Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary

Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Ghana.

Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary at a Glance

Location
Volta Basin & Eastern Plains, Ghana, West Africa
Coordinates
7.113323, 0.595163
IUCN Category
II
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 Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary

Nearest airport: Aérodrome de Cana (DBBC), 160 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aéroport International Cardinal Bernardin Gantin (COO), 215 km away.

Weather & Climate in Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary

The warmest temperatures in Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary occur in February, averaging 29.3°C (up to 36.5°C). The coolest conditions are in September at 24.6°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in January with average rainfall of 5.5mm. Average humidity: 51.9%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 28.4°C (rainfall: 5.5mm)
  • February: 29.3°C (rainfall: 13.5mm)
  • March: 27.8°C (rainfall: 129.2mm)
  • April: 27.4°C (rainfall: 142.7mm)
  • May: 26.9°C (rainfall: 145.8mm)
  • June: 25.3°C (rainfall: 183.0mm)
  • July: 24.6°C (rainfall: 172.7mm)
  • August: 24.6°C (rainfall: 154.6mm)
  • September: 24.6°C (rainfall: 272.4mm)
  • October: 25.2°C (rainfall: 167.4mm)
  • November: 26.6°C (rainfall: 42.1mm)
  • December: 27.4°C (rainfall: 7.7mm)

Best Time to Visit Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary

The best months to visit Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary are January, December, February, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 28.35°C, rainfall 5.5mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 51.9%
  • February: Great, temperature 29.29°C, rainfall 13.5mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 56.5%
  • March: Good, temperature 27.82°C, rainfall 129.2mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 76.3%
  • April: Good, temperature 27.38°C, rainfall 142.7mm, sunshine 8.9 hrs, humidity 79.3%
  • May: Good, temperature 26.91°C, rainfall 145.8mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 81.5%
  • June: Good, temperature 25.32°C, rainfall 183mm, sunshine 8 hrs, humidity 85.4%
  • July: Good, temperature 24.62°C, rainfall 172.7mm, sunshine 8.3 hrs, humidity 85.4%
  • August: Good, temperature 24.64°C, rainfall 154.6mm, sunshine 8.5 hrs, humidity 83.7%
  • September: Good, temperature 24.56°C, rainfall 272.4mm, sunshine 7.9 hrs, humidity 87.2%
  • October: Good, temperature 25.22°C, rainfall 167.4mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 86.2%
  • November: Great, temperature 26.57°C, rainfall 42.1mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 76.3%
  • December: Great, temperature 27.45°C, rainfall 7.7mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 58.9%

Wildlife in Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary

Home to 42 recorded species including 25 iconic birds, 9 birds of prey, 6 waterbirds, 2 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary

Based on average temperature of 26.5°C, typical conditions, humidity 76%.

  • 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

Safari Lodges in Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary

45 safari lodges available.

Other

budget

luxury

Similar Parks in Volta Basin & Eastern Plains

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Ghana

Travel advisory for Ghana

Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary FAQs

When is the best time of year to visit Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary for optimal wildlife viewing?

The dry season, typically from November to March, offers the best conditions for spotting wildlife as animals congregate around fewer water sources and vegetation is less dense. This period also provides more comfortable weather for exploring the sanctuary's trails and increases visibility.

What types of unique wildlife and natural environments can visitors expect to experience within Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary?

Agumatsa is characterized by a mix of savanna and gallery forest, supporting diverse species like various primates, antelopes such as bushbucks and duikers, and a rich array of birdlife. While large predators are rare, the sanctuary offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching and observing smaller mammals in their natural habitat.

What are the typical entry fees and safari activity costs for Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary?

Entry fees for Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary are generally affordable, with separate rates for Ghanaian citizens and international visitors, usually ranging from $5-$15 USD. Guided walking safaris or vehicle tours, which are often mandatory for deeper exploration, incur additional per-person or per-group charges.

Beyond general travel advice, what specific safety measures should visitors prioritize when exploring Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary?

Given the high malaria risk in the region, it's crucial to use insect repellent, wear long clothing, and take prescribed antimalarial medication. Always stay with your authorized guide, avoid approaching wild animals too closely, and remain on designated paths to ensure your safety within the sanctuary.

What kind of safari experience can I expect at Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary, particularly regarding its moderate crowding level?

Agumatsa offers a more intimate safari experience compared to highly frequented parks, with its 3/5 crowding level meaning you'll encounter other visitors but still enjoy significant periods of solitude. This allows for a peaceful connection with nature, often through guided walking safaris that provide a deeper immersion into the Ghanaian wilderness.

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.