By Ishmeal 
Ghana is blessed with remarkable natural attractions, from tropical rainforests and wildlife reserves to beautiful landscapes and diverse bird species. Every year, nature enthusiasts, researchers, photographers and international tourists visit the country to experience its rich biodiversity.
Behind many memorable wildlife experiences are local professionals whose knowledge, dedication and passion help visitors discover what makes Ghana special.
One of these professionals is Robert Ntakor, a Ghanaian wildlife and birdwatching guide whose work has received positive recommendations from international birdwatchers and mammal enthusiasts.
Through his experience in nature-based tourism, Ntakor has helped visitors explore some of Ghana’s important wildlife destinations. His work focuses particularly on birdwatching and mammal watching, helping visitors identify different species, understand animal behaviour and explore natural habitats.
For international visitors who want to experience Ghana beyond its cities, beaches and historical attractions, the knowledge of an experienced local guide can make a significant difference.
Who Is Robert Ntakor?
Robert Ntakor is a Ghanaian wildlife and birdwatching guide with experience in organising and leading nature-based trips in Ghana.
He is known among some international wildlife-watching communities for his knowledge of the country’s birds and mammals. His work has involved guiding visitors through forests, wildlife reserves and other natural environments.
Ntakor’s name has appeared in international wildlife travel reports and birdwatching publications. Visitors who have travelled with him have praised his field knowledge, guiding skills and ability to locate animals that can be difficult to spot.
A report published on Mammal Watching describes him as an excellent guide who impressed a visitor during a trip to Kakum National Park. His ability to find mammals, including a rare-to-spot pangolin, was particularly highlighted.
His name has also featured in international birdwatching discussions, where travellers have shared recommendations about his guiding services.
The Guide Who Impressed Visitors at Kakum National Park
One of the most interesting accounts of Ntakor’s work comes from an international visitor who explored Kakum National Park with him.
The visitor described Robert as an excellent guide with an impressive knowledge of birds. However, his abilities were not limited to birdwatching. He also demonstrated a remarkable talent for finding mammals in the forest.
According to the visitor’s account, Robert understood the movements and behaviour of different animals and knew how to help visitors search for wildlife in the park.
Kakum National Park, located in Ghana’s Central Region, is one of the country’s best-known rainforest destinations. It is famous for its canopy walkway, forest trails and rich biodiversity.
During the visit, Robert helped the visitor explore different parts of the forest, including areas around the canopy walkway and the Ebony Trail.
One of the highlights was the opportunity to observe three monkey species: Lowe’s Monkeys, Lesser Spot-nosed Monkeys and Olive Colobus.
The visitor explained that Robert had described how these monkeys often moved through the forest at different levels of the trees. According to his explanation, Lowe’s Monkeys usually led the group at mid-canopy level, followed by the Lesser Spot-nosed Monkeys, while the Olive Colobus moved lower down.
The visitor later observed a group of monkeys moving through the forest in a similar pattern.
The trip also provided opportunities to learn about other monkey species found in the park, including Geoffroy’s Colobus and Diana Monkeys. Although the visitor did not see these two species, Geoffroy’s Colobus was heard near the park headquarters.
Another memorable encounter involved Long-nosed Cusimanses, which were seen crossing a forest path along the Ebony Trail.
These experiences showed how a knowledgeable local guide can turn a visit to a national park into an informative wildlife adventure.
Night-Time Wildlife Adventures
Ntakor’s guiding experience also includes night-time wildlife searches, giving visitors an opportunity to discover animals that are less active during the day.
During the visitor’s stay at Kakum, Robert organised a two-hour spotlight walk through the forest.
Although the walk produced fewer mammal sightings than the visitor had hoped for, it still provided interesting encounters. The visitor heard Olive Colobus monkeys at dusk and several Western Tree Hyraxes in the forest. A couple of galagos were also observed.
The only mammals actually seen during that particular walk were two dormice moving around in a tree. The visitor suggested that they were probably Nagtglas’s Dormice.
Robert was reportedly surprised that the group had not seen more mammals, as Maxwell’s Duikers and African Palm Civets were among the species he considered relatively common in the park.
