ideally, visitors should call early in the morning around 8:00 am and before 5:00 pm unless you intend staying overnight.
An advice to visitors is that you should plan you trip to coincide with the celebration of the Mgmayen festival. This festival brings the community to the reserve which is their ancestral home.
The festival is celebrated in September and October. Its also a goodt time, as it’s not the rainy season and the grasses are short so all primates and other wildlife can easily be spotted.
After observing wildlife for a bit, you might want to head up north to Akosombo and enjoy a cruise with the Dodi Princess to Dodi Island. (Only Saturdays and Sundays at 9.30 am from the Dodi Princess port)
There are no restrictions to when the park can be visited. Ideally, visitors should call early in the morning around 8:00 am and before 5:00 pm unless you intend staying overnight.
An advice to visitors is that you should plan you trip to coincide with the celebration of the Mgmayen festival. This festival brings the community to the reserve which is their ancestral home.
The festival is celebrated in September and October. Its also a goodt time, as it’s not the rainy season and the grasses are short so all primates and other wildlife can easily be spotted.
After observing wildlife for a bit, you might want to head up north to Akosombo and enjoy a cruise with the Dodi Princess to Dodi Island. (Only Saturdays and Sundays at 9.30 am from the Dodi Princess port)
Search 3 of our sites: ghana-net.com, ghananet.co.uk and ghanawebnews.online
Search ghana-net.com OR ghanaweb-news.com (ONLY)
Radio Live Pages |
Ghana Info Pages |
More Ghana Links
British Gold Coast (Many pictures shown!)
Fort Batenstein (full info website) Logbuch.Ghana-net.net (Deutsch) GhanaHotels.biz (400 + Hotels) All Towns of Ghana, by Region A - Z Preventive child health inequality 1283 private health institutions in Ghana |
Welcome to Ghana! Akwaaba!
Ghana-Net.com is one of Ghana`s oldest websites, with tourism information`s about Ghana, Live Radio, life and culture of of all Ghana Nation`s, and tribes - like Ga people, Fante, Ewe, Ashanti, Dagbani, Frafra, Krobo and many other tribes and kingdoms of Ghana.
Ghana-Net.com 1st time online late December 2000, and updated since 2001 !
Ghana-Net.com is one of Ghana`s oldest websites, with tourism information`s about Ghana, Live Radio, life and culture of of all Ghana Nation`s, and tribes - like Ga people, Fante, Ewe, Ashanti, Dagbani, Frafra, Krobo and many other tribes and kingdoms of Ghana.
Ghana-Net.com 1st time online late December 2000, and updated since 2001 !
Ghana-Net.com - connected with; GhanaRadio.online /
GhanaMirror.com / GhanaWeb-News.com / GhanaMirror.uk / GhanaHotels.biz / GhanaFlights.info /
GhanaMirror.com / GhanaWeb-News.com / GhanaMirror.uk / GhanaHotels.biz / GhanaFlights.info /
Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions and Disclaimer / Services / Contact Us / (c) by ghana-net.com 2000- 2019