Ghana is one of the most amazing countries in West Africa. It’s filled with lively cities, beautiful landscapes, and, of course, incredible wildlife.

From the forests to the savannas, and the coasts to the wetlands, Ghana’s wildlife is diverse and full of surprises. You might already know about the lions of Africa or the elephants in the savanna, but there’s so much more to discover in Ghana. So, let’s dive in and explore some of the coolest, most fascinating creatures that live here.

1. Elephants

When you think of Africa, elephants are probably one of the first animals that come to mind. Ghana is home to a significant population of elephants, but they are most easily seen in Mole National Park. Located in the northern part of the country, Mole is Ghana’s largest wildlife park and is a real treat for nature lovers.

Elephants in Mole are used to humans and can even be seen up close, especially around the park’s lodge. This is a rare experience since elephants are generally not as friendly with humans in the wild. Imagine being able to take a walk near an elephant without it running away! This is an unforgettable experience. Apart from elephants, Mole also has plenty of other animals like monkeys, warthogs, and baboons. The best time to visit is between December and April when the animals gather around the waterholes.

2. Monkeys

Ghana’s forests are teeming with different species of monkeys. Some are quite friendly and are even revered by local communities. One of the most famous spots to see monkeys is the Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary. This is home to many Mona monkeys, and the local people treat these monkeys like family. They even hold special funerals when a monkey dies.

There are also other places to spot monkeys in Ghana, like the Tafi Atome Monkey Sanctuary in the Volta Region, where both Mona and Patas monkeys live. These monkeys are treated with great respect and are considered sacred by the local people. If you visit these places in the morning or late afternoon, you might get a chance to see them hopping around and playing.

3. Hippopotamuses

Have you ever heard of the Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary? If not, you’re in for a treat. Located along the Black Volta River, in the far west of Ghana, this sanctuary is one of the few places in the country where you can see hippos in the wild. During the dry season (from December to May), you’ll have the best chances of spotting these magnificent creatures as they come out to the water. Additionally, Bui National Park, located nearby, is home to a population of hippopotamuses as well, offering another chance to see these impressive animals in their natural habitat.

The sanctuary is a perfect place for a river safari, where you can get up close to the hippos in their natural environment. While the sight of a hippo might make you think of something big and bulky, these animals are surprisingly fast and agile in the water. Be sure to visit the nearby traditional Lobi villages for a glimpse into the local culture.

4. Crocodiles

Crocodiles are another fascinating part of Ghana’s wildlife. They may sound a little scary, but in many parts of Ghana, crocodiles are considered sacred and are even protected. One of the most famous places to see these ancient reptiles is the Paga Crocodile Pond in the northern part of the country, near the border with Burkina Faso.

In Paga, the crocodiles are very used to humans. Some even allow visitors to get very close for photographs. The best part? You might witness the fetish priest performing traditional rituals to summon the crocodiles, which is a sight to see. If you’re ever in northern Ghana, don’t miss this unique experience.

5. Baboons

If you’ve ever visited the Mole National Park or Shai Hills Resource Reserve, you might have had a run-in with some very clever baboons. These primates are known for their social behavior and large troops. They live in tight-knit families and are always on the move, looking for food or playtime.

But be careful – baboons are also notorious for being cheeky. They have been known to snatch items from visitors’ cars and even from people’s bags. So, while they’re fun to watch, don’t leave anything out unattended! Their troop behavior and intelligence make them a fascinating species to learn about.

6. Antelope

If you’re a fan of antelope, you’ll be happy to know that Ghana is home to many species, especially in places like Mole National Park. Here, you can spot a variety of antelopes, including the roan antelope, waterbuck, and bushbuck. These animals are known for their grace and speed, and watching them leap across the open savanna is a real treat.

Antelopes are usually shy and prefer to stay at a distance, but with patience, you can watch them graze peacefully in their natural habitat. The best time to catch them is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the temperature is cooler.

7. Butterflies

Did you know that Ghana is home to over 1,000 species of butterflies? That’s right, the country has a vibrant variety of butterflies that flutter through forests, gardens, and even savannas. The Bobiri Forest Butterfly Sanctuary is one of the best places to spot these beautiful creatures. The sanctuary is a magical place with towering trees and lush greenery, making it a perfect environment for butterflies to thrive.

Many species of butterflies in Ghana have stunning colors, from bright oranges to deep blues. If you’re a fan of photography, this is a place you won’t want to miss.

8. Marine Turtles

On Ghana’s coasts, there’s another amazing animal to keep an eye out for: the marine turtle. While these turtles have become more rare due to poaching, there are still places along the coast where you can see them, especially during their nesting season, which runs from August to March.

The beaches near Prampram and the eastern and western parts of the country are key nesting areas for marine turtles. There are also conservation projects in place to protect these creatures, so if you’re lucky enough to visit during nesting season, you might catch a glimpse of baby turtles making their way to the sea.

9. Fruit Bats

When you think of bats, you might imagine creepy, flying creatures that come out at night. But Ghana’s fruit bats are actually harmless and play an important role in the ecosystem by pollinating plants and spreading seeds.

One of the best places to see fruit bats is near the Wli Falls in the Volta Region. Every evening, hundreds of bats take off from the cliffs, flying in search of fruit. It’s a sight to behold as the bats fill the sky like a black cloud. You can also find bats around Shai Hills Resource Reserve and Buoyem Caves, where they roost during the day.

10. Unique Birds

Bird watching in Ghana offers a unique opportunity to observe over 800 species of birds in their natural habitats. Notable species include the African Fish-eagle, Violet Turaco, and the Gray-headed Kingfisher. These birds can be found in various locations like Kakum National Park, Mole National Park, and the Shai Hills Resource Reserve. The best time for bird watching in Ghana is during the dry season, from November to March, when migratory birds from Europe and northern Africa arrive, and local species begin their breeding season. Whether you’re a seasoned bird watcher or a novice, Ghana’s avifauna is sure to impress.

Ghana’s wildlife is a fascinating mix of creatures that you might not find anywhere else in the world. From elephants and baboons to the playful monkeys and graceful antelopes, the country is home to an incredible variety of animals. Whether you’re an animal lover or just someone curious about the natural world, Ghana’s wildlife will not disappoint. So, if you’re planning a visit, don’t forget to pack your binoculars and camera—you’ll want to capture every moment of your wildlife adventure!

Animal	Best Location	Best Time to Visit
Elephants	Mole National Park	December to April
Monkeys	Boabeng-Fiema, Tafi Atome	Early morning or late afternoon
Hippos	Wechiau Hippo Sanctuary, Bui National Park	December to May
Crocodiles	Paga, Hans Botel, Akatekyi Lagoon	Anytime, but Paga is best for photos
Baboons	Mole National Park, Shai Hills	Early morning or late afternoon
Antelopes	Mole National Park	Early morning or late afternoon
Butterflies	Bobiri Forest, Owabi Sanctuary	Year-round
Marine Turtles	Prampram, Eastern & Western Beaches	August to March
Fruit Bats	Wli Falls, Shai Hills, Buoyem Caves	Dusk or dawn
Unique Birds	Kakum National Park, Mole National Park, and the Shai Hills Resource Reserve	November to March

There you go, Ghana is home to an impressive variety of wildlife. With this guide, you can plan your trip and visit at the best time.