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Ankasa National Park

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Forest
—°1
Ankasa National Park (Ghana)

Weather…

The Ankasa Conservation Area, located in southwestern Ghana near the border with Ivory Coast, is one of West Africa's most biologically diverse rainforests, encompassing about 509 square kilometers including Nini-Suhien National Park. It is the only area in Ghana categorized as a wet evergreen forest, receiving over 2,000 mm of rainfall annually. The park is famous for its 'Twin Rivers' and its cathedral-like stands of ancient trees, some of which are among the tallest in the region. Wildlife in Ankasa is exceptionally rich, featuring chimpanzees, the elusive bongo antelope, forest elephants, and hundreds of bird and butterfly species. The terrain is crisscrossed by a network of streams and rivers that maintain the high humidity and lushness of the environment. Ankasa is a critical stronghold for the Upper Guinean forest ecosystem, which is under severe pressure elsewhere. It provides a truly pristine wilderness experience, attracting researchers and nature lovers who seek to understand the complexities of tropical ecology. Protecting this primary forest remains a top priority for international and local conservation organizations.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Aug, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272827272625242425252627
Rain mm30651351602052691246413322611441

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Accessing this pristine reserve typically involves driving along the main southwestern coastal highway before turning onto rugged, unpaved logging access roads.
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Best season
While it remains wet year-round, visiting during the marginally drier months is usually preferred to ensure the remote dirt access tracks do not turn into deep mud.
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Terrain & paths
The environment is an exceptionally dense, wet evergreen canopy with muddy, root-tangled paths and numerous small streams that often require careful crossing.
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What to bring
High-quality waterproof boots, lightweight rain gear, and powerful insect repellent are absolutely essential for dealing with the constant moisture and jungle environment.
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Parking
Vehicles are typically secured at the official forestry camp or main entrance gate, which serves as the permanent starting point for all guided jungle excursions.
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Safety
The thick canopy makes navigation disorienting, and the muddy trails can be extremely slippery, so sticking closely to experienced rangers is highly advised.
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Time needed
Visitors typically spend at least a full day walking the lush forest trails, though dedicated birdwatchers often remain at the basic camp facilities for several days.

Geography

Coordinates
5.25000, -2.66670

Facts

  • Ghana's only wet evergreen forest zone
  • Receives over 2,000 mm of rain per year
  • Part of a 509 km² conservation complex
  • Sanctuary for the rare bongo antelope
  • Famous for its 'Twin Rivers' landscape
  • Home to over 600 butterfly species

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Nini-Suhien National ParkNini-Suhien National Park11 km · EExplore →
NzulezoNzulezo27 km · WExplore →
Fort ApolloniaFort Apollonia31 km · WExplore →
Atuabo Gas Processing PlantAtuabo Gas Processing Plant32 km · WExplore →
Western Rubber PlantationWestern Rubber Plantation33 km · NWExplore →
Tano BasinTano Basin33 km · NEExplore →
Nzema Gold MineNzema Gold Mine42 km · NWExplore →
Tano RiverTano River46 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Ankasa National Park (1)

Ankasa Game Reserve and Nini-Suhien National Park🌿 nature

Together, the Ankasa Game Reserve and Nini-Suhien National Park form the largest and most pristine tract of wet evergreen forest in Ghana.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the 'Bamboo Cathedral'?
A natural tunnel formed by towering bamboo, one of the most photographed sites in the park.
What is the climate like in Ankasa forest?
It is a tropical rainforest with high humidity and frequent rainfall throughout the year.
Are there camping sites?
Yes, there are designated sites like the Ankasa Exploration Base for a real jungle experience.
What clothing should be worn?
Light, breathable long-sleeved clothing against insects and sturdy hiking boots are essential.
Is birdwatching possible?
Ankasa is a paradise for birdwatchers, with rare species like the white-breasted guineafowl.
Ankasa National Park: where is it located?
Ankasa National Park is located in Ghana.
Ankasa National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Aug, Dec.
Ankasa National Park: why is it worth visiting?
The Ankasa Conservation Area, located in southwestern Ghana near the border with Ivory Coast, is one of West Africa's most biologically diverse rainforests, encompassing about 509 square kilometers including Nini-Suhien National Park.
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Nearby cities

Nzulezo — Ankasa National Park (Ghana)
Nzulezo
Nzulezo is a unique village built entirely on stilts over Lake Tadane in Ghana.
Prestea — Ankasa National Park (Ghana)
Prestea
Prestea is a historic mining town with deep underground gold mining shafts.
Aboisso — Ankasa National Park (Ghana)
Aboisso
A border town on the way to Ghana.

History & landmarks

Fort Saint Anthony — Ankasa National Park (Ghana)
Fort Saint Anthony
A former Portuguese fort in Axim, the second oldest structure of its kind on the coast of Ghana.

Nature

Ankobra River — Ankasa National Park (Ghana)
Ankobra River
Flows through the gold mining region in the southwest.
Tano River — Ankasa National Park (Ghana)
Tano River
A river forming the border with Côte d'Ivoire.
🗺️
Assinie Lagoon
A popular lagoon in the east near the border with Ghana.
Comoé — Ankasa National Park (Ghana)
Comoé
A major river in the east of the country that flows through Comoé National Park.

More places

🗺️
Nini-Suhien National Park
A significant nature reserve in the southwest.
Western Rubber Plantation — Ankasa National Park (Ghana)
Western Rubber Plantation
An insight into Ghana's industrial agriculture.
Cape Three Points — Ankasa National Park (Ghana)
Cape Three Points
The southernmost point of Ghana.
Busua Beach — Ankasa National Park (Ghana)
Busua Beach
A well-known beach on the Atlantic Ocean.
Takoradi Zoo — Ankasa National Park (Ghana)
Takoradi Zoo
A smaller zoo, ideal for day trips.
Fort Apollonia — Ankasa National Park (Ghana)
Fort Apollonia
A former British fort in Beyin, once a major center for palm oil and gold trade.
Atuabo Gas Processing Plant — Ankasa National Park (Ghana)
Atuabo Gas Processing Plant
Ghana's first gas processing plant, utilizing associated gas from offshore oil fields.
Tano Basin — Ankasa National Park (Ghana)
Tano Basin
A humid basin in southwestern Ghana.