Canopy Walkway
Featuring Africa’s only canopy walkway, the Kakum National park is the best place to visit in the entire Africa if you are a wildlife enthusiast. Located in the coastal region of Ghana, the park is famous for its preserved virgin forest. Covering an area of 145 sq mi, the park was first established in 1931, but it earned the status of a national park in 1992, after a survey of avifauna. The factor that sets it apart from other preserved parks is its establishment, which was done at the initiative of local people instead of State authority responsible for preserving the wildlife in Ghana. The 350 meter long canopy walk, connecting seven tree tops and hanging 40 feet above the forest floor, allows you to experience the profound wildlife while swaying above the ground. It provides a better view of the moist flora of the forest which otherwise is not possible; thus it is a particular favorite among tourists. The forest is also known for the dense population of African elephants inhabiting in Ghana. Other creatures existing in the forest, such as butterflies, birds, monkeys, giant bongo antelope and yellow-backed duiker, are also quite famous about this national Park. The park, by the funding from CI, has been exclusively developed to incorporate a rainforest, a secondary forest and a bird watching pond for tourists, making it to support three ecosystems.
What lies beneath the surface?
Kakum National Park is not that easy to trek, and you need an expert with you all the time. Precautions have to be taken throughout the trail, as numerous dangerous animals and poisonous snakes exist here in abundance. The canopy walk is really a delight for tourists and is among the main reasons behind people visiting this place. However, its aesthetic wildlife is what makes this national park a renowned name in the world. The canopy walk gets flocked by people in the day, so it is better to be here in the morning. The moist forest with the butterflies and birds can also be experienced best during early morning from the canopy walk, so get there as early as possible in the morning. As many as 250 species of birds and over 500 species of butterflies, as well as staggering types of large mammals, make the Kakum National Park a delight for nature lovers. The Afafranto Campsite within the Kakum National Park allows you to camp here for an unforgettable night. Mosquito nets and sleeping kits have to be arranged on your own, but you can rent then within the park quite easily. The accommodation for the camp is little, so it is better to book in advance to avoid rush.
What you can’t afford to miss?
When traveling to the Kakum National Park, you should visit Mesomagor – a nearby village – famous for its Bamboo Orchestra. This unique Orchestra uses bamboo instrument to produce melodious music blended with local traditional dance. The village also offers quite a few options to try the Ghanain cuisine. Drinking the local gin and visiting the cocoa farms are among the unique experiences you can have in this village. The Kakum National Park is famous for its medicinal plants and, with the help of an expert guide, you can learn a lot about these plants on your trail. There are other numerous hidden areas in the forest which have to be visited with an expert assistance. The Kakum Rainforest Café is the only place within the national park where you can refresh yourself with drinks and food. It is equally famous on the park due to the unique fruit juices and Ghanian dishes that it serves. You also have an option to order International cuisines here.
How to reach?
Cape coast – the regional capital – is the easiest way to approach the Kakum National Park. The tro-tro service of shared taxi in Ghana is the cheapest way to reach here, while you can also get a cab from Cape Coast for the one hour journey. The nearest international airport is in Accra, located around 129 km off the park. Taxis are plentiful from Accra to the Kakum National Park at quite cheaper rates. Rental cars, particularly 4×4 minivan vehicles, are also pretty easy to get, but as the number of such rides are low, a lot depends on bookings as well. You can get an accommodation to rest in Cape Coast at really cheap rates, while food is also not much expensive in the area. There are sufficient hotels around Cape Coast to cater the needs of tourists, which include quite a few 3 star and 4 star hotels. So don’t mind to relax back in a hotel in Cape Coast after your trial, or prior to it. You can visit this abode of great wildlife throughout the year, but it is better to avoid the monsoon season. Winters hardly get harsh here and summers are often too hot.
Other tips
The foremost thing you’ll need for a trial on the Kakum National Park is an expert help who can guide you better through the forest. So it’s better to look for an experienced guide instead of spoiling the entire fun. If you intend to camp here, then you should get your own sleeping kit along with mosquito nets and mosquito repellents. The nature has immensely bestowed its charm in this area, so don’t mind spending a little more time here. There are a few other places neighboring the Kakum National Park that you must check out while travelling here. This includes the Elmina Castle, Cape Castle, and a coastal town called Winneba.
Rohan is an avid travel writer with a passion for traveling in the African mainland. He has written extensively about African travel and tourism in many other countries. He has recently gone to a trail on Kakum National Park, where he got the inspiration to write this article.
