SHAI HILLS RESOURCE RESERVE

Shai hills Resource Reserve is situated in Doryumu in the Dangme West districtt with Dodowa as the district capital and north of Accra. It is made up of largely of savanna covered plains. The reserve is about 17kilometres from Accra. It covers an area size of 52 square kilometres and is made up of 5 hills with the highest at 290metres.

MAP OF SHAI HILLS RESOURCE RESERVE

The reserve consists of striking and attractive range of rocky hills set in the middle of expansive and open grassland plain. The reserve is fenced to prevent animals from staying out. There are beautiful scenic views across the Accra plain from the top. There are close to 31 mammals, 13 reptiles and 175 bird species. The baboon troop at the entrance can be amazing, but be cautious because they love to snatch your attended personal belongings.

The reserves wildlife is best viewed very early in the morning. One can travel through the park in a 4x4 vehicle or on foot with an armed escort from 6:00am to 5:00pm. Game viewing, hiking and bird watching are some of the activities that go on at the reserve. Kob, antelope, guineafowls, baboons and francolins are among the wildlife that can be found at the Shai.

In addition, one could also enjoy the pleasure of visiting Obonu tem and Se yo caves on the Hioweyo and Sayu hills (the Shai people’s ancestral caves).  These caves were used by the Shai Kings until the end of the 19^th century as defensive caves in times of war due to the abundance of great stone rocks, a tunnel -like opening and over hangs. Nearby is the Dodowa village, where a refreshing forest hike to a fetish shrine and the 250ft Tsenku waterfalls is possible.

A memorable day can be spent walking through the cool dry evergreen forest to the caves. It is opened to all at anytime throughout the year but becomes a bit uncomfortable and difficult during the rainy season.