Shai Hills Resource Reserve - Close to Accra, this savannah and rocky area offers short hikes, wildlife viewing (like baboons), and cultural history.

Shai Hills Resource Reserve, featuring dry savannah, rocky hills, and dry forest. It is a close-to-Accra destination for viewing wildlife such as olive baboons, kob, bushbucks, and many bird species. Visitors can explore the park's caves and historical sites, including relics of the indigenous Shai people, and enjoy activities like hiking and 4x4 drives.

Location & Accessibility

    Proximity to Accra: It is one of the closest wildlife viewing areas to Accra. 

Location: Situated in the Dangme West District, about 50 km from Accra. 

Access: The reserve has a 48 km2 fenced area and can be visited by car or on foot with an armed escort from 6 AM to 5 PM. 

Flora & Fauna

    Vegetation:

    The reserve features dry, coastal savannah with patches of dry forest on the rocky hills. 

Wildlife:

Key wildlife includes large troops of olive baboons, kob, bushbucks, green monkeys, spot-nose monkeys, and various monitor lizards and snakes. 

Birdlife:

It is a habitat for numerous bird species, such as the Senegal parrot, hornbill, and francolin. 

Activities & Features

    Wildlife Viewing: A prime activity is observing the diverse wildlife within the reserve. 

Hiking & Rock Climbing: The rocky hills provide excellent opportunities for hiking and climbing, offering scenic views of the Accra Plain. 

Cultural & Historical Sites: Visitors can explore ancient caves like Adwuku and Sayu, which were once inhabited by the Shai people before they were expelled by the British colonial army in the 1870s. 

Picnicking & Camping: The reserve also offers sites for picnicking and camping. 

Tips for Visitors 

    Best Time: Early morning is recommended for the best wildlife viewing experience.

    Safety: Be cautious of the wild baboons, as they are known to snatch personal belongings.