Kakum National Park is one of Ghana’s most visited attractions. Tucked away in the Assin Attandanso Reserve is the Kakum National Park and Canopy Walkway which offers visitors spectacular scenery and a fascinating wildlife experience along with modern camping facilities. The park’s best-known feature is undoubtedly its 7 suspension bridges which form a 333-meters-long canopy walkway, suspended up to 27 meters above the forest floor from trees that are over 300 years old.
The canopy walk is only one of Kakum’s many delights. There are a variety of trails and guided walks that allow visitors to experience the solitude of the rainforest. It’s also a premier site for bird watchers, with over 300 species including eight species of global conservation concern. Mammals that thrive in this amazing natural environment include the forest elephant, leopard, bongo, bushbuck, and many other primates, but game viewing is difficult. Also, more than 600 butterfly species have been recorded in the Kakum park.
The forest has wildlife which can be seen in the night and professional guides are always available to take you on a guided night tour.
Some interesting things that you can do include exploring all walkway levels to enjoy spectacular view, go on a guided forest walk and learn about the medicinal uses of forest plants, go on a night hike with a park guide to experience the sights and sounds of the forest during the transition from day to night, experience evening drumming and dancing by a local cultural group, listen to an evening concert by the local Nyamebekyere Kukyekukyeku or Orchestra, which performs with bamboo wind instruments
Remember, this is a rainforest and it can rain at any time, so we advise that you go with your raincoat and your trainer.
Whilst you are touring this beautiful park, It is best not to carry any heavy things in your hands since you will be needing your hands to hold the ropes on both sides as you walk along. Also, carry a small backpack or a waist bag where you may keep your camera or phone on top of the walkway.
There is a brief hike before reaching the Bridges. Make sure you wear good shoes.
If you make it across the first walkway and change your mind, there is a short cut to exit it, but it is worth you giving a try…
Travelling to the Kakum National Park
The trip to the Kakum National Park is about a 4-hour drive from Accra, the capital city of Ghana. It is advisable for you to go by your own pre-arranged transport means. You may also go by public transport and connect the Kakum National Park from Cape Coast.
There is a treehouse available for you if wish to stay the night for bird and wildlife watching. The treehouse is fitted with mattresses, bedding, and mosquito nets and is comfortable for anyone who is accustomed to camping. There is also an outhouse. tree top accommodation if you wish to stay the night for the love of animals.
For your feeding (food and drinks), there are two cafes at the visitor center serving basic food, snacks, and fresh juices. You can also get from around the car park fresh coconuts, “sobolo” –bisap (a purple drink made from water and hibiscus leaves), and bottled water.
You can also ask the forest restaurant for the local meal, ‘fufu’ and goat light soup to be prepared as you go for the walk so that by the time you return, your meal will be ready and waiting for you. You may enjoy other dishes such as Jollof rice and others once you are done with your exploring of the wildlife in the park.
Kakum National Park, located in the coastal environs of the Central Region of Ghana, covers an area of 375 square kilometres (145 sq mi). Established in 1931 as a reserve, it was gazetted as a national park only in 1992 after an initial survey of avifauna was conducted. The area is covered with tropical forest. The uniqueness of this park lies in the fact that it was established at the initiative of the local people and not by the State Department of Wildlife who are responsible for wildlife preservation in Ghana. It is one of only 3 locations in Africa with a canopy walkway, which is 350 metres (1,150 ft) long and connects seven tree tops which provide access to the forest.
The most notable endangered species of fauna in the park are Diana monkey, giant bongo antelope, yellow-backed duiker, and African elephant. It also houses an Important Bird Area recognized by the Bird Life International with the bird area fully overlapping the park area. The bird inventory confirmed 266 species in the park, including eight species of global conservation concern. One of these species of concern is the white-breasted guineafowl. Nine species of hornbill and the grey parrot have been recorded. It also has more than 600 butterflies as well, and a new species was discovered in 1993. As of 2012, the densest population of forest elephants in Ghana is located in Kakum.
The Museums and Monuments Board of the Republic of Ghana has proposed that UNESCO declare the park a natural World Heritage Site under criteria vii and x. The submission made in 2000 is listed under the tentative List of World Heritage Sites.
You should pay a visit to Ghana and experience the beauty and splendour of the Kakum National Park.
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