Awura Forest Reserve

Awura Forest Reserve is a protected area in Ghana.

Awura Forest Reserve at a Glance

Location
Central Ashanti Forest Belt, Ghana, West Africa
Coordinates
7.332462, -1.375949
IUCN Category
IV
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
High
Best Time to Visit
November to March (dry season) for wildlife and national parks. Best birding November to April.

Getting to Awura Forest Reserve

Nearest airport: Aérodrome de Cana (DBBC), 378 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aéroport International Cardinal Bernardin Gantin (COO), 429 km away.

Weather & Climate in Awura Forest Reserve

The warmest temperatures in Awura Forest Reserve occur in February, averaging 29.1°C (up to 37.0°C). The coolest conditions are in September at 25.3°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in January with average rainfall of 4.8mm. Average humidity: 48.1%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 27.6°C (rainfall: 4.8mm)
  • February: 29.1°C (rainfall: 10.8mm)
  • March: 28.4°C (rainfall: 143.8mm)
  • April: 28.0°C (rainfall: 166.9mm)
  • May: 27.6°C (rainfall: 134.4mm)
  • June: 25.9°C (rainfall: 200.5mm)
  • July: 25.5°C (rainfall: 157.3mm)
  • August: 25.5°C (rainfall: 161.3mm)
  • September: 25.3°C (rainfall: 234.6mm)
  • October: 25.9°C (rainfall: 166.7mm)
  • November: 27.5°C (rainfall: 29.2mm)
  • December: 27.4°C (rainfall: 16.1mm)

Best Time to Visit Awura Forest Reserve

The best months to visit Awura Forest Reserve are January, February, December, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 27.56°C, rainfall 4.8mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 48.1%
  • February: Great, temperature 29.12°C, rainfall 10.8mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 52%
  • March: Good, temperature 28.45°C, rainfall 143.8mm, sunshine 8.9 hrs, humidity 72.5%
  • April: Good, temperature 27.98°C, rainfall 166.9mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 76.2%
  • May: Good, temperature 27.59°C, rainfall 134.4mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 78.6%
  • June: Good, temperature 25.93°C, rainfall 200.5mm, sunshine 8.9 hrs, humidity 82.7%
  • July: Good, temperature 25.47°C, rainfall 157.3mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 80.7%
  • August: Good, temperature 25.52°C, rainfall 161.3mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 78.7%
  • September: Good, temperature 25.32°C, rainfall 234.6mm, sunshine 8.3 hrs, humidity 84.2%
  • October: Good, temperature 25.94°C, rainfall 166.7mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 82.8%
  • November: Great, temperature 27.5°C, rainfall 29.2mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 70.1%
  • December: Great, temperature 27.36°C, rainfall 16.1mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 54.5%

Wildlife in Awura Forest Reserve

Home to 18 recorded species including 9 iconic birds, 3 waterbirds, 3 birds of prey, 2 tropical birds, 1 primates.

Recommended Packing List for Awura Forest Reserve

Based on average temperature of 27.0°C, typical conditions, humidity 72%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 27°C weather calls for light fabrics
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Similar Parks in Central Ashanti Forest Belt

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Ghana

Travel advisory for Ghana

Awura Forest Reserve FAQs

What specific wildlife can I expect to see at Awura Forest Reserve, and is it a destination for "Big Five" sightings?

Awura Forest Reserve is primarily known for its rich forest biodiversity, including various primate species like mona monkeys and olive baboons, diverse birdlife, and smaller antelopes such as duikers. Unlike East African parks, it is not a "Big Five" destination, offering a unique experience focused on forest ecology.

When is the best time of year to visit Awura Forest Reserve for optimal wildlife viewing and comfortable travel?

The dry season, typically from November to March, is generally recommended for visiting Awura Forest Reserve. During this period, forest trails are more accessible, and wildlife may be easier to spot near remaining water sources, enhancing your viewing opportunities.

Given the high malaria risk in Ghana, what specific health precautions should I take when planning a trip to Awura Forest Reserve?

It is crucial to consult your doctor about antimalarial medication well before your trip to Awura Forest Reserve. Additionally, pack long-sleeved clothing, use insect repellent containing DEET, and sleep under mosquito nets to minimize exposure, especially during dawn and dusk.

How accessible is Awura Forest Reserve for independent travelers, and what are the typical costs for entry and guided activities given its low crowding?

Awura Forest Reserve is less developed than major parks, often requiring local transport or a 4x4 vehicle to reach, making independent travel a bit more adventurous. Entry fees and guided tour costs are generally more affordable than highly commercialized safaris, reflecting its low visitor numbers and focus on local community involvement.

What kind of unique safari experience does Awura Forest Reserve offer, particularly due to its status as a forest reserve and very low visitor numbers?

Visitors to Awura Forest Reserve can expect an intimate and immersive experience, often involving guided walking safaris and birdwatching rather than traditional game drives. The extremely low crowding level ensures a peaceful encounter with nature, allowing for deep appreciation of the forest environment and its inhabitants without distraction.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Lonely Planet West Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers Ghana, Senegal, Gambia, Nigeria, Cameroon, and more. Includes national parks, wildlife reserves, and practical overland travel advice across the region.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.