Kakum Forest Reserve

Kakum Forest Reserve, officially known as Kakum National Park, encompasses an area of approximately 375 square kilometers within the Central Region of Ghana. Established as a reserve in 1931 and elevated to national park status in 1992, its primary mission is the preservation of Ghana's rapidly diminishing primary rainforest. The park's most famous feature is the Canopy Walkway, a series of seven suspension bridges reaching heights of up to 40 meters above the forest floor, which opened to the public in 1995. Geographically, the park lies within the Upper Guinean forest ecosystem and experiences a humid tropical climate throughout the year. The vegetation is characterized by towering emergent trees such as mahogany and silk cotton, while the fauna includes endangered forest elephants, Diana monkeys, and over 250 avian species. The park serves as a critical bastion for regional conservation and functions as a major educational center for tropical ecology. Kakum is notable for being one of the first parks in Africa developed with substantial community involvement, making it a benchmark for sustainable eco-tourism. Its blend of high biodiversity and unique aerial perspectives makes it a premier destination for naturalists and travelers alike.

Nearby cities

Cape Coast

Cape Coast is a historic coastal city and the former European colonial capital.

Kasoa

Kasoa is a very fast-growing town in the Central Region, functioning as a major commuter hub.

Winneba

Winneba is a coastal town known for its vibrant Aboakyer festival and its educational institutions.

Oduponkpehe

Oduponkpehe is a rapidly growing residential and commercial town in the Central Region.

Agona Swedru

Agona Swedru is a key commercial center and transport hub in the Central Region.

Dunkwa-on-Offin

Dunkwa-on-Offin is an important center for the mining and cocoa trade.

Saltpond

Saltpond is a historic town in the Central Region, once a major center for colonial administration.

Apam

Apam is a historic coastal town known for its fishing industry and Fort Patience.

Foso

Foso is a municipal capital acting as a central trading point for the surrounding cocoa farms.

Mumford

Mumford is a coastal community primarily engaged in artisanal marine fishing.

Kokrobite

A lively coastal village near Accra, famous for its reggae culture, Rastafarian vibes, and bustling weekend beach parties.

History & landmarks

Elmina Castle

The oldest European building in existence south of the Sahara, erected by the Portuguese in 1482.

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Wesley Methodist Cathedral

A majestic church in Cape Coast that played a central role in the spread of Methodism in Ghana.

Cape Coast Castle

An imposing coastal fortress heavily involved in the historical transatlantic slave trade.

Nature

Fosu Lagoon

A coastal lagoon near Cape Coast.

More places

Kakum Canopy Walkway

An exciting tree-top experience for the whole family.

Kakum National Park

A tropical rainforest known for its canopy walkways.

Bobiri Butterfly Sanctuary

A colorful paradise for children and nature lovers.

Central Honey Farm

Everything about beekeeping in Ghana.

Fort St. Jago

A fortified position overlooking Elmina Castle, built by the Portuguese for observation and defense.

Elmina Fishing Village

A vibrant place to observe the fishermen's life.

Elmina Castle

The oldest European building in sub-Saharan Africa, established to facilitate trade.

Fort McCarthy

A small British defensive fort located on a hill overlooking Accra.