Parc National de Keran

Parc National de Keran is a protected area in Ghana.

Parc National de Keran at a Glance

Location
Northern Savanna & Cross-Border Wildlife, Ghana, West Africa
Coordinates
10.106977, 0.633046
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 Parc National de Keran

Nearest airport: Aérodrome de Mango (DXMG), 34 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aéroport International de Ouagadougou (OUA), 342 km away.

Big Five in Parc National de Keran

1 of the Big Five can be found here: African Buffalo.

Weather & Climate in Parc National de Keran

The warmest temperatures in Parc National de Keran occur in March, averaging 32.2°C (up to 38.2°C). The coolest conditions are in August at 25.4°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in January with average rainfall of 0.0mm. Average humidity: 20.7%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 27.5°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • February: 29.7°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • March: 32.2°C (rainfall: 10.3mm)
  • April: 31.3°C (rainfall: 52.5mm)
  • May: 29.9°C (rainfall: 55.2mm)
  • June: 27.8°C (rainfall: 83.3mm)
  • July: 26.2°C (rainfall: 197.0mm)
  • August: 25.4°C (rainfall: 224.5mm)
  • September: 25.6°C (rainfall: 213.0mm)
  • October: 26.8°C (rainfall: 84.7mm)
  • November: 27.7°C (rainfall: 3.6mm)
  • December: 27.1°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)

Best Time to Visit Parc National de Keran

The best months to visit Parc National de Keran are January, February, November, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 27.47°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 20.7%
  • February: Great, temperature 29.7°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 17.9%
  • March: Great, temperature 32.16°C, rainfall 10.3mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 42.5%
  • April: Good, temperature 31.31°C, rainfall 52.5mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 55.6%
  • May: Great, temperature 29.86°C, rainfall 55.2mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 66.8%
  • June: Great, temperature 27.84°C, rainfall 83.3mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 74.4%
  • July: Good, temperature 26.17°C, rainfall 197mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs, humidity 81.7%
  • August: Good, temperature 25.43°C, rainfall 224.5mm, sunshine 8 hrs, humidity 84.9%
  • September: Good, temperature 25.62°C, rainfall 213mm, sunshine 8.3 hrs, humidity 86.2%
  • October: Great, temperature 26.75°C, rainfall 84.7mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 78.2%
  • November: Great, temperature 27.74°C, rainfall 3.6mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 49.5%
  • December: Great, temperature 27.08°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 29.9%

Wildlife in Parc National de Keran

Home to 3 recorded species including 1 waterbirds, 1 primates, 1 big five.

Recommended Packing List for Parc National de Keran

Based on average temperature of 28.1°C, typical conditions, humidity 57%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 28°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 Northern Savanna & Cross-Border Wildlife

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Ghana

Travel advisory for Ghana

Parc National de Keran FAQs

What is the optimal time of year to visit Parc National de Keran for wildlife viewing, and what can I expect regarding weather and park conditions?

The dry season, typically from November to March, offers the best conditions for wildlife viewing in Parc National de Keran as animals congregate around water sources. During this period, the weather is generally hot and dry, and the reduced vegetation makes spotting animals easier. Due to its low crowding level, you can expect a more intimate and undisturbed safari experience.

Given the high malaria risk in Ghana, what specific precautions should I take when visiting Parc National de Keran?

Due to the high malaria risk, it is crucial to consult your doctor about antimalarial medication before your trip to Parc National de Keran. Additionally, pack long-sleeved clothing, use insect repellent containing DEET, and sleep under mosquito nets provided by your accommodation to minimize exposure. These measures are essential for a safe visit.

What kind of unique wildlife can I expect to encounter at Parc National de Keran, and how does its low crowding level impact viewing opportunities?

Parc National de Keran is home to various West African wildlife, including antelopes like kob and hartebeest, as well as elephants, baboons, and a rich diversity of birdlife. The park's low crowding level (1/5) means you often have more exclusive viewing opportunities, enhancing the chances of undisturbed animal encounters. While big cat sightings are rare, the overall experience focuses on the natural behavior of its resident species.

What are the typical entry fees and accessibility considerations for Parc National de Keran, especially compared to more popular Ghanaian parks?

Entry fees for Parc National de Keran are generally modest, reflecting its status as a less-crowded protected area compared to Ghana's larger, more established parks. Access typically involves travel from major cities like Tamale, often requiring a 4x4 vehicle, especially during the wet season, due to varying road conditions. It's advisable to arrange transport and guides in advance.

How does the low crowding level at Parc National de Keran influence the overall safari experience for visitors?

With a crowding level of 1/5, Parc National de Keran offers a remarkably tranquil and intimate safari experience, far removed from the bustling crowds of more famous parks. This allows for a deeper connection with nature, more personal interactions with guides, and less competition for prime wildlife viewing spots. Visitors can expect a peaceful environment where the sounds of the wilderness truly dominate.

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.