The visitor later went spotlighting again after an afternoon of heavy rainfall. During that outing, a potto was spotted resting in a tree near the visitor centre. Another potto was later seen along the short trail leading to the campsite.
Before dawn, the visitor also spotted a Demidoff’s Galago along the same trail.
These experiences highlight an important part of wildlife tourism: animals do not always appear when visitors expect them to. Patience, experience and knowledge of the environment are essential.
They also demonstrate the practical skills required to guide visitors through a rainforest, particularly during night-time wildlife searches.
International Visitors Have Recommended His Services
Ntakor’s reputation is supported by more than one visitor account. His name has appeared in several international wildlife and birdwatching travel reports.
A report covering a two-week trip to Ghana in November 2019 described how Robert organised the visitors’ journey through several wildlife destinations. The itinerary included Shai Hills, Kakum National Park, Ankasa, Nyamebe, Bobiri Forest, Mole National Park and Atewa.
The group recorded more than 350 bird species during its time in Ghana. The report also praised the organisation of the trip and recommended Robert and his tour company, Birding Tour Adventures, to other people interested in wildlife experiences in the country.
The report also explained that Robert was unavailable during the first five or six days, when his brother Isaac assisted with the guiding. Both were praised for their natural history knowledge.
Another international visitor travelled to Ghana in January 2023 after arranging a 10-day wildlife trip through Ntakor.
The visitor recorded 22 mammal species during the journey and described Robert as a knowledgeable local bird- and mammal-watching guide. The report also highlighted his role in arranging the ground logistics for the trip.
Such accounts offer an insight into the experiences of international visitors who have relied on local guides to explore Ghana’s natural environment.
Ghana’s Important Wildlife Destinations
Ghana has a variety of natural habitats, including tropical rainforests, wetlands, grasslands and savannah landscapes. These environments support numerous bird and mammal species, making the country attractive to wildlife enthusiasts.
Some of the destinations featured in travel reports associated with Ntakor’s guiding work include:
1. Kakum National Park
Kakum National Park rainforest and canopy walkway
Kakum National Park, located in the Central Region, is one of Ghana’s best-known rainforest attractions.
The park is famous for its canopy walkway, which allows visitors to experience the rainforest from above the forest floor. It also offers opportunities to observe different bird species, monkeys and other wildlife.
2. Ankasa Conservation Area
Ankasa Conservation Area tropical rainforest
Ankasa Conservation Area, located in the Western Region, is an important destination for nature enthusiasts.
Its rainforest environment supports a variety of birds, mammals, amphibians and other wildlife. The area attracts visitors interested in exploring Ghana’s forest ecosystems.
3. Shai Hills Resource Reserve
Shai Hills Resource Reserve rocky landscape
Located in the Greater Accra Region, Shai Hills offers a different experience from Ghana’s rainforest destinations.
Its rocky landscapes, grasslands and savannah vegetation support different bird and mammal species. Visitors also travel there for hiking, wildlife viewing and educational excursions.
4. Mole National Park
Mole National Park elephants and savannah landscape
Mole National Park, located in the Savannah Region, is Ghana’s largest terrestrial national park.
It is particularly popular for elephant viewing and other wildlife experiences. Its savannah environment also attracts birdwatchers interested in species found in northern Ghana.
Together, these destinations demonstrate the diversity of Ghana’s natural attractions and the opportunities available for specialised wildlife tourism.
His Name Appears in the Field Guide to the Birds of Ghana
Another notable aspect of Ntakor’s background is his inclusion in the acknowledgements of the second edition of Field Guide to the Birds of Ghana, associated with authors Nik Borrow and Ron Demey.
His name appears among the individuals acknowledged for their contributions and support connected to the publication.
The field guide is an important reference for people interested in identifying and understanding Ghana’s bird species.
Being listed in its acknowledgements provides another documented connection between Ntakor and the country’s birdwatching community. It should not, however, be confused with being one of the book’s authors.
Birdwatching is more than a recreational activity. Field observations can contribute to biodiversity documentation, conservation discussions and scientific research.
Experienced local guides play an important role in these activities by helping visitors understand the birds and habitats they encounter.
