Chaiso Forest Reserve

Chaiso Forest Reserve is a protected forest reserve in Ghana's Oti Region, listed by Visit Ghana, the Ghana Tourism Authority's official platform, among the region's notable attractions alongside Kyabobo National Park, Lake Volta, Breast Mountain (Chilinga) and the Hanging Village of Shiare. It is widely identified with the Chai River Forest Reserve, a gazetted reserve that spans the Krachi East and Nkwanta South areas of the region.

The reserve sits in the Nkwanta South Municipal area, near the locality of Chaiso. The African Bird Club's 2011 survey of eastern Ghana's forests places the Chai River Forest Reserve under the Nkwanta Forestry District office, extending north from Asuokoko along a line of hills that ends south-west of Nkwanta. That survey notes the easiest access is from the western side at Tutukpene, where the main road reaches the reserve boundary.

Ghanaian tourism and social content describes the reserve as rich in biodiversity and suited to nature walks, which is the main reason it appears on regional itineraries. Beyond that general characterisation, the available sources do not document specific trails, wildlife sightings, viewpoints or visitor experiences, so expectations should stay modest until more is confirmed.

The reserve is also a site of active conservation concern. A December 2025 Ghana News Agency investigation reported extensive illegal farming and charcoal production inside the reserve, with forestry officials accused of weak enforcement. Rainforest Builder's Project Colobus restoration initiative, announced in March 2026, targets the Asuokoko and Chai River Forest Reserves for large-scale restoration.

For planning, the practical picture is thin. No visitor facilities, entrance fees, opening hours or guided-tour arrangements are documented in the available sources, and the reserve's dual naming as Chaiso and Chai River should be kept in mind when checking locally. Travellers should treat access details as unconfirmed and verify current conditions with the Nkwanta Forestry District office or a regional operator before setting out.