Zaina Lodge Redefines West African Safaris at Akwaaba, Showcasing Ghana’s Untamed Luxury
The energy at the 21st Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos was palpable, with travel professionals and destination representatives from across the continent exchanging ideas, forging partnerships, and unveiling Africa’s next big tourism stories. Yet among the many exhibitors, one voice brought a distinct note of wilderness and sophistication to the bustling venue: Eyram Andy Amegashie, the face of Ghana’s acclaimed Royal Senchi Hotel and Resort and the trailblazing Zaina Lodge.
Describing the opening of the event as “amazing,” Andy recounted the surge of interest at their stand, where the allure of Ghana’s wild heart drew curious visitors eager to learn more. “The atmosphere was electric,” he noted, reflecting on the steady flow of questions and new connections. For Andy and his team, Akwaaba provided a platform to put Zaina Lodge—West Africa’s first luxury safari lodge—firmly on the map for a pan-African audience.
Tucked away within the expansive Mole National Park, Zaina Lodge offers an unexpected safari experience that rivals the renowned wildlife destinations of Kenya or South Africa. Here, guests are invited to encounter Africa’s iconic animals—elephants, buffaloes, leopards, baboons, and more than 300 bird species—in their undisturbed natural environment. “This is not a zoo experience,” Andy emphasized. “We bring the wild to you, and we take you to the wild. It’s about luxury and authenticity blending seamlessly with the raw beauty of Africa.”
The lodge’s approach to safari adventures is immersive and diverse. Guests can embark on exhilarating mobile safaris in specially equipped vehicles, traversing savannah and forest in search of wildlife. For those seeking a closer connection, guided walking safaris put travelers safely within breathtaking proximity to elephants and other animals, all under the watchful expertise of seasoned guides. Each excursion is not just about sightings, but about understanding the intricate web of the Mole ecosystem, turning every outing into an educational adventure.
Zaina Lodge’s appeal extends well beyond the thrill of wildlife. The property is dedicated to celebrating Ghana’s culture and culinary richness as much as its natural wonders. Every meal at the lodge is a surprise, created from the freshest local ingredients and inspired by the rhythms of the savannah. “Every meal is an adventure,” Andy shared. “From fresh pastries in the morning to soups and main courses that celebrate the spirit of the savannah.” This commitment to local sourcing not only delights guests’ palates but also supports surrounding communities and sustainable tourism practices.
Guests at Zaina are encouraged to explore the region’s cultural tapestry as well. Excursions to nearby eco-villages, like Larabanga—home to West Africa’s oldest mosque—and Mognori, where daily life remains deeply rooted in tradition, offer travelers the chance to connect with the heritage and hospitality of northern Ghana. These experiences add a layer of authenticity and meaning to each visit, underlining the lodge’s philosophy of immersive, responsible travel.
Recognizing the growing trend of “bleisure”—the fusion of business and leisure—Zaina Lodge has also invested in state-of-the-art conference facilities, making it a unique venue for corporate retreats, workshops, and team-building getaways. Activities such as canoeing on the Mole River or gathering for bush banquets beneath a sky of stars provide memorable backdrops for networking and relaxation alike, ensuring that business gatherings are as inspiring as the natural surroundings.
Every moment at Zaina is designed to be unforgettable, whether guests are sipping cocktails on the deck as elephants wander by the waterhole, catching a glimpse of the brilliantly colored red-throated bee-eater, or setting out on a sunrise safari across the savannah. For Andy, the message to the Akwaaba audience was clear: “Zaina Lodge offers a rare chance to live the safari dream without leaving West Africa.”
As Akwaaba continues to shine a spotlight on Africa’s tourism treasures, Zaina Lodge’s story is a compelling reminder that Ghana is emerging as a destination where wild beauty, refined hospitality, and cultural immersion come together under the vast skies of Mole National Park. For travel professionals across sub-Saharan Africa, Zaina represents a new frontier in luxury safari tourism—one that is accessible, authentic, and deeply rooted in the continent’s own landscapes and traditions.
This year’s showcase in Lagos not only celebrated Ghana’s growing presence on the regional tourism stage but also challenged industry players to rethink the possibilities of West African travel. As more travelers seek experiences that combine adventure, comfort, and cultural depth, properties like Zaina Lodge are set to lead the way, offering a powerful blueprint for the future of sustainable, high-end tourism in Africa’s heartland.
