The open plain
A red track to the hills.
Matti Blume — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Matti Blume — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Matti Blume — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Matti Blume — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Matti Blume — CC BY-SA 4.0
Shai Hills Reserve is an area of grassland and low dry forest surrounding rocky hills in the Greater Accra Region. It is the closest place to the capital for seeing wild animals in their setting, lying some 57 km along the Tema to Akosombo road. That makes it a good choice for anyone without time to travel to the north. These hills were home to the Shai people until the British removed them in 1892, and remains of their works can still be found in the reserve. The reserve was created in 1962 with an area of 47 square kilometres, extended to 51 square kilometres in 1973. Nearly 400 plant species grow here, spread across its five hills. A red dirt track crosses an open plain towards the rocky hills, and on either side you see kob antelope grazing and zebras on the green grass. Baboons usually appear around the hills. With a ranger you can climb some of the rocks to see caves once lived in by local people, with low stone ceilings and smooth floors. It is about 45 km from central Accra in a straight line, so half a day is enough. Early morning is the best time, before the heat, when animals are active. It is easiest to enter by car with a ranger along, so ask at the gate. Bring water and closed shoes if you plan to climb.
A red track to the hills.
Grazing on the grass.
Old homes under rock.
Tema to Akosombo road, Doryumu, Ghana
Yes, the reserve is close to Accra, and a morning covers a drive and a short climb.
It is easiest with one, as distances inside are long, and a ranger usually comes along.