Boupom Wildlife Reservation
Boupom Wildlife Reservation is a protected area in Ghana.
Boupom Wildlife Reservation at a Glance
- Location
- Central Ashanti Forest Belt, Ghana, West Africa
- Coordinates
- 6.946443, -1.260684
- IUCN Category
- II
- 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 Boupom Wildlife Reservation
Nearest airport: Aérodrome de Cana (DBBC), 366 km away.
Nearest international airport: Aéroport International Cardinal Bernardin Gantin (COO), 408 km away.
Weather & Climate in Boupom Wildlife Reservation
The warmest temperatures in Boupom Wildlife Reservation occur in February, averaging 28.2°C (up to 35.2°C). The coolest conditions are in August at 24.0°C.
The driest weather conditions are typically in January with average rainfall of 12.2mm. Average humidity: 56.6%.
Monthly Temperatures
- January: 27.1°C (rainfall: 12.2mm)
- February: 28.2°C (rainfall: 21.7mm)
- March: 26.7°C (rainfall: 129.7mm)
- April: 26.4°C (rainfall: 161.9mm)
- May: 26.1°C (rainfall: 141.2mm)
- June: 24.6°C (rainfall: 186.4mm)
- July: 24.0°C (rainfall: 128.4mm)
- August: 24.0°C (rainfall: 153.7mm)
- September: 24.0°C (rainfall: 213.1mm)
- October: 24.5°C (rainfall: 167.4mm)
- November: 25.7°C (rainfall: 58.6mm)
- December: 26.6°C (rainfall: 19.8mm)
Best Time to Visit Boupom Wildlife Reservation
The best months to visit Boupom Wildlife Reservation are January, February, November, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Month-by-Month Safari Conditions
- January: Great, temperature 27.11°C, rainfall 12.2mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 56.6%
- February: Great, temperature 28.21°C, rainfall 21.7mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 60.1%
- March: Good, temperature 26.67°C, rainfall 129.7mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs, humidity 78.8%
- April: Good, temperature 26.42°C, rainfall 161.9mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 80.8%
- May: Good, temperature 26.11°C, rainfall 141.2mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 82.1%
- June: Good, temperature 24.57°C, rainfall 186.4mm, sunshine 8.5 hrs, humidity 85.5%
- July: Good, temperature 24.03°C, rainfall 128.4mm, sunshine 8.5 hrs, humidity 84.1%
- August: Good, temperature 23.98°C, rainfall 153.7mm, sunshine 8.2 hrs, humidity 82.6%
- September: Good, temperature 24.01°C, rainfall 213.1mm, sunshine 7.6 hrs, humidity 86.4%
- October: Good, temperature 24.52°C, rainfall 167.4mm, sunshine 9 hrs, humidity 86.7%
- November: Great, temperature 25.66°C, rainfall 58.6mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 79%
- December: Great, temperature 26.6°C, rainfall 19.8mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 63.2%
Wildlife in Boupom Wildlife Reservation
Home to 74 recorded species including 40 iconic birds, 15 birds of prey, 10 tropical birds, 9 waterbirds.
Recommended Packing List for Boupom Wildlife Reservation
Based on average temperature of 25.7°C, typical conditions, humidity 77%.
- Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 26°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
- Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus) - Birds of Prey
- African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus) - Waterbirds
- White-throated Bee-eater (Merops albicollis) - Iconic Birds
- Maxwell's Black Weaver (Ploceus albinucha) - Iconic Birds
- West African Pied Hornbill (Lophoceros semifasciatus) - Tropical Birds
- Fire-bellied Woodpecker (Chloropicus pyrrhogaster) - Iconic Birds
- Chestnut-and-black Weaver (Ploceus castaneofuscus) - Iconic Birds
- Collared Sunbird (Hedydipna collaris) - Iconic Birds
- Buff-throated Sunbird (Chalcomitra adelberti) - Iconic Birds
- African Cuckoo-Hawk (Aviceda cuculoides) - Birds of Prey
- Olive Sunbird (Cyanomitra olivacea) - Iconic Birds
- Olive-naped Weaver (Ploceus brachypterus) - Iconic Birds
- Little Bee-eater (Merops pusillus) - Iconic Birds
- Reed Cormorant (Microcarbo africanus) - Waterbirds
- Chocolate-backed Kingfisher (Halcyon badia) - Waterbirds
- African Gray Woodpecker (Dendropicos goertae) - Iconic Birds
- Blue-bellied Roller (Coracias cyanogaster) - Iconic Birds
- Gray Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) - Tropical Birds
- African Harrier-Hawk (Polyboroides typus) - Birds of Prey
- Blue-throated Roller (Eurystomus gularis) - Iconic Birds
Safari Lodges in Boupom Wildlife Reservation
1 safari lodges available.
Other
Similar Parks in Central Ashanti Forest Belt
- Aboma Forest Reserve
- Abrimasu Forest Reserve
- Afram Headwaters Forest Reserve
- Asufu Shelterbelt West Forest Reserve
- Awura Forest Reserve
- Bobiri Forest and Butterfly Sanctuary
- Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary
- Bosumtwi Range Forest Reserve
- Chiremoasi Forest Reserve
- Denyau Shelterbelt Forest Reserve
- Fum Headwaters Forest Reserve
- Gianima Forest Reserve
- Jeni River Forest Reserve
- Jimira Extension Forest Reserve
- Jimira Forest Reserve
Health & Travel Info
Boupom Wildlife Reservation FAQs
What is the best time of year to visit Boupom Wildlife Reservation for optimal wildlife viewing?
The ideal time to visit Boupom Wildlife Reservation is during Ghana's dry season, typically from November to March. During these months, vegetation is sparser, making it easier to spot wildlife, and the drier conditions ensure more accessible roads and comfortable trekking.
What unique wildlife species can I expect to encounter at Boupom Wildlife Reservation?
Boupom is a haven for West African biodiversity, offering sightings of various antelope species, diverse primates like mona monkeys, and a rich array of birdlife. While not a 'Big Five' destination, visitors might also glimpse elusive forest elephants or pangolins, focusing on the unique species of the region.
What kind of visitor experience can I expect at Boupom, given its low crowding level?
Boupom offers a truly intimate and undisturbed wilderness experience, far removed from mass tourism. You can expect quiet game drives or guided walks where encounters with other visitors are rare, allowing for profound wildlife observation and a deep connection with Ghana's natural environment.
What are the typical costs associated with a safari visit to Boupom Wildlife Reservation?
Costs at Boupom are generally more affordable compared to larger, more established East African safari parks. Primary expenses include park entrance fees, the mandatory hiring of local guides for excursions, and basic accommodation options in nearby communities, with transport to the reserve being another key consideration.
Beyond malaria prevention, what safety measures should I consider when visiting Boupom Wildlife Reservation?
For your safety and to enrich your experience, it is highly recommended to hire an authorized local guide for all activities within Boupom. Their expertise is invaluable for navigating the terrain, understanding animal behavior, and ensuring a secure visit in this less-frequented Ghanaian protected area.
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.