A bird-rich mosaic of riverine forest, woodland, and grassland savanna in Ghana's Ashanti region
Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary
Bomfobiri Wildlife Sanctuary is a compact but ecologically diverse protected area in west-central Ghana, lying about 80 kilometers northeast of Kumasi within the Ashanti region. The sanctuary combines four distinct vegetation types in close proximity, ranging from dense riverine forest along watercourses to drier woodland and grassland savanna. This unusual habitat mosaic, together with a number of culturally significant natural landmarks such as the Lion Stone and Stone Bridge, gives the park a layered character that blends ornithological value, broader mammal diversity, and traditional landscape features.
The sanctuary has functioned as a wildlife reserve since 1975, building on a much older colonial-era Forest Reserve dating back to 1946. It is widely recognized as a bird sanctuary and supports several other notable mammal species, while the crocodile is treated as its defining symbol. Despite its relatively modest size, Bomfobiri offers a varied natural and cultural experience within easy reach of Ghana's second-largest city.
For visitors, the sanctuary combines wildlife observation with recreation, including hiking, mountain climbing, birdwatching, camping, and swimming near waterfalls. Its accessibility from Kumasi and its compact geography make it one of the more approachable protected natural areas in the Ashanti region of Ghana.
