Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique nature reserve comprising a bird sanctuary and a lake formed after the construction of a dam across the Owabi River to supply potable water to the hundreds of thousands of people living in the Kumasi metropolis.
Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary is a unique nature reserve comprising a bird sanctuary and a lake formed after the construction of a dam across the Owabi River to supply potable water to the hundreds of thousands of people living in the Kumasi metropolis.
Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary is the smallest of 4 Wildlife Protected areas in Ghana. It is 13km² in size, and lies approximately 23km northwest of Kumasi. It has an inner Sanctuary of about 7km, which surrounds a lake, formed by the damming of the Owabi River in 1928.A bird Sanctuary located near Kumasi. It protects the catchment area of one of the dams use for water supply to the Kumasi metropolis. Until the construction of the Barekese Dam in 1971, Owabi was the only source of water to Kumasi.
A plantation of an exotic species, Cassia siamea, covers about 10% of the area. The rest consist of secondary vegetation and small areas of riverine forest and aquatic vegetation.
It is centred on the reservoir and includes an important plantation of exotic species – mostly Senna siamea – and riverine forests and aquatic plants. The wetland serves as a habitat and a food base for a variety of wildlife including monkeys, bushbuck, antelopes, black duikers and hundreds of indigenous and migratory birds including the hornbill, pygmy goose, purple heron, jacanas and herons.
One hundred and ninety nine species of vascular plants been identified. These include 91 tree, 19 shrub, 40 herb, 14 grass, 1 parasite, 6 ferns, and 29 climber species.
The avifauna is relatively rich with indigenous birds and some migrants. 161 birds consisting of 29 families have been recorded, 13 of which are listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The Sanctuary is also the only inland Ramsar Site in Ghana.
The Sanctuary again provides an excellent facility for educational tours and ecological studies off-stagging from Kumasi Zoo with its commendable animals collection where informed guided tours are provided by the trained staff. From Kumasi Zoo, one can continue to Owabi to enjoy a guided walk through the Sanctuary, and possibly to Owhim to see the interesting bead industry. When at Owabi the guided tour can include a visit to the waterworks where the station officer will be only too happy to conduct people around the treatment plant, to show them the water treatment processs
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When visiting the Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary in Ghana, you can expect a range of exciting experiences and encounters with nature. Here’s what you can typically expect at Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary:
Owabi Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for nature enthusiasts. The sanctuary is home to a rich variety of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The opportunity to spot herons, kingfishers, and cormorants in their natural habitat was a thrill.
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