Surely, among the most anticipated birds before any trip to Africa are the turacos. Sometimes known as loeries, the group includes the well-marked go-away-birds, the snazzy turacos and also the plantain-eaters. Indeed, the family name, Musophagidae, literally translates to banana-eaters, and these birds do enjoy fruit, particularly figs. Not a single member of the family is found outside of Mother Africa.

These are brilliant birds both in plumage and personality. With long tails for balance, they scramble about the upper reaches of fruiting trees, sometimes in groups, eyeing up intruders with a disapproving gaze. When they take flight, they offer a fresh surprise. As nimble as they are running around on tree limbs, they look extremely feeble in flight, almost barely able to remain airborne. And yet in the air they reveal shocking red flight feathers. This red in the wing comes from a red pigment known as turacin, one apparently unknown among any other birds at present. At times, these eye-catching red wing feathers were highly valued as status symbols among African royals, including the Swazi and the Zulu. Often turacos are heard before being seen, and if you think their plumage is striking, then you should hear them sound off. Combining elements that are raucous and rhythmic, they seem to chant at us mockingly, to the extent that even passers-by with virtually no interest in birds must stop in their tracks and say: “What is making that sound?”

The Violet Turaco pictured here, is one of the most vibrant species and one of the most widespread. Found from Senegal east through to Cameroon, the species also has a disjunct population in Chad and the Central African Republic. Most birders first lay eyes on this majestic bird near the Gulf of Guinea coast, and in the country closest to 0°, 0° than any other. While those coordinates lay offshore a couple of hundred miles, Ghana is closest, and it offers an incredible cross-section of avian treasures. Perhaps most famous among them is the White-necked Rockfowl, but there is also the dapper Egyptian Plover, not to mention the spectacular Standard-winged Nightjar, sombre Black Bee-eaters, Black Dwarf Hornbill, Congo Serpent Eagle, and Puvel’s Illadopsis, to name a few. From the Sahelian savanna to various woodlands and forests, to the world’s largest artificial reservoir – Lake Volta, we expect over 400 species on our small group offering, and even more on our Mega Ghana tours.

Join us today to visit Earth’s virtual geographic center, in Mother Africa. Ghana welcomes all, and, just a few years ago, it was ranked by Forbes as one of the friendliest countries in the world. There are sundry birds to celebrate, including some of Africa’s finest.

Ghana – Comprehensive: Exclusive Rockfowl & Upper Guinea specials
Nov 07 – 22, 2019 (16 days)
Tour Price: USD5,400 *GBP4,279 *EUR4,851

Ghana – Mega Birding Tour I
Nov 27 – Dec 18, 2019 (22 days)
Tour Price: USD5,975 *GBP4,728 *EUR5,366

Ghana – Comprehensive: Exclusive Rockfowl & Upper Guinea specials
Feb 01 – 16, 2020 (16 days)
Tour Price: USD5,500 *GBP4,352 *EUR4,940