Shai Hills Resource Reserve in Shai Hills, Accra: Hours, Facilities and Family Guide
Animals and wildlife in Shai Hills, Accra
Photo: Auto-generated feature card
The closest wildlife reserve to Accra, about an hour away, with baboons, antelope, zebras, ostriches, bat caves and a guided safari through the reserve.
What is Shai Hills Resource Reserve?
Shai Hills Resource Reserve sits about an hour from Accra and is the closest wildlife sanctuary to the city. It is a mini game reserve with baboons, antelope, zebras, ostriches, monkeys, birds and bat caves, and visitors drive through the reserve with a special site guide to see the animals.
The reserve is home to 31 species of mammals and over 150 bird species, including violet turaco, paradise flycatcher and red-billed hornbill. It also has an animal museum and rock climbing, and it is one of the most accessible wildlife viewing options in Ghana. Half-day tours from Accra are widely available.
Shai Hills Resource Reserve protects 31 mammal species and over 150 bird species, and runs guided safaris and environmental education.
💡 Money-saving tips for families
- Half-day trip About an hour from Accra
- Guided safari The guide finds the animals
- Bat caves A highlight for older children
Is it right for your child's age?
| Age group | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 years | Okay | Drive-through safari with an adult |
| 3-5 years | Good | Animals from the vehicle |
| 6-9 years | Great | Baboons and ostriches |
| 10-12 years | Great | Full safari and bat caves |
| 13+ years | Great | Safari and rock climbing |
Perfect visit planner
How much time do you have? Pick your window and we'll show you the ideal sequence.
Choose your time window
Key details
- Address
- Shai Hills Resource Reserve, Greater Accra Region, about an hour from Accra, Accra
- Opening hours
- Daily, daylight hours
- How long to plan
- 2 to 4 hours
- Suitable ages
- All ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Booking
- Book a half-day tour or drive yourself and hire a guide at the gate
- Payment accepted
- Cash and mobile money at the gate
What to expect when you visit
Pay the park entry at the gate and hire a guide for the drive-through safari. The guide knows where the animals are and will take you past the bat caves and the rock formations.
Allow two to four hours. It is a half-day trip from Accra, so plan for an early start, and bring binoculars, water and sun protection.
What if...?
The questions every parent asks before booking. Tap to expand.
How far is it from Accra?
About an hour.
Do we need a guide?
Yes, hire one at the gate for the drive-through safari.
What animals will we see?
Baboons, antelope, zebras and ostriches are common.
Family essentials
- Suitable age bands
- 0–2 years
- 3–5 years
- 6–9 years
- 10–12 years
- 13+ years
- Safety notes
Stay in the vehicle except at marked stops, keep a safe distance from the animals and follow the guide's instructions.
Tickets and costs
- Toddler entry (0 if free)
- Free
- Ticket notes
Park entry and guide fees are charged; half-day tours from Accra include transport and are priced per person. Confirm current rates at the gate.
- Parking
- Free
- Free entry rules
- No
- Extra costs (activities, rentals, food)
Guided safari, baboons, antelope, zebras, ostriches, bat caves, animal museum, rock climbing
- Food and drink per person (estimate)
- Free
- Return transport (estimate, flat)
- Free
- Transport estimate note
- Trotro to Shai Hills, then a short walk
Plan your visit
- Combine with
- Aburi Botanical Gardens
- Accra Zoo
- Legon Botanical Gardens
- What to bring
- Binoculars
- sun hat
- water
- closed shoes
Accessibility deep dive
Here is what to expect on the ground.
What to pack
Tick off what you have. Your list saves automatically on this device.
Family day bag checklist
What visitors say
No reviews yet. Be the first to share what your visit was like.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the Shai Hills Resource Reserve opening hours?
- Daily, daylight hours.
- How long do you need at Shai Hills Resource Reserve?
- Plan for 2 to 4 hours.
- What payment methods does Shai Hills Resource Reserve accept?
- Shai Hills Resource Reserve accepts Cash and mobile money at the gate. It does not accept cash.
Similar places
Animals and wildlife in Nairobi
Nairobi National Park
The only national park within a capital city, about 7 km from Nairobi CBD. Home to lions, rhinos, giraffes and over 400…
- All ages
- Outdoor
- Some toddler activities
Entry from KES 1,000
Animals and wildlife in Nairobi
Nairobi Snake Park
A small reptile park on Museum Hill next to the Nairobi National Museum, with snakes, crocodiles, tortoises and an aqua…
- All ages
- Outdoor
Entry from KES 350
Animals and wildlife in Nairobi
Giraffe Centre
Feed and meet endangered Rothschild's giraffes from a raised platform, then walk a 1.5 km nature trail in Lang'ata, Nai…
- Outdoor
- Great for toddlers
Entry from KES 200
Animals and wildlife in Subukia, Nakuru County
Subukia Bandas
Eco-camp with family bandas, farm animals and outdoor activities in the Subukia Valley.
- All ages; farm activities best for 3+
- Eco-camp, farm and outdoor
- Yes, cribs on request
Entry from KES 1
Also in Accra
Indoor play and trampoline parks in Accra
Palace Mall Indoor Play Area
A children's indoor play area inside Palace Mall in Labone, with slides, climbing walls and a mini rollercoaster, along…
- Primary age and younger
- Indoor
Amusement and family entertainment in Accra
A&C Mall Kiddie Ground
An outdoor children's play area at A&C Mall in East Legon, with rides and play equipment for children up to eight years…
- Up to 8 years
- Both
Parks, beaches and nature in Accra
Aburi Botanical Gardens
A historic botanical garden in the Eastern Region, about 45 minutes from Accra, with exotic trees, medicinal plants, wa…
- All ages
- Outdoor
Museums and history in Accra
National Theatre of Ghana
Ghana's national performing arts venue, with indigenous theatre, traditional dance, drama and comedy, and a regular chi…
- All ages (check the show)
- Indoor