Atewa Range Forest Reserve

Atewa Range Forest Reserve is a protected area in Ghana.

Atewa Range Forest Reserve at a Glance

Location
Eastern Forest & Atewa Highlands, Ghana, West Africa
Coordinates
6.183644, -0.597454
IUCN Category
III
Crowds
Moderate
Malaria Risk
High
Best Time to Visit
November to March (dry season) for wildlife and national parks. Best birding November to April.

Getting to Atewa Range Forest Reserve

Nearest airport: Aérodrome de Cana (DBBC), 310 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aéroport International Cardinal Bernardin Gantin (COO), 330 km away.

Weather & Climate in Atewa Range Forest Reserve

The warmest temperatures in Atewa Range Forest Reserve occur in February, averaging 26.0°C (up to 32.7°C). The coolest conditions are in August at 22.8°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in January with average rainfall of 22.4mm. Average humidity: 73.9%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 25.4°C (rainfall: 22.4mm)
  • February: 26.0°C (rainfall: 48.2mm)
  • March: 25.3°C (rainfall: 135.1mm)
  • April: 25.3°C (rainfall: 145.9mm)
  • May: 24.8°C (rainfall: 170.7mm)
  • June: 23.3°C (rainfall: 269.8mm)
  • July: 22.8°C (rainfall: 198.4mm)
  • August: 22.8°C (rainfall: 143.9mm)
  • September: 22.9°C (rainfall: 265.3mm)
  • October: 23.5°C (rainfall: 226.0mm)
  • November: 24.5°C (rainfall: 81.3mm)
  • December: 25.1°C (rainfall: 24.9mm)

Best Time to Visit Atewa Range Forest Reserve

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

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 25.4°C, rainfall 22.4mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 73.9%
  • February: Great, temperature 25.98°C, rainfall 48.2mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 76.8%
  • March: Good, temperature 25.34°C, rainfall 135.1mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 85.4%
  • April: Good, temperature 25.31°C, rainfall 145.9mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 86%
  • May: Good, temperature 24.8°C, rainfall 170.7mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 88%
  • June: Poor, temperature 23.33°C, rainfall 269.8mm, sunshine 7.9 hrs, humidity 90.5%
  • July: Good, temperature 22.84°C, rainfall 198.4mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 88.6%
  • August: Good, temperature 22.79°C, rainfall 143.9mm, sunshine 8.1 hrs, humidity 87.1%
  • September: Poor, temperature 22.94°C, rainfall 265.3mm, sunshine 7.8 hrs, humidity 90.2%
  • October: Good, temperature 23.47°C, rainfall 226mm, sunshine 8.9 hrs, humidity 90.7%
  • November: Good, temperature 24.46°C, rainfall 81.3mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 85.9%
  • December: Great, temperature 25.1°C, rainfall 24.9mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 77%

Wildlife in Atewa Range Forest Reserve

Home to 72 recorded species including 41 iconic birds, 17 birds of prey, 11 waterbirds, 3 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for Atewa Range Forest Reserve

Based on average temperature of 24.3°C, typical conditions, humidity 85%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 24°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

Safari Lodges in Atewa Range Forest Reserve

34 safari lodges available.

luxury

Other

Similar Parks in Eastern Forest & Atewa Highlands

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Ghana

Travel advisory for Ghana

Atewa Range Forest Reserve FAQs

What kind of wildlife can I realistically expect to see at Atewa Range Forest Reserve, given it's a forest reserve and not a savanna park?

Atewa is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, particularly its unique bird species, butterflies, and amphibians, many of which are endemic or rare. While you won't find large savanna mammals, visitors often spot various primate species like olive colobus and mona monkeys, along with forest antelopes and a rich array of insects and plant life.

When is the best time of year to visit Atewa Range Forest Reserve for optimal hiking and wildlife viewing conditions?

The dry season, typically from November to March, offers the most comfortable conditions for exploring Atewa, with less rainfall making forest trails more accessible and reducing humidity. While wildlife is present year-round, the drier months can sometimes make spotting certain species easier as they congregate near water sources.

What are the primary activities available for visitors within the Atewa Range Forest Reserve, beyond general wildlife spotting?

Atewa is ideal for guided forest hikes, birdwatching expeditions, and exploring its unique botanical diversity, including rare orchids and medicinal plants. The reserve is also a critical watershed, offering opportunities to learn about its ecological importance as a source of major rivers.

What specific safety precautions should I take when planning a visit to Atewa Range Forest Reserve, beyond general travel advice?

It's highly recommended to hire an experienced local guide from nearby communities, not only for navigation but also for safety and to enhance your wildlife spotting opportunities. Additionally, wear appropriate long clothing to protect against insects and thorny vegetation, and ensure you have sturdy hiking boots.

What are the typical costs associated with visiting Atewa Range Forest Reserve, and how accessible are the trails?

Entry fees are generally modest, and the primary cost will be hiring a local guide, which is essential for navigating the reserve's trails safely and effectively. While some trails are relatively gentle, others can be challenging and require a good level of fitness, so inquire about trail difficulty beforehand.

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.