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Monday, December 6, 2010

Come to Ghana!

Recently, Ghana has been receiving visitors who are interested in the vegetation and the nature reserves where, within relatively short distances, one can experience tropical forests, marine and savannah ecosystems and other natural features that form the basis of the country's ecotourism.

Don't miss a perfect opportunity to visit Tsokomey on the shore at Bojo beach at the mouth of the Densu River. A surprisingly short drive from Accra and only a few kilometers from Kokrobite, this deltaic estuary features sand dunes, lush mangrove stands, and picturesque lagoons. From the mouth of the Densu River you can take an expertly guided canoe trip through one of nature's most biologically productive ecosystems. This coastal wetland serves as feeding, breeding, and roosting grounds for waterbirds such as terns, waders, egrets and herons. It harbors nesting sea turtles and is home to fishes belonging to 14 genera, crabs, and snails.

The nearby Solo Forest Monkey Sanctuary boasts wawa, odum, sapele and mohagany trees and is home to monkeys, butterflies, birds and snakes.

On the beach you can go swimming, meet the local people and enjoy a diner.

Feel free to stay overnight in APLAKU guesthouse, with an overwhelming view on this deltaic estuary, Bojo beach and the Atlantic Ocean. We also offer bird watching canoe trips through the Densu River wetlands, guided tours into the Solo Monkey Sanctuary, and sailboat trips on the ocean.

Aburi

Located 38 km (24 miles) to the north of Accra in the Akwapim Hills. The Sanatorium (now a rest house), built there in the 19th century, is indicative of the refreshing climate. The Botanical Gardens, planted by British naturalists in colonial days, has a comprehensive array of subtropical plants and trees.

Castles and Forts

The central region of Ghana borders the Gulf of Guinea and is home to ancient castles and forts that were often used during the slave trade as holding areas for human cargo. Go to the Cape Coast Castle, built in the 16th-century and later reconstructed and enlarged, which served as the seat of British administration in the then Gold Coast until 1877 (when administration moved to Christianborg Castle in Accra). Head further west to the Castle of Elmina. Elmina was the first Portuguese settlement in Ghana. This huge 15th-century fort, that largely remains intact, is the location of one of the first Catholic churches in sub-Saharan Africa. Today, it is the most photographed structure in Ghana. Fort St Jago was primarily used as a military base and stands on a hill commanding fabulous views of both Elmina and the Atlantic Ocean. Cultural shows are often performed at the castles and guided tours are available. All Ghana's castles and forts have both been declared World Heritage Monuments by UNESCO.

Wildlife reserves and national parks

Safaris are available in all of Ghana’s game reserves, including the Bia Tawny Reservation, the Bui National Park, the Mole National Park and Kakum Park all of which are good options for hiking and exploring the savannah and rainforest.

Mole National Park
Mole Park, the largest eco-tourism site in the country, is located 170 kilometres west of Tamale in the West Gonja District. It is home to 93 mammalian species, 33 reptiles, nine amphibians and an estimated 300 birds species. The mammals include some 600 elephants, 2,000 roam antelopes, 3,000 hartebeests, 4,000 waterbucks, 5,000 buffalo and some 6,000 warthogs. Uncounted lions, leopards, hyenas and various primates can also be seen in Mole. A total of 600km of game protection and viewing roads have been developed within the park.

Boupom Wildlife Reservation
Containing the spectacular Banfabiri Falls.

Kakum National Park
Located 20km from Cape Coast, the park is a protected conservation area, following governmental concerns to promote ecotourism. Wildlife that can be seen includes elephants, bongo antelopes, monkeys, over 800 species of rare birds, butterflies, amphibians and reptiles. Visitors can view wildlife at tree canopy level from the 333m tree-top walkway.

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