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Catch a Bird's Eye View of the Rainforest in Kakum National Park
Published by Courtney McConnell, Writer
Country: Ghana 
The Experience
My heart pounds as I look over the landscape. Taking the first step is key to one of the greatest experiences I'll have in Ghana, if I can just get over the height. One deep breathe in and I'm going for it. Stepping onto the first bridge feels like freedom in the sky. It's a shaky freedom for me but freedom nonetheless.
Exploring Kakum National Park in central Ghana provides an exhilarating close look at African nature. At 40 meters high in some areas, taking a canopy tour over the Kakum rainforest feels like a walk in the clouds. North of Cape Coast, Kakum National Park offers this incredible experience year round, and it’s the only tour of its kind in Africa. Seeing a view unlike any other, from the seven connected slightly-swaying bridges hanging over the Forest, adventure seekers can view birds gliding through the treetops while getting a view that those on the ground will never experience. The set-up also gives a comprehensive understanding of the canopy structure.
Monkeys can be heard rustling in the trees, but expecting to see them is a lost cause as they will not come out into the open. The beautiful fluttering creatures don't disappoint since there are over 400 species of butterflies in the area. And, while many of these won’t be seen, the Kakum National Park houses 40 different species of mammals including antelope, leopards and elephants.
While the Kakum canopy bridges only allow for a few people at a time to walk across them, the extra time on the platforms in-between allows for all-encompassing admiration of the views throughout the Forest. This is mostly the abundant plant life and the enchanting backdrops it creates against the vast blue sky. The views from the Kakum canopy are a photographer’s dream, especially when a bird flies in at just the right moment. After appreciating the breathtaking landscape of Kakum National Park, the tour ends with a walk back down the hill where a museum and gift shops await; as well as picnic tables to have lunch.
Once you're over the height of the situation, the experience will stay with you for years to come.
Exploring Kakum National Park in central Ghana provides an exhilarating close look at African nature. At 40 meters high in some areas, taking a canopy tour over the Kakum rainforest feels like a walk in the clouds. North of Cape Coast, Kakum National Park offers this incredible experience year round, and it’s the only tour of its kind in Africa. Seeing a view unlike any other, from the seven connected slightly-swaying bridges hanging over the Forest, adventure seekers can view birds gliding through the treetops while getting a view that those on the ground will never experience. The set-up also gives a comprehensive understanding of the canopy structure.
Monkeys can be heard rustling in the trees, but expecting to see them is a lost cause as they will not come out into the open. The beautiful fluttering creatures don't disappoint since there are over 400 species of butterflies in the area. And, while many of these won’t be seen, the Kakum National Park houses 40 different species of mammals including antelope, leopards and elephants.
While the Kakum canopy bridges only allow for a few people at a time to walk across them, the extra time on the platforms in-between allows for all-encompassing admiration of the views throughout the Forest. This is mostly the abundant plant life and the enchanting backdrops it creates against the vast blue sky. The views from the Kakum canopy are a photographer’s dream, especially when a bird flies in at just the right moment. After appreciating the breathtaking landscape of Kakum National Park, the tour ends with a walk back down the hill where a museum and gift shops await; as well as picnic tables to have lunch.
Once you're over the height of the situation, the experience will stay with you for years to come.
When to Go to Kakum Canopy
The Kakum National Park is in the southern region of Ghana, but it’s known within the country as being in the Central Region. It’s situated 33 km north of Cape Coast and 170 km from Accra. You can visit throughout the year and a good time to be there would be for the Masquerading Festival, which is celebrated on the first day of January every year.
Odds n' Ends
Great lengths are taken to ensure that the Kakum Park gamekeepers are veritable fountains of knowledge, so utilize this resource and ask as many questions as you want to about the tropical fauna and flora. Kakum Park also preserves and protects the endangered mona-Meercat and well as a vast and extensive array of tropical bird life. Most of the foliage is virgin evergreen rainforest covering an area of 350 km².
Places to Stay Nearby
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22 miles away
Elmina Beach Resort, located in the heart of the historic Central Region of Ghana, represents the ultimate location for businessmen, tourists and eco adventurers alike. ... 22 miles away
$110 USD+
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Elsewhere on the Web
- Ghana Tourism Info
- This site discusses the location and features of Kakum National Park.
- Kakum National Park - GhanaWeb.com
Media References
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