Shai Hills Resource Reserve

Shai Hills is the closest wildlife reserve to Accra, around fifty square kilometres of coastal savanna with dome-shaped granite inselbergs rising from grass and thorn scrub. Olive baboons are the animals visitors reliably see, often on the entrance road, along with kob, bushbuck, green monkeys and, in the dry season, good numbers of birds. Ostrich and zebra have been introduced to an enclosure. The hills carry caves that were occupied by the Shai people until they were removed by colonial authorities in 1892, and the sites remain sacred with annual rites still performed; guided walks visit Hioweyo and Sayu caves. Drives, walks and cycling routes cross the reserve, and it makes a straightforward day from Accra.

History

The area was home to the Shai people until the British removed them in 1892, and remains of their works can still be found in the reserve. It was established in 1962 with an area of 47 km2, made a game production reserve in 1971 and extended to 51 km2 in 1973 (Wikipedia, Shai Hills Resource Reserve).

The landscape

• Olive baboons - troops along the roads and around the picnic areas.
• The inselbergs - the granite domes rising from savanna grass.
• The ancestral caves - Shai occupation sites visited with a guide.
• Antelope and birds - kob, bushbuck and savanna species on the plains.

When to go

November to March in the dry season, when grass is short, visibility is best and wildlife concentrates near water. The rains bring high grass and difficult tracks. Early morning and late afternoon are best for animals.

Things to know

Baboons are habituated and can be aggressive around food; vehicles should be kept closed. Wildlife beyond baboons and antelope is limited. Tracks are rough and a guide is required for the caves. Facilities are basic.

Nearby

Akosombo lies northeast; Accra is southwest.

Key facts