Shai Hills Game Reserve tour from Accra: Wildlife and waterfalls

Baboons greet you at the gate. Zebras, antelopes and hiking trails fill the hours between

A seven-hour shared tour from Accra through three reserves near the Akuapim Mountains: Shai Hills Game Reserve for a guided safari and hike through the ancestral Shai lands, Oboadaka waterfalls in a lush valley, and Aburi Gardens across 160 acres of colonial plantings. An English-speaking guide leads the route. Pickup and air-conditioned transport are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Shai Hills, Oboadaka, and Aburi Gardens

• Arrive at Shai Hills Game Reserve
• See baboon monkeys at park entrance
• Take guided safari tour
• Observe antelopes, zebras, ostrich, bushbucks, monitor lizards
• Hike ancestral home and sacred grove
• Travel to Oboadaka waterfalls
• Experience waterfall mist and crystal-clear pool
• Enjoy sounds and sights of rushing water
• Visit Aburi Gardens
• Explore developed garden area
• Stroll and photograph various tree species

The experience

The tour opens at Shai Hills Game Reserve, where baboons and monkeys greet you as you enter. A guided safari follows through the park's grassland and scrub, where you'll spot zebras, antelopes, bushbucks, ostriches and monitor lizards moving across the terrain. Hikers can climb into the ancestral home of the Shai people and explore the sacred grove. The walking is moderate and the views stretch across the reserve.

Oboadaka waterfalls come next, set in a lush green valley of the Akuapim Mountains. The water cascades into a clear pool below. The setting is quiet and the air cools as you approach. The final stop is Aburi Gardens, a colonial estate covering 160 acres, with three acres developed as walking paths among different species of trees and spices. The garden is built for leisurely movement and photography, and it offers a calm finish to the day before the return to Accra.

The entire route runs seven hours in an air-conditioned vehicle with a live English-speaking guide. Pickup from your hotel is included. Children from age two are welcome, and the operator notes that the tour suits travelers with at least a moderate level of fitness. Those with cardiovascular concerns should check with the guide before booking.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle.
• live English-speaking guide.
• hotel pickup.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 55 years) · Senior (56 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (2 to 5 years)

GroupUp to 80

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 10 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 17 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Tasty Cultural Travel

Is this one for you?The tour involves moderate hiking at Shai Hills and walking at the gardens, spread across seven hours with stops for rest. Choose this if you're comfortable with a full day of movement and want to see wildlife, waterfalls and planted grounds in one outing.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (2 to 5 years).

What animals will I see on the safari at Shai Hills?

Shai Hills is home to zebras, antelopes, bushbucks, ostriches, monitor lizards and baboons. You'll encounter them during the guided safari portion of the tour, though sightings depend on the time of day and season.

Is there hiking involved in this tour?

Yes, the Shai Hills portion includes optional hiking through the ancestral lands of the Shai people and into the sacred grove. The walk is moderate in difficulty and the guide leads the way.

What is Aburi Gardens like?

Aburi Gardens is a 160-acre colonial estate with three acres developed as walking paths lined with different species of trees and spices. It's designed for leisurely strolls and photography in a quiet, planted setting.

How long is the tour and what's included in the price?

The tour runs seven hours total and includes air-conditioned transport, pickup from your hotel and a live English-speaking guide. Gratuities are not included.