Supporting Tourism Training and Professional Development
Ntakor’s experience has also extended beyond guiding tourists.
A Ghana Heritage Conservation Trust annual report documented a four-day training programme organised for tour guides and frontline staff at Kakum National Park. According to the report, Robert Ntakor facilitated the training.
At the time, he was described as a former tour guide at the park, a staff member of Ashanti Africa Tours and an executive member of the Central Regional Tour Guides Association of Ghana (TORGAG).
The programme involved staff from the Ghana Heritage Conservation Trust and the Wildlife Division. It focused on improving tour-guiding skills, visitor relations and service delivery.
This aspect of his professional experience highlights the importance of developing skills within Ghana’s tourism industry.
A successful tourism experience depends not only on the attractiveness of a destination but also on the knowledge, professionalism and service of the people who welcome visitors.
Why Ghana Needs More Wildlife Tourism Professionals
Ghana’s tourism industry has opportunities beyond historical monuments, beaches and cultural festivals.
Birdwatching, wildlife photography, mammal watching, conservation tourism and specialised nature tours can attract visitors who want to explore the country’s natural environment.
These activities can also create economic opportunities for local communities through accommodation, transportation, restaurants, tour operations and other tourism-related businesses.
Wildlife guides are central to these experiences because they connect visitors with nature. Their knowledge helps tourists identify species, understand animal behaviour and appreciate the importance of protecting forests and wildlife habitats.
The experiences shared by visitors who have travelled with professionals such as Robert Ntakor demonstrate the value of Ghanaian expertise in promoting the country’s natural attractions.
As Ghana continues to develop its tourism potential, greater attention should be given to the people who make these experiences possible.
How to Contact Robert Ntakor for Bookings and Wildlife Tours
International visitors, birdwatchers, researchers, nature photographers and wildlife enthusiasts interested in exploring Ghana can make enquiries using contact details published in wildlife-tourism reports.
Ntakor’s services have been associated with birdwatching, mammal watching and organised wildlife trips across Ghana.
Published email addresses:
Published telephone numbers:
- +233 24 395 8959
- +233 20 335 3147
What Can Visitors Enquire About?
Prospective visitors can contact him to enquire about:
- Birdwatching tours and specialised birding expeditions.
- Mammal-watching and wildlife experiences.
- Guided visits to Kakum National Park.
- Wildlife trips to Ankasa, Shai Hills, Mole and other destinations.
- Customised wildlife itineraries.
- Transport and accommodation arrangements.
- Tour availability, duration and pricing.
Visitors are encouraged to discuss their interests, travel dates and budgets directly with him to establish suitable arrangements.
Important contact note: The email addresses and telephone numbers above have appeared in published visitor and wildlife-tourism reports from different years. The Gmail address and telephone numbers are listed in a 2019 travel report, while the Yahoo address appears in an account of a visit to Kakum National Park. Their current availability has not been independently confirmed. Prospective clients should verify the contact details before making payments or finalising bookings.
Robert Ntakor: A Ghanaian Professional Worth Knowing
Robert Ntakor’s professional journey provides an interesting example of how local knowledge, experience and specialised skills can contribute to Ghana’s international tourism reputation.
From helping visitors identify birds in Kakum National Park to organising wildlife expeditions across different parts of the country, his work highlights the contribution of Ghanaian guides to nature-based tourism.
The accounts shared by international visitors provide an insight into his practical knowledge of Ghana’s birds, monkeys and other mammals. His name has also appeared in birdwatching literature and a report documenting professional training for tour guides at Kakum.
His story reminds Ghanaians that tourism is not limited to hotels, airlines and popular attractions. It also depends on guides, conservation workers, researchers, drivers, tour operators and other professionals who make visitors’ experiences possible.
As Ghana continues to promote its natural attractions, experienced local wildlife guides deserve greater recognition.
For a country blessed with diverse wildlife, forests and natural landscapes, investing in skilled guides and promoting their work could create more opportunities for tourism, education and conservation.
Robert Ntakor is one of the Ghanaian wildlife professionals whose experience has helped international visitors discover, understand and appreciate the country’s remarkable natural heritage.
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