Exceptional Birding Experience in Ghana with Adventure Birding Tours
I recently spent two days (two half days and a full day) with Kwame from Adventure Birding Tours, and it was an incredible experience. Prior to my trip to Ghana, I contacted Kwame to organize a birding tour tailored just for me, as I wanted to make the most of the time I had at the end of a business trip. Having no prior experience with birding in Ghana—or Africa for that matter—I relied on Kwame’s expertise to plan the itinerary.
Despite the limited time, Kwame suggested we visit three diverse sites: Sakumono Lagoon, Shai Hills Resource Reserve, and Achimota Forest. Each location offered distinct ecosystems and a great variety of bird species, with some expected overlap. Over the course of the trip, I was thrilled to spot a wide range of waders, raptors, and smaller birds, including two species of Bee-eaters.
Kwame handled every detail seamlessly, from picking me up on Friday afternoon to ensuring I was back at the airport by Sunday. Navigating Ghana's traffic is no small feat, but I always felt safe in his capable hands. He also arranged comfortable and conveniently located accommodations, allowing us to maximize birding time during peak activity hours (early morning and late afternoon) while having a chance to rest during the midday heat.
Visiting Ghana at the transition from November to December turned out to be perfect—no rain, yet everything was lush and green. Without any set expectations, I was amazed to spot just under 100 bird species in such a short span of time. I use a notebook to keep track of the species, and subsequently I have been amazed by the precision in Kwame’s use of authoritative English names. His keen eye for spotting birds, combined with his ability to guide a novice like me using clear instructions (sometimes with a laser pointer), made the experience even better.
As a photography enthusiast, I appreciated how Kwame positioned us for optimal photo opportunities, often keeping the sun behind us. His deep knowledge of birds, including up-to-date information on taxonomic revisions, was outstanding.
All in all, I wholeheartedly recommend Kwame and Adventure Birding Tours to anyone planning a birding trip to Ghana. If I have the opportunity to return, I will undoubtedly arrange another tour with him.