Shai Hills Reserve and Volta River tour from Accra

Zebras roam a reserve that was home to the Shai people until 1892.

A full-day tour from Accra combines wildlife viewing and hiking in Shai Hills Reserve with a boat cruise on the Volta River at Akosombo. You spot antelopes, baboons, green monkeys and zebras across grassy plains and hilly rock formations, then travel to the river for an afternoon on the water. A live guide in English or French leads the day, and pickup from your Accra hotel is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Shai Hills tour and Volta River cruise

• Tour Shai Hills Reserve
• Drive to Akosombo
• Lunch at Afrikiko Resort
• Boat ride on Volta River

The experience

If you have a free afternoon or a first morning in Accra, this tour fills a full day without requiring your own transport. The reserve spans 51 square kilometers of protected grassland and rocky outcrops where game viewing, bird watching and nature walking happen on foot. Common sightings include antelopes, baboons, duiker, kobs and green monkeys. The zebras here are imports from South Africa. Rock-climbing is available for those who want it, and the hilly terrain means the pace varies depending on which trails you choose.

After several hours in the reserve, you drive to Akosombo on the Volta River for a boat ride and lunch at Afrikiko Resort. The Volta is Ghana's largest inland body of water, and the cruise gives a different angle on the landscape after the morning on foot. Bottled water is provided throughout, and the air-conditioned vehicle handles the drive between sites.

The early rainy season (June to July) can make the reserve's roads rough, so timing matters if you're flexible on dates. The tour runs five to eight hours depending on how much time you spend walking and which activities you choose. Your guide speaks English or French and can adjust the day to your interests.

What’s included

• Bottled water throughout the day.
• all fees and taxes.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport.
• free pickup and drop-off within Accra.
• live guide in English or French.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 10 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 13 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Kadelo Travels

Is this one for you?The day involves several hours of walking and hiking on reserve trails, so comfortable shoes and a moderate fitness level help you enjoy it. The boat ride on the Volta is calm water, not rough, and children from age two are welcome throughout.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (2 to 10 years).

What animals am I likely to see in Shai Hills Reserve?

Common wildlife includes antelopes, baboons, green monkeys, duiker, kobs, monitor lizards and zebras. The zebras in the reserve were brought from South Africa. Bats and royal pythons are also present, though less frequently spotted during the day.

Is there rock-climbing in Shai Hills, or is it just walking?

Rock-climbing is one of the popular activities available in the reserve, along with game viewing, bird watching and nature walking. You can choose which activities to do based on your fitness and interests.

What happens after we leave Shai Hills?

You drive to Akosombo for a boat ride on the Volta River, Ghana's largest inland waterway. Lunch is served at Afrikiko Resort on the river, and the cruise is part of the day's itinerary.

When is the best time to visit Shai Hills?

You can visit the reserve year-round to see the hilly rocks and grassy plains. The early rainy season from June to July can make the reserve's roads difficult, so other months may be easier if you're concerned about road conditions.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Yes, free pickup and drop-off within Accra are included. The tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle for transport between your hotel, the reserve and the river.