Songor Lagoon

Songor Lagoon is a protected area in Ghana.

Songor Lagoon at a Glance

Location
Volta Basin & Eastern Plains, Ghana, West Africa
Coordinates
5.832965, 0.455918
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 Songor Lagoon

Nearest airport: Base Aérienne de Cotonou, 221 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aéroport International Cardinal Bernardin Gantin (COO), 221 km away.

Weather & Climate in Songor Lagoon

The warmest temperatures in Songor Lagoon occur in February, averaging 28.5°C (up to 32.1°C). The coolest conditions are in August at 25.0°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in January with average rainfall of 15.6mm. Average humidity: 77.2%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 27.9°C (rainfall: 15.6mm)
  • February: 28.5°C (rainfall: 19.1mm)
  • March: 28.4°C (rainfall: 50.9mm)
  • April: 28.4°C (rainfall: 71.0mm)
  • May: 27.8°C (rainfall: 133.1mm)
  • June: 26.3°C (rainfall: 182.1mm)
  • July: 25.3°C (rainfall: 90.6mm)
  • August: 25.0°C (rainfall: 51.5mm)
  • September: 25.5°C (rainfall: 106.0mm)
  • October: 26.3°C (rainfall: 133.2mm)
  • November: 27.4°C (rainfall: 86.1mm)
  • December: 27.9°C (rainfall: 27.3mm)

Best Time to Visit Songor Lagoon

The best months to visit Songor Lagoon are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 27.89°C, rainfall 15.6mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 77.2%
  • February: Great, temperature 28.5°C, rainfall 19.1mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 78.5%
  • March: Great, temperature 28.4°C, rainfall 50.9mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 80.3%
  • April: Great, temperature 28.37°C, rainfall 71mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 80.3%
  • May: Great, temperature 27.84°C, rainfall 133.1mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 81.9%
  • June: Good, temperature 26.26°C, rainfall 182.1mm, sunshine 8.9 hrs, humidity 84.9%
  • July: Great, temperature 25.34°C, rainfall 90.6mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 85.1%
  • August: Great, temperature 25.02°C, rainfall 51.5mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 84.3%
  • September: Good, temperature 25.54°C, rainfall 106mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 85%
  • October: Good, temperature 26.29°C, rainfall 133.2mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 85.7%
  • November: Great, temperature 27.36°C, rainfall 86.1mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs, humidity 82.7%
  • December: Great, temperature 27.91°C, rainfall 27.3mm, sunshine 10.5 hrs, humidity 77.9%

Wildlife in Songor Lagoon

Home to 42 recorded species including 24 iconic birds, 11 birds of prey, 5 waterbirds, 2 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for Songor Lagoon

Based on average temperature of 27.1°C, typical conditions, humidity 82%.

  • 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 Songor Lagoon

46 safari lodges available.

Other

luxury

mid-range

Similar Parks in Volta Basin & Eastern Plains

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Ghana

Travel advisory for Ghana

Songor Lagoon FAQs

What is the optimal time of year to visit Songor Lagoon for wildlife viewing and comfortable weather?

The best time to visit Songor Lagoon is during Ghana's dry season, typically from November to March. This period offers cooler, less humid weather and makes wildlife spotting, especially migratory birds and aquatic species, more accessible as water levels recede.

Given the high malaria risk, what specific precautions should I take when visiting Songor Lagoon?

Due to the high malaria risk in the Songor Lagoon area, it is crucial to take comprehensive preventative measures. This includes consulting your doctor about antimalarial medication, using insect repellent with DEET, and wearing long sleeves and trousers, especially during dawn and dusk. Ensure your accommodation has mosquito nets or screened windows.

Beyond typical safari drives, what unique activities or wildlife experiences can I expect at Songor Lagoon?

Songor Lagoon, as a coastal wetland, offers exceptional birdwatching opportunities, including migratory species and resident waterbirds not typically found in savanna parks. Visitors can often arrange boat trips to explore the lagoon's diverse ecosystems, potentially spotting marine life or unique mangrove habitats.

How does the moderate crowding level at Songor Lagoon impact the visitor experience, and are there ways to ensure a more secluded visit?

With a moderate crowding level, Songor Lagoon generally offers a balanced experience, not overly busy but also not completely isolated. To enhance a sense of seclusion, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons or early mornings on weekdays, when fewer visitors are typically present. This allows for more intimate wildlife encounters and photography opportunities.

What are the typical costs associated with visiting Songor Lagoon, and how accessible is it for independent travelers?

Entry fees for Songor Lagoon are generally affordable, though specific costs for guided tours or boat excursions will vary by operator. While independent travel is possible, many visitors opt for organized tours from Accra or nearby towns, which often include transportation and local guides for a smoother experience.

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.