Kakum National Park National Park

Address: Kakum National Park, Central Region, Ghana - near the town of Cape Coast

Website: https://www.kakumnationalpark.com

Hours: Typically daily 8:00am-4:30pm (check locally)

Admission: Entrance fees charged (approx. GHS 15-25 or equivalent; local rates vary)

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.

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.

• 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.