By: Seli Baisie
I know the holiday season is over but if you are feeling a little adventurous and want to take that solo or family trip, then Kakum National Park is one of the best tourist destinations in Ghana.
Kakum National Park is located in the Central Region of Ghana and was established in 1931. It is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations and is known for its diverse array of flora and fauna, as well as its canopy walkway, which is a unique feature of the park.
The park covers an area of around 375 square kilometers and is home to over 40 species of mammals and more than 200 species of birds. It is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.Â
The park is noted for its conservation efforts and ecotourism activities, and it has played an essential role in protecting the area’s natural resources.
The park has a strong focus on conservation and ecotourism, which has helped to protect the area’s natural resources and provide sustainable livelihoods for local communities. The park has a number of walking trails, a visitors’ center, and several camping sites.
The park’s famous canopy walkway, which is a suspended bridge through the treetops, offers visitors a unique perspective of the forest and its wildlife. The park also has a number of educational programs that aim to raise awareness of the importance of conservation and the protection of the park’s unique ecosystem.
10 reasons to visit Kakum National Park in Ghana
1. Unique Canopy Walkway: The park’s famous canopy walkway is a suspended bridge that spans across the treetops, providing visitors with a unique perspective of the forest and its wildlife. It’s a one-of-a-kind, daring experience that you shouldn’t miss.
2. Walking trails: The park offers a number of walking trails that provide visitors with an opportunity to explore the park and its wildlife on foot. These trails offer visitors the chance to see different parts of the park and its ecosystem, from the forest floor to the treetops.
3. Diverse Flora and Fauna: The park is home to over 40 species of mammals and more than 200 species of birds, making it a great destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The park’s diverse ecosystem offers visitors the chance to see a variety of different species, from forest elephants to chimpanzees.
4. Visitors center: The park has a visitors’ center that provides relevant information about the park, its history and its conservation efforts. Visitors can learn more about the park and its ecosystem, as well as the different activities that they can participate in.
5. Educational Programs: The park offers a number of educational programs that aim to raise awareness of the importance of conservation and the protection of the park’s unique ecosystem. These programs provide visitors with an in-depth understanding of the park’s natural and cultural heritage.
6. Camping Sites: The park has several camping sites that provide visitors with an opportunity to spend the night in the park and experience the forest at night. This is a unique opportunity to see the park’s nocturnal wildlife and enjoy the peacefulness of the forest.
7. Local dishes: They have a local restaurant with popular West African dishes, including, jollof rice, fufu, banku with grilled tilapia, waakye, fried rice, and many more.
8. Art shop: The art shop features a variety of handcrafted items made by local artisans. The shop has a wide selection of items, including traditional crafts such as pottery, textiles, and woodcarvings, jewelry, including beaded necklaces and bracelets, made from locally-sourced materials. The shopkeepers are knowledgeable about the local art and culture and educate visitors about the history and meaning behind each piece.
9. Peaceful and serene environment: The park has a peaceful and serene environment, which makes it a perfect place to relax, unwind, and forget the stress of daily life. The natural beauty of the park and the peacefulness of the forest offer visitors the chance to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
10. Conservation Efforts: The park has a strong focus on conservation, making it a great destination for those interested in environmental protection and sustainable tourism. Visitors can learn about the park’s efforts to protect its natural resources and the impact of ecotourism on the local community.
