Shai Hills safari and Volta River cruise from Accra

Track wildlife through protected hills, then drift down the river

A full-day tour from Accra combining a safari through Shai Hills Resource Reserve with a 30-minute cruise on the Volta River. You'll spend two hours on game drive spotting antelopes, monkeys and birds, explore caves where the Shai people once lived, and finish with lunch at Royal Senchi Resort before returning to the city. Private transportation and a live guide in English or French are included. Children from age 5 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Safari and Volta River cruise

• Safari at Shai Hills Reserve
• Explore caves and climb hills
• Lunch at Royal Senchi Resort
• 30-minute Volta River cruise

The Experience

The day starts at Shai Hills Resource Reserve, a protected area about an hour from Accra where you'll spend two hours on safari looking for antelopes, monkeys and different bird species. The reserve sits on land the Shai people inhabited until 1892, and you'll move through caves and climb hills to see remnants of their settlements scattered across the landscape. A guide leads the drive and walks, pointing out wildlife and explaining the history as you move through the terrain.

After the safari, you'll head to Royal Senchi Resort for lunch overlooking the Volta River. The meal gives you time to rest before the afternoon's second half: a 30-minute cruise down the river itself. The boat moves slowly enough to take in the natural vegetation and hills framing the water on both sides. You'll return to Accra afterward, arriving back in the city by late afternoon or early evening depending on traffic.

The tour runs six to eight hours total and includes private transportation from your hotel, bottled water throughout the day, and all entrance fees. A live guide speaks English or French and stays with the group the entire time. The combination of the reserve's wildlife and the river's quieter pace means you're not rushing between stops. There's time to actually watch animals and absorb the landscape.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your Accra hotel.
• a two-hour safari through Shai Hills Resource Reserve with a live guide in English or French.
• cave exploration and hill climbing at the reserve.
• lunch at Royal Senchi Resort.
• a 30-minute Volta River cruise.
• bottled water.
• all entrance fees and taxes.

Days and timesDaily · 06:00

Ages13 to 90 years · 5 to 12 years · Under 5 — No ticket type: can't be added to a booking

Meeting point and pickupPickup optional · ends where it startsMeeting point, per the operator: “In front of Urbano Hotel”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Frank Doe Travels

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup from Accra means you don't need a car or arrange your own transport to reach Shai Hills. The guide handles the drive both ways. If you're staying in the city without a rental, this tour builds the full day around you.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

5 to 12 years. Under 5: no ticket type, they can't be added to a booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

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

Antelopes, monkeys and various bird species live in the reserve and are regularly spotted on the two-hour game drive. The guide will point them out as you move through the protected area, though sightings depend on the time of day and season.

How difficult is the hiking at Shai Hills?

You'll climb hills and explore caves as part of the reserve visit, so moderate physical fitness is needed. The pace is set by the group, and the guide can adjust based on who's in the tour that day.

Does the tour leave from my hotel in Accra?

Yes, pickup is included from your hotel or accommodation in Accra. The guide will arrange a specific time the evening before or morning of the tour depending on where you're staying.

What's included in the lunch at Royal Senchi Resort?

Lunch is provided at Royal Senchi Resort overlooking the Volta River. The meal is part of the tour price along with all entrance fees, transportation and bottled water throughout the day.