Desiri Forest Reserve

Desiri Forest Reserve is a protected area in Ghana.

Desiri Forest Reserve at a Glance

Location
Western Rainforests & Coastal Reserves, Ghana, West Africa
Coordinates
6.752824, -2.291652
IUCN Category
IV
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 Desiri Forest Reserve

Nearest airport: Aéroport de Gaoua (XGA), 415 km away.

Weather & Climate in Desiri Forest Reserve

The warmest temperatures in Desiri Forest Reserve occur in February, averaging 28.4°C (up to 34.9°C). The coolest conditions are in August at 24.5°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in January with average rainfall of 26.3mm. Average humidity: 58.6%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 27.4°C (rainfall: 26.3mm)
  • February: 28.4°C (rainfall: 42.9mm)
  • March: 27.1°C (rainfall: 146.3mm)
  • April: 27.0°C (rainfall: 169.9mm)
  • May: 26.5°C (rainfall: 216.1mm)
  • June: 25.0°C (rainfall: 238.6mm)
  • July: 24.5°C (rainfall: 158.6mm)
  • August: 24.5°C (rainfall: 158.5mm)
  • September: 24.6°C (rainfall: 188.2mm)
  • October: 24.8°C (rainfall: 267.8mm)
  • November: 25.8°C (rainfall: 123.7mm)
  • December: 26.5°C (rainfall: 33.8mm)

Best Time to Visit Desiri Forest Reserve

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

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 27.37°C, rainfall 26.3mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 58.6%
  • February: Great, temperature 28.39°C, rainfall 42.9mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 63%
  • March: Good, temperature 27.15°C, rainfall 146.3mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs, humidity 78.4%
  • April: Good, temperature 26.96°C, rainfall 169.9mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 79.9%
  • May: Good, temperature 26.54°C, rainfall 216.1mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 81.7%
  • June: Good, temperature 24.99°C, rainfall 238.6mm, sunshine 8.2 hrs, humidity 84.9%
  • July: Good, temperature 24.49°C, rainfall 158.6mm, sunshine 7.9 hrs, humidity 83.2%
  • August: Good, temperature 24.49°C, rainfall 158.5mm, sunshine 7.3 hrs, humidity 81.3%
  • September: Good, temperature 24.59°C, rainfall 188.2mm, sunshine 7.5 hrs, humidity 84.7%
  • October: Good, temperature 24.79°C, rainfall 267.8mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 87%
  • November: Good, temperature 25.75°C, rainfall 123.7mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 81.6%
  • December: Great, temperature 26.54°C, rainfall 33.8mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 67.5%

Recommended Packing List for Desiri Forest Reserve

Based on average temperature of 26.0°C, typical conditions, humidity 78%.

  • 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

Safari Lodges in Desiri Forest Reserve

2 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Western Rainforests & Coastal Reserves

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Ghana

Travel advisory for Ghana

Desiri Forest Reserve FAQs

What makes a safari at Desiri Forest Reserve unique compared to more popular African parks?

The exceptionally low crowding level (1/5) at Desiri Forest Reserve offers an intimate and undisturbed wildlife viewing experience. You'll enjoy a sense of true wilderness, often having sightings all to yourself, which is rare in many other African safari destinations. This provides a deeply personal connection with nature, away from large tourist groups.

What specific wildlife can I expect to see at Desiri Forest Reserve, given its IUCN Category IV status?

As an IUCN Category IV Habitat/Species Management Area, Desiri Forest Reserve actively manages its ecosystem, likely protecting specific forest-dwelling species. While not a typical 'Big Five' destination, visitors can anticipate spotting various primates, antelopes like duikers, and a rich diversity of birdlife unique to West African forests. The focus is on the unique biodiversity of Ghana's protected forest environments.

When is the best time of year to visit Desiri Forest Reserve for optimal wildlife viewing and comfortable conditions?

The dry season, typically from November to March, is generally considered the best time to visit Desiri Forest Reserve. During these months, rainfall is minimal, making forest trails more accessible and wildlife more concentrated around water sources, enhancing viewing opportunities. The weather is also more pleasant for outdoor activities.

Given the high malaria risk, what specific precautions should I take when visiting Desiri Forest Reserve?

Due to the high malaria risk in Desiri Forest Reserve, it's crucial to consult your doctor about antimalarial medication before your trip. Additionally, wear long sleeves and trousers, especially at dawn and dusk, use insect repellent containing DEET, and sleep under mosquito nets provided by your accommodation to minimize exposure.

Beyond game drives, what types of activities are available at Desiri Forest Reserve, and what kind of safari experience should I budget for?

Desiri Forest Reserve, being a forest environment with low crowding, likely offers excellent opportunities for guided forest walks, birdwatching, and potentially night safaris to spot nocturnal creatures. While specific costs vary, expect a more tailored, perhaps slightly higher-end, experience due to the exclusivity and personalized attention afforded by the low visitor numbers, rather than a budget mass-tourism safari.

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.