Kakum National Park is located in the southern central part of Ghana not too far from the coast.  The national park encompasses an area of 145 square miles (375 sq km).  The park is named after the Kakum River which begins inside the protected.  This is Ghana’s most visited natural attraction.

The prominent landscape of the park is tropical forest accounting for 90% of the park landscape.  It is one of three places in Africa that features a canopy walk through the trees.  It covers a distance of 1,150 feet (350 m) while connecting through seven different trees.

The elevation of the park varies from 443 feet (135 m) to 820 feet (250 m) with moist evergreen making up the majority of the forested area.  Although moist forest accounts for the majority of woodlands, there is also swamp forests, riverine forest, and Boval vegetation.

Wildlife includes buffalo, forest elephants, civet, Colobus monkeys, red river hog, giant forest hog, pangolin, dwarf crocodile, and the North Africa crested porcupine.  Who knows which you will see as you take the guided treks along the jungle floor or the canopy walkway up in the trees.  The tropical rainforest invites exploration and the elevated canopy trail provides a bird’s-eye view and better chance to discover some of the wildlife below.

There are 266 species of birds within the park boundaries.  It has the most populous collection of forest elephants within the country.  The Diana monkey, giant bongo antelope, yellow-backed duiker, and African elephant are all endangered species protected within the park.

If you are looking to engage in photography while at the park, there is a permit required.  There will be a permit fee whether you are taking still images or moving video footage.  The good news is the funds from the fees goes back into supporting the wildlife of the area.

 Highlights

The canopy walkway hits heights of 130 feet (40 m) as it crosses rivers and ravines.  Some of the tree canopies are 160 feet (50 m) high.

This canopy walkway is an adventure on its own, however, it is also an invitation to birdwatch and to sightsee peering into the canopies of the trees and the rainforest below watching for wildlife.  It is a chance to see animals that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world.

 Kakum National Park Trails

The unique canopy trail sits at 130 feet (40 m) in the air taking hikers through the canopies of the tropical forest.  The trail stretches between 7 trees, cross rivers and ravines and covers a distance of 1,150 feet (350 m).  The walkway is easy with the only challenging being for those who have a fear of heights.

In addition to the canopy trail, there are guided walks by park personnel giving you a chance to explore the nature of the area in a more intimate way.  The treks below the canopy and the elevated canopy walkway both give you unique perspectives to view the wilderness and wildlife.  There are no individual trails to embark on your own.