Kakum National Park

Kakum National Park is renowned for its impressive canopy walkway, suspended high above the rainforest floor, providing a unique perspective of the forest...

Kakum National Park at a Glance

Location
Central Ashanti Forest Belt, Ghana, West Africa
Coordinates
5.440127, -1.405766
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Moderate
Malaria Risk
High
Best Time to Visit
November to March (dry season) for wildlife and national parks. Best birding November to April.

Getting to Kakum National Park

Nearest airport: Aérodrome de Cana (DBBC), 425 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aéroport International Cardinal Bernardin Gantin (COO), 432 km away.

Wildlife in Kakum National Park

Home to 74 recorded species including 39 iconic birds, 15 waterbirds, 15 birds of prey, 5 tropical birds.

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Kakum National Park

50 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Central Ashanti Forest Belt

Visitor Tips - Kakum National Park

Kakum's canopy walkway is an exhilarating, must-do experience, offering a truly unique perspective high above the rainforest floor that you simply won't find elsewhere in Ghana. We recommend arriving early in the morning, ideally right at opening, to enjoy the cooler temperatures, better chances of spotting wildlife, and to experience the walk before the crowds gather. It's a sensory immersion, from the sounds of the forest waking up to the incredible views stretching across the canopy.

Gate Times

The gates at Kakum National Park typically open around 8:00 AM and close at 5:00 PM daily, though we always recommend checking the latest information locally upon arrival. There are no seasonal variations to these hours that we've observed. For day visitors, permits are purchased directly at the entrance gate; advance booking is not usually required for general entry, but large groups might benefit from prior notification.

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated for the local guides who accompany you on the canopy walk and forest trails. We recommend budgeting around 50-100 GHS per guide for a good experience, or roughly 5-10 USD equivalent, depending on the length and quality of the tour. It's best to offer this directly and discreetly at the end of your activity. For other park staff, a small gratuity for exceptional service is also welcome.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Ghana

Travel advisory for Ghana

Kakum National Park FAQs

What is the Kakum Canopy Walkway experience like, and are there any physical requirements?

The Kakum Canopy Walkway offers a thrilling experience across seven bridges, spanning over 350 meters at heights up to 40 meters above the rainforest floor. While not overly strenuous, participants should be comfortable with heights and able to navigate uneven wooden planks and steps.

What kind of wildlife can I realistically expect to see during a visit to Kakum National Park?

While large mammals are elusive, Kakum is a prime destination for birdwatching, with over 300 species recorded, including hornbills and turacos. Visitors often spot various butterflies, and smaller primates like Mona monkeys and olive colobus monkeys, especially during guided forest walks.

When is the best time of year to visit Kakum National Park for optimal conditions?

The dry season, from November to April, is generally considered the best time to visit Kakum, offering more comfortable temperatures and less rainfall for the canopy walk and forest trails. While the park has a moderate crowding level (3/5), weekdays typically offer a more serene experience than weekends.

Given the high malaria risk in Ghana, what specific precautions should I take when visiting Kakum National Park?

Due to the high malaria risk, it is crucial to consult your doctor about antimalarial medication before your trip to Kakum. Additionally, wear long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk, and use insect repellent containing DEET to minimize mosquito bites.

Are there other activities or guided tours available at Kakum National Park besides the famous canopy walkway?

Yes, beyond the canopy walk, Kakum National Park offers guided forest walks on ground trails, providing opportunities to learn about the diverse flora and medicinal plants. These walks are excellent for spotting smaller wildlife and offer a different perspective of the rainforest ecosystem.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Lonely Planet West Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers Ghana, Senegal, Gambia, Nigeria, Cameroon, and more. Includes national parks, wildlife reserves, and practical overland travel advice across the region.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.