Kakum National Park is one of Ghana’s most visited tourist attractions. Located in the Central Region, the park is famous for its canopy walkway, which suspends visitors 30 meters above the forest floor. The park protects over 360 square kilometers of pristine rainforest and is home to more than 40 species of larger mammals, 250 species of birds, and 600 species of butterflies.
This guide provides practical information for travelers planning a visit to Kakum National Park, including entrance fees, canopy walkway details, wildlife, accommodation, and safety tips.
Where Is Kakum National Park?
Kakum National Park is located in the Central Region of Ghana, approximately 30 kilometers north of Cape Coast and 170 kilometers west of Accra.
Distance from major cities:
Cape Coast: 30 km (about 45 minutes by road)
Accra: 170 km (about 3 hours)
Takoradi: 80 km (about 1.5 hours)
Kumasi: 200 km (about 4 hours)
GPS Coordinates: 5°25′N 1°22′W
The park entrance is near the town of Abrafo. The nearest major town is Cape Coast, where most visitors stay overnight.
History of the Park
Kakum was established as a reserve in 1931 and upgraded to a national park in 1992. The park was created to protect the remaining rainforest of southern Ghana, which has been heavily logged over the past century.
The famous canopy walkway was constructed in 1994 with assistance from international conservation organizations. It was the first of its kind in Africa and remains one of the park’s main attractions.
Today, Kakum is managed by the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission and is recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The Canopy Walkway
The canopy walkway is the main reason most visitors come to Kakum.
Key Facts About the Walkway
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 350 meters total |
| Number of bridges | 7 |
| Height above ground | 30 meters (100 feet) |
| Bridge type | Rope and wooden planks |
| Time to complete | 30–60 minutes |
What to Expect
The walkway consists of seven bridges suspended between large trees. Each bridge is made of ropes and wooden planks. The bridges sway slightly as you walk, which can be challenging for visitors afraid of heights.
Important rules for the walkway:
Maximum 6 people per bridge at one time
No running or jumping
No leaning over the ropes
Children under 6 years old are not permitted
Pregnant women should not use the walkway
Is It Safe?
Yes. The walkway is inspected regularly, and guides accompany all groups. The ropes and planks are replaced periodically. However, visitors with a fear of heights may find the experience uncomfortable.
Entrance Fees (2025/2026 Approximate Rates)
| Visitor Category | Fee (GHS) |
|---|---|
| Ghanaian Adult | 15–25 |
| Ghanaian Child (under 12) | 8–12 |
| Foreign Resident | 40–60 |
| Foreign Tourist | 80–120 |
Additional Fees
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Canopy walkway (included for most fees above) | Covered |
| Guided nature walk | 20–40 GHS extra |
| Camera (professional) | 50–100 GHS |
| Video camera | 100–200 GHS |
Note: Fees are subject to change. Confirm at the park entrance before paying.
Wildlife You May See
Kakum is home to over 40 species of larger mammals, but wildlife is difficult to see due to the dense forest canopy.
Forest Elephants
Kakum has a population of forest elephants (Loxodonta cyclotis), which are smaller than savanna elephants. They are very shy and rarely seen.
Primates
Visitors have the best chance of seeing monkeys. Common species include:
Mona Monkey
Spot-nosed Monkey
Colobus Monkey (less common)
Other Mammals
Duikers (small forest antelopes)
Giant Forest Hogs
Brush-tailed Porcupine
Pangolins (rare)
Birds
Kakum is one of the best birdwatching sites in West Africa. Over 250 species have been recorded, including:
African Grey Parrot
Great Blue Turaco
Yellow-casqued Hornbill
Blue-throated Roller
Butterflies
Over 600 butterfly species live in the park. On sunny days, hundreds can be seen along the forest edges.
Activities at Kakum National Park
1. Canopy Walkway (Must-Do)
The main attraction. Most visitors spend 1–2 hours at the walkway.
2. Guided Nature Walk
After the walkway, visitors can take a guided walk on forest trails. Rangers explain the plants, animals, and traditional uses of forest resources.
Duration: 1–2 hours
Cost: 20–40 GHS (guide fee)
3. Night Walk
Nocturnal animals are easier to see after dark. Night walks are available with special permission and a guide.
Duration: 1–2 hours
Best time: Dry season (November–March)
What you may see: Bushbabies, civets, nightjars, and bioluminescent fungi
4. Tree Climbing
Some trees on the walkway route have platforms that allow visitors to climb higher than the bridges. This must be arranged in advance.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Months | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season (Best) | November – March | Less rain, trails drier, easier walking |
| Dry but Crowded | December – February | Peak tourist season, busiest |
| Wet Season | April – October | Rainy, muddy trails, wildlife harder to see |
Best time of day: Early morning (8–10 AM) – cooler temperatures, wildlife more active, fewer crowds
Avoid: Late afternoon when it is hotter, and animals have retreated into the forest.
What to Bring
Insect repellent – Mosquitoes and other insects are plentiful
Closed walking shoes – Trails can be muddy and slippery
Water bottle – Bring at least 1 liter per person
Rain jacket – Rain can occur even in the dry season
Camera – With a good zoom lens for wildlife
Binoculars – Essential for birdwatching
Hat and sunscreen – For the walkway where there is no shade
Cash – No ATMs at the park
Safety Tips
Listen to your guide. They know the trails, wildlife behavior, and safety rules.
