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Kakum National Park:
Ghana’s Green Jewel in the Sky

Tucked away in the Central Region of Ghana, just a short drive from the historic town of Cape Coast, lies one of West Africa’s most captivating ecological treasures: Kakum National Park. Known for its unique canopy walkway and dense tropical rainforest, Kakum is more than just a park—it's a living, breathing testament to Ghana’s natural heritage and ecological diversity.

🌳 A Rare Tropical Rainforest Ecosystem

Kakum National Park covers over 375 square kilometers of pristine forest, and is one of the few remaining stretches of intact rainforest in West Africa. This makes it a critical refuge for hundreds of plant and animal species, some of which are found nowhere else on Earth. The park is part of the Upper Guinea Rainforest ecosystem, which is globally recognized as a biodiversity hotspot.

It’s not just trees and vines—Kakum is home to over 500 species of butterflies, 250 species of birds, and a wide range of mammals, including forest elephants, leopards, and the endangered bongo antelope. Many of these animals are shy and elusive, which adds a mystical element to any visit.

🌉 The Iconic Canopy Walkway

What truly sets Kakum apart is its legendary canopy walkway—the only one of its kind in West Africa, and among the most famous in the world. Suspended 30 meters above the forest floor, this network of hanging bridges stretches over 350 meters across seven treetop platforms.

Walking high above the forest, visitors experience the jungle from a bird’s-eye perspective, often catching glimpses of butterflies fluttering beneath them and monkeys leaping between trees. The walkway offers not just an adrenaline rush but a unique and immersive way to engage with nature, elevating Kakum from a typical park to an unforgettable adventure.

🧭 Cultural and Community Significance

Kakum is more than a conservation area; it’s a community-owned park. Local people were instrumental in establishing and protecting it, and they continue to benefit from eco-tourism revenues. This sustainable approach to conservation makes Kakum a model for how tourism and environmental stewardship can go hand-in-hand.

Visitors can also enjoy guided nature walks led by local experts, often from nearby villages. These guides don’t just point out wildlife—they share folklore, medicinal plant knowledge, and deep insights into how the forest has supported local life for generations.

🌿 A Gateway to Ghana’s Natural and Historical Heritage

Kakum’s location adds to its allure. Many travelers combine a visit to the park with a tour of nearby Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle, two haunting reminders of Ghana’s role in the transatlantic slave trade. This pairing of natural wonder and historical reflection gives visitors a deeper, more meaningful understanding of Ghana’s past, present, and future.

Endangered Wildlife

The park contains rare animals, including forest elephants, forest buffalo, civet and cats. Two hundred forest elephants (Loxodonta africana cyclotis), potto (Perodicticus potto), Demidoff's galago (Galago demidovii), African civet (Viverra civetta), two-spotted palm civet (Nandinia binotata), leopard (Panthera pardus), bongo (Tragelaphus euryceros), many species of duikers (small antelopes), red river hog (Potamochoerus porcus pictus), giant forest hog (Hylochoerus meinertzhageni), long-tailed pangolin (Manis tetradactyla), white-belied pangolin (Manis tricuspis), giant pangolin (Manis gigantea), many species of forest squirrels, North African crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata), dwarf crocodile (Osteolamus tetraspis), monitor lizards, Home's hinged tortoise, serrated tortoise and many other fauna are reported from the park.

Preserving and maintaining!

The park is home to a diverse array of primates, including the Colobus vellerosus, which is classified as Vulnerable (VU), the Procolobus verus, listed as Least Concern/near threatened (LR/nt), the critically endangered Cercopithecus diana roloway (CR), and the African forest elephant, Loxodonta africana cyclotis, categorized as Endangered (EN). Notably, the African forest elephant can be found throughout the country, showcasing the significance of the park as a critical habitat for these amazing species.

In recognition of its rich avian diversity, BirdLife International designated this park area as one of the BirdLife Areas in Ghana back in 2002, based on several important criteria (A1, A2, A3). The park boasts an impressive record of 266 bird species, with an additional 56 species having been observed but not yet officially confirmed. All of the recorded bird species are resident, and the majority fall under the Least Concern classification, indicating a stable population status.

However, the park is also home to some globally threatened bird species that are categorized as Near Threatened. Among these are the green-tailed bristlebill (Bleda eximius), the red-fronted antpecker (Parmoptila rubrifrons), the rufous-winged illadopsis (Illadopsis rufescens), and the copper-tailed glossy-starling (Lamprotornis cupreocauda). Furthermore, several Vulnerable species have been identified within the park's ecosystem, including the white-breasted guineafowl (Agelastes meleagrides), the brown-cheeked hornbill (Bycanistes cylindricus), the yellow-casqued hornbill (Ceratogymna elata), and the yellow-bearded greenbul (Criniger olivaceus). This highlights the park's ecological significance and the need for ongoing conservation efforts to protect these vital species and their habitats.

Explore Kakum

  • Best Months: December (high season), school holiday peak; February is quieter but still beautiful.

  • Reserve Ahead: Especially for canopy walk access and overnight stays in the Tree House.

  • Guided Tours: Plan birdwatching, night hikes, and botanical hikes with trained guides.

  • Combine & Connect: Visit nearby attractions such as Cape Coast or Elmina castles for a fuller cultural journey.

    • First Slide

    From a humble forest reserve in 1931 to Ghana’s most-visited eco‑hub, Kakum National Park exemplifies the power of conservation, innovation, and cultural tourism. With stunning natural architecture, elevated walkways, interactive exhibitions, and record-breaking visitor numbers, it invites everyone—locals, students, diaspora, researchers, and global travelers—to experience Ghana’s rainforest legacy.

    Visiting Kakum isn't just sightseeing. It’s stepping into a story

    Second Slide

    Kakum National Park: A Story of Conservation, Culture & Climbing the Canopy

    Kakum National Park—Ghana’s first official protected area—is more than a rainforest: it’s an emblem of ecological stewardship, sustainable tourism, and cultural revival. With its world‑class visitor facilities, iconic canopy walkway, and steadily rising footfall, Kakum has emerged as one of Ghana’s premier eco‑destinations.

    Third Slide