Tonton Forest Reserve

Tonton Forest Reserve is a protected area in Ghana.

Tonton Forest Reserve at a Glance

Location
Western Rainforests & Coastal Reserves, Ghana, West Africa
Coordinates
6.020739, -2.092348
IUCN Category
III
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 Tonton Forest Reserve

Nearest airport: Aérodrome de Cana (DBBC), 474 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aéroport International Cardinal Bernardin Gantin (COO), 496 km away.

Weather & Climate in Tonton Forest Reserve

The warmest temperatures in Tonton Forest Reserve occur in February, averaging 28.4°C (up to 35.2°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 24.8°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in January with average rainfall of 31.4mm. Average humidity: 71.4%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 27.6°C (rainfall: 31.4mm)
  • February: 28.4°C (rainfall: 58.5mm)
  • March: 27.4°C (rainfall: 131.5mm)
  • April: 27.2°C (rainfall: 159.2mm)
  • May: 26.7°C (rainfall: 202.5mm)
  • June: 25.1°C (rainfall: 257.8mm)
  • July: 24.8°C (rainfall: 148.2mm)
  • August: 24.9°C (rainfall: 125.0mm)
  • September: 25.0°C (rainfall: 178.0mm)
  • October: 25.3°C (rainfall: 177.3mm)
  • November: 26.0°C (rainfall: 88.5mm)
  • December: 26.9°C (rainfall: 33.4mm)

Best Time to Visit Tonton Forest Reserve

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

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 27.62°C, rainfall 31.4mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 71.4%
  • February: Great, temperature 28.36°C, rainfall 58.5mm, sunshine 9.5 hrs, humidity 73.6%
  • March: Good, temperature 27.37°C, rainfall 131.5mm, sunshine 8 hrs, humidity 81.9%
  • April: Good, temperature 27.21°C, rainfall 159.2mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs, humidity 83.1%
  • May: Good, temperature 26.69°C, rainfall 202.5mm, sunshine 9 hrs, humidity 84.9%
  • June: Good, temperature 25.14°C, rainfall 257.8mm, sunshine 7.7 hrs, humidity 88.1%
  • July: Good, temperature 24.83°C, rainfall 148.2mm, sunshine 8.3 hrs, humidity 84.8%
  • August: Good, temperature 24.86°C, rainfall 125mm, sunshine 7.4 hrs, humidity 82.7%
  • September: Good, temperature 25.02°C, rainfall 178mm, sunshine 7.6 hrs, humidity 85.7%
  • October: Good, temperature 25.3°C, rainfall 177.3mm, sunshine 8.3 hrs, humidity 87.9%
  • November: Good, temperature 25.98°C, rainfall 88.5mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 85.3%
  • December: Great, temperature 26.93°C, rainfall 33.4mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 76.8%

Wildlife in Tonton Forest Reserve

Home to 1 recorded species including 1 waterbirds.

Recommended Packing List for Tonton Forest Reserve

Based on average temperature of 26.3°C, typical conditions, humidity 82%.

  • 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

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Tonton Forest Reserve

1 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Western Rainforests & Coastal Reserves

Visitor Tips - Tonton Forest Reserve

We love Tonton for its profound tranquility and the sheer joy of discovering its rich, often overlooked, birdlife. It offers an intimate forest experience, far removed from the crowds, where every rustle in the undergrowth holds a promise of a unique sighting.

Gate Times

We find that Tonton Forest Reserve typically operates from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. We strongly advise securing your entry permits and any specific guide bookings well in advance, particularly if you plan an early morning birding excursion. This ensures a smooth start to your day and avoids any delays at the gate.

Tipping

We recommend showing your appreciation for the dedicated staff. For your primary guide, we suggest GHS 100-150 per day (approximately $8-12 USD). Any additional trackers or support staff might receive GHS 50-70 per day ($4-6 USD). We always tip discreetly and in local currency if possible, as it's often more practical for the recipients.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Ghana

Travel advisory for Ghana

Tonton Forest Reserve FAQs

When is the optimal time of year to visit Tonton Forest Reserve for wildlife viewing and comfortable weather?

The dry season, typically from November to March, is ideal for visiting Tonton Forest Reserve. During these months, rainfall is minimal, making game viewing easier as animals congregate around fewer water sources and vegetation is less dense. The roads are also more accessible, ensuring a smoother safari experience.

What unique wildlife can I expect to encounter during a safari in Tonton Forest Reserve, given its Ghanaian location?

Tonton Forest Reserve, being a protected area in Ghana, offers opportunities to spot West African wildlife such as various monkey species, antelopes like duikers, and a rich diversity of birds. While large predators are rare, you might encounter forest elephants, pangolins, or even civets, especially during night drives if offered.

Beyond general advice, what specific malaria prevention strategies are recommended for visitors to Tonton Forest Reserve, considering its high-risk status?

Due to the high malaria risk in Tonton Forest Reserve, it's crucial to consult your doctor about prescription antimalarial medication well before your trip. Additionally, always use insect repellent with DEET, wear long sleeves and trousers at dawn and dusk, and sleep under mosquito nets provided by accommodations to minimize bites.

What kind of visitor experience can I anticipate at Tonton Forest Reserve, particularly regarding the number of other tourists?

Tonton Forest Reserve offers a remarkably tranquil and intimate safari experience, as it has a very low crowding level (1/5). You can expect unhurried game drives and a strong sense of solitude, often having wildlife sightings entirely to yourself without the distraction of numerous other vehicles.

How accessible is Tonton Forest Reserve for independent travelers, and what are the typical entry fees or permit requirements?

Access to Tonton Forest Reserve typically involves travel by road from major Ghanaian cities like Accra or Kumasi, often requiring a 4x4 vehicle, especially during the wet season. While specific entry fees can vary, expect to pay a conservation fee per person per day, which contributes to the reserve's upkeep and local community initiatives. It's advisable to check current rates with local tour operators or the Ghana Wildlife Division 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.