Do not touch the ropes on the walkway too loosely. Maintain a steady grip.
Do not run or jump on the bridges. The swaying is normal.
Keep children close. The walkway has gaps between planks.
Do not feed wildlife. Monkeys may approach, but should not be fed.
Stay on marked trails. The forest is dense and easy to get lost in.
Where to Stay
Most visitors stay in Cape Coast or Elmina and visit Kakum as a day trip.
In Cape Coast (Recommended)
| Hotel | Budget | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Coast Castle View Hotel | Mid-range | Castle views, pool |
| Baobab House | Mid-range | Quiet, good food |
| Beach Resort Cape Coast | Higher | Beach access |
Near the Park
| Accommodation | Details |
|---|---|
| Rainforest Lodge | Nearest to the park entrance, basic |
| Hans Cottage Hotel | Unique hotel on the water, 10 minutes from the park |
Budget Option
Cape Coast has many budget guesthouses (50–100 GHS per night). Book in advance during peak season.
How to Get There
By Private Car or Taxi
From Cape Coast:
Drive north toward Abrafo (30 km)
Follow signs to Kakum National Park
Approximate driving time: 45 minutes
From Accra:
Take the Accra–Cape Coast road (3 hours)
From Cape Coast, follow directions above
By Public Transport (Tro-Tro)
From Cape Coast:
Take a tro-tro to Abrafo (from Kotokuraba station)
From Abrafo, take a taxi or motorbike to the park entrance (10 minutes)
From Accra:
Take a tro-tro or bus to Cape Coast (3–4 hours)
Follow directions from Cape Coast
By Tour
Many tour operators in Accra and Cape Coast offer day trips combining:
Kakum National Park (morning)
Cape Coast Castle or Elmina Castle (afternoon)
Tour cost: 300–600 GHS per person (includes transport, guide, and fees)
Nearby Attractions
Combine Kakum with other Central Region sites:
| Attraction | Distance | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Coast Castle | 30 km | Historical (slave trade history) |
| Elmina Castle | 35 km | Historical |
| Elmina Java Museum | 35 km | Cultural |
| Hans Cottage Hotel | 10 km | Unique accommodation |
| Fosu Lagoon | 35 km | Nature, kayaking |
Sample Day Trip Itinerary
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | Depart Accra |
| 9:00 AM | Arrive at Kakum National Park |
| 9:30 AM | Canopy walkway (1 hour) |
| 10:30 AM | Guided nature walk (1 hour) |
| 11:30 AM | Lunch (bring packed food) |
| 12:30 PM | Depart for Cape Coast |
| 1:30 PM | Visit Cape Coast Castle (2 hours) |
| 3:30 PM | Depart for Accra |
| 6:30 PM | Arrive Accra |
Environmental Responsibility
Kakum National Park faces environmental pressures from:
Tourism – Foot traffic, waste, disturbance to wildlife
Deforestation around park boundaries
Hunting (illegal but ongoing)
How visitors can help:
Do not litter. Take all trash out of the park.
Do not collect plants, seeds, or souvenirs from the forest.
Do not make loud noises. This disturbs wildlife.
Support the park by paying entrance fees (they fund conservation).
Hire local guides – Your money directly benefits the community.
Connection to Peace and Community
At OOJ Friends of Peace, we believe that protecting natural spaces like Kakum National Park supports peace in several ways:
Shared resource – Forests provide water, medicine, and livelihoods. When communities cooperate to protect them, conflict decreases.
Economic alternative – Tourism provides jobs that discourage illegal hunting and logging.
Education – Visitors learn about biodiversity and conservation, creating awareness that leads to responsible choices.
Kakum is proof that nature and people can thrive together when there is mutual respect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I visit Kakum without doing the canopy walkway?
Yes. You can pay a reduced entrance fee for nature walks only.
Q: Is the walkway safe for elderly visitors?
Yes, if they are steady on their feet and not afraid of heights. Younger children may find it scary.
Q: Can I take photos on the walkway?
Yes. Personal cameras are allowed. Professional cameras (large lenses) require an extra fee.
Q: Do I need a guide?
Yes, for nature walks. For the canopy walkway, park staff accompany groups but may not explain details unless you ask.
Q: How long should I spend at Kakum?
2–4 hours is sufficient for the walkway and one nature walk.
Plan Your Visit
Before you go:
Check the weather (avoid heavy rain)
Book accommodation in Cape Coast if staying overnight
Bring cash (no ATMs at park)
Wear comfortable closed shoes
Park contact:
Phone: [Search online for the current Kakum National Park phone number]
Location: Abrafo, Central Region, Ghana
Final Thoughts
Kakum National Park offers something unique in Ghana: the chance to walk among the treetops of an ancient rainforest. The canopy walkway is memorable, but the real value is in understanding why this forest matters. It protects wildlife, provides clean water, and offers a peaceful escape from busy cities.
Whether you come for adventure, nature, or quiet reflection, Kakum will not disappoint.
About OOJ Friends of Peace
OOJ Friends of Peace is a community-based organization dedicated to promoting peace, unity, and social responsibility. We share information about Ghana’s cultural and natural sites to encourage responsible tourism and community respect.
Contact us: info@oojfriendsofpeace.com
Location: Kumasi, Ghana