Xavi Bird Sanctuary

Xavi Bird Sanctuary, formally the Xavi Bird Watching and Cultural Ecotourism Sanctuary, is a community-based ecotourism facility on the Lotor (Lortor) River in Xavi, a community in the Akatsi South District of the Volta Region. It sits near the Avu Lagoon wetland, in the lower Volta Region between the Aflao Road and the Atlantic Ocean. The project was started by American Peace Corps volunteers in 2000 and is described as one of the most unusual bird sites in Ghana.

The sanctuary is known for a range of bird species, including migratory birds, as well as reptiles and other mammals. Recorded birds include yellow-crowned, black-winged and northern red bishops, kingfishers, violet turaco and green hoopoe. The core visitor experience is a peaceful canoe ride on the river, taking in the birds and other animals; locally made dugout canoes are used for river rides.

Facilities recorded for the site include a visitor centre where river tours are arranged and a small shop selling village crafts, two wildlife viewing platforms in the community-protected area, and a baobab tree grove with a summer hut and seating units for rest stops. Homestay accommodation has been available, with showers, flush toilets, fans, lights and sheets, though not towels. Meals are prepared by community cooks, with liquid refreshments in the village. Opening hours are listed as 8 am to 5 pm daily.

Visitors should plan around the sanctuary's uncertain operating status. The facility ceased operating after the Peace Corps volunteers departed, and by 2021 the reception facility was abandoned. The Xavi Eco-tourism Management Committee appealed for assistance to revamp it, citing a need for logistics such as canoes and binoculars. Because the site's current condition and services are not confirmed by the available sources, travellers should verify arrangements before making the trip.

Access is from Akatsi on the main Accra–Aflao road: turn right onto the dirt road and follow signs for about 18 km (roughly 20 minutes) to the visitor centre at the entrance to the village. Signs at Dabala junction lead via Dabala and Tosukpo. Trotros run from Accra and Ho, and local taxis are available from Akatsi market. The community bird watching sanctuary is about 12 km from Akatsi, the district capital, and the journey to it begins from Ho, the Volta regional capital. Contact details recorded for the project are the Avu Lagoon Ecotourism Project, P.O. Box 6, Akatsi, Volta Region, and phone 024-2015329.