Kakum National Park
National Park Tropical rainforest reserve featuring a famous canopy walkway
Kakum National Park near Cape Coast features a suspended canopy walkway through lowland rainforest, guided birding, night walks and community conservation projects.
Kakum National Park is a protected area of lowland tropical rainforest in Ghana’s Central Region, established to conserve remnants of Ghana’s wet evergreen forest. The park is best known for its elevated canopy walkway and for protecting West African rainforest biodiversity.
The park’s most visited feature is a set of seven suspended canopy bridges that connect tall trees and allow visitors to walk through the forest canopy at heights commonly around 30 metres, covering several hundred metres of suspended walkway. In addition, marked forest trails, guided nature walks and the visitor centre provide wildlife viewing opportunities for birds, butterflies and forest primates.
The area was set aside for protection in the 20th century and later gazetted as a national park; management focuses on habitat protection, research and ecotourism. Park staff operate guided walks and runs of the canopy walkway and trails for visitors.
Kakum lies inland from the central Ghanaian coast in the Central Region, east of Cape Coast and west of Accra. The park is accessed via the main regional roads and has an on-site visitor centre and parking.
- Canopy walkway: The canopy walkway consists of multiple hanging bridges high in the canopy and is accessed only with park guides; mornings are best for bird and primate activity.
What to See #
- Canopy walkway: A series of seven suspended canopy bridges that form the park's signature attraction; the walkway crosses the forest canopy at heights commonly up to about 30 metres and spans several hundred metres in total.
- Visitor centre and trails: A visitor centre with park information, permits and guided-walk departures, plus marked forest trails that lead to viewpoints and wildlife observation points.
How to Get to Kakum National Park #
Kakum National Park is about a 30-40 minute drive north of Cape Coast. Local transport from Cape Coast or Accra can reach the park entrance; private vehicles and tour operators commonly include it as a day trip.
Tips for Visiting Kakum National Park #
- Book canopy walk access early - slots can fill and weather may close the walk for safety.
- Hire a local guide at the park entrance to learn about tree species and the significance of the canopy bridges.
- Visit in the morning for clearer animal sightings and cooler conditions; the park gets busier mid-afternoon.
Best Time to Visit Kakum National Park #
Best visited in the dry season for easier walking and clearer canopy walk access; mornings are cooler and less crowded.
Weather & Climate near Kakum National Park #
Kakum National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1468 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
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February
February is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (124 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (141 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (212 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (263 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (113 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (121 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (179 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Significant rainfall (114 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Moderate rainfall (51 mm).