Stories and facts

Located in Ghana's Central Region, Kakum National Park is a breathtaking haven that captures the imagination of nature lovers and adventurers. Spanning 375 square kilometres (145 square miles) of lush rainforest, it symbolizes Ghana's dedication to conservation and provides an unmatched opportunity to witness the wonders of the natural world. From its impressive canopy walkway to its diverse wildlife and rich cultural heritage, Kakum National Park is a biodiverse paradise and a must-visit destination for unforgettable eco-adventures.

History of the park

The headwater catchment of the Kakum River was designated as a forest reserve in 1931 and managed by the Forestry Division. Logging activities, mainly targeting the mahogany species known as Khaya ivorensis, were prominent during this period. In 1989, management of the reserve was transferred to the Wildlife Department, marking the end of logging operations.

In 1990, a project conducted for the United Nations Development Program produced a Feasibility Study and Preliminary 5-year Management Plan for the development of Kakum National Park as an ecotourism destination. This study involved assessing the biodiversity of the flora and fauna in the Kakum Forest Reserve and the neighbouring Assin-Attandanso Forest Reserve, as well as conducting an elephant population survey. The development of the feasibility study and management plan was a collaborative effort involving a consulting biologist, forestry officials, wildlife officials, local communities, Ghanaian universities, regional government officials, and other stakeholders.

Biodiversity and wildlife

In 1992, the Wildlife Department officially designated Kakum as a park under the Wildlife Reserves Regulations (Ll 1525), encompassing the Kakum Conservation Area, which also included the Assin Attandanso Forest Reserve. Following a survey of the conservation area's fauna, it was divided into two separate entities in the same year: Kakum National Park and Assin Attandanso Forest Reserve. The justification for this division was the need for timber from the forest and the provision of clean water from the Kakum River, which continued to serve Cape Coast and 33 other towns and villages.

Kakum National Park boasts an extraordinary array of flora and fauna. Over 400 bird species, including the African grey parrot and hornbills, inhabit the park, providing a visual and auditory spectacle for birdwatchers exploring the dense forest. The park is also home to several primate species, such as the endangered Diana monkey, the striking colobus monkey, and the agile tree-dwelling olive baboon. Lucky visitors may even catch a glimpse of rare and cherished residents like the forest elephant and West African manatee. Notable endangered species in the park include the Diana monkey, giant bongo antelope, yellow-backed duiker, and African elephant. Additionally, Kakum National Park is recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International, with 266 confirmed bird species, including eight of global conservation concern.

For those seeking a deeper connection with nature, Kakum National Park offers a network of well-maintained trails that wind through the rainforest. Knowledgeable guides lead informative tours, sharing insights on the park's diverse plant life, medicinal herbs, and ecological processes. Exploring these trails grants visitors a profound understanding of the delicate balance sustaining this thriving ecosystem, while also providing a sense of serenity found only in nature's heart. The park has been proposed as a potential natural World Heritage Site by the Museums and Monuments Board of the Republic of Ghana, under UNESCO criteria vii and x.

A canopy walkway like no other

Another remarkable feature of the park is the Kakum Canopy Walkway, a lengthy series of suspended bridges situated at the forest canopy level. This distinctive element sets Kakum apart as it is unparalleled throughout the entire African continent. Elevated at a height of 40 meters (130 ft), visitors can venture closer to the limits of the forest, granting them access to captivating views of plants and animals that would otherwise remain out of reach. The canopy walkway consists of seven bridges spanning a total length of 330 meters (1,080 ft), traversing canopies that tower over 50 meters (160 ft) in height. Constructed using wire rope, aluminium ladders, and wooden planks, the walkway is fortified with safety netting.

Additionally, a new viewing platform is currently being constructed to provide visitors with an alternative way to experience the forest canopy without braving the canopy walkway. The construction of the Canopy Walkway was executed by two Canadian engineers from Vancouver, aided by a team of five Ghanaian individuals who have been responsible for its maintenance since then, as part of the Kakum National Park Visitor Centre managed by the Ghana Heritage Conservation Trust.

The initial concept for establishing a canopy walkway at this location was conceived by Joseph Dudley, a conservation biologist recruited by Conservation International. Dudley played a vital role in coordinating the drafting of the Feasibility Study and Preliminary 5-year Management Plan for developing Kakum National Park into an ecotourism destination, as part of a project conducted for the United Nations Development Programme.

Guided nature trails and ecotourism

Kakum National Park presents an extensive system of meticulously maintained paths meandering through the rainforest, inviting individuals to fully engage with the magnificent beauty of the region. Accompanied by well-informed guides, visitors can partake in enlightening tours that offer insights into the park's abundant plant life, medicinal herbs, and captivating ecological phenomena. By exploring these trails, guests can cultivate a profound appreciation for the intricate equilibrium that supports this vibrant ecosystem, all while experiencing serene tranquillity that is exclusive to nature's core.

Special features at the park

Within Kakum National Park, a notable attraction is the Komfo Boateng's Shrine, a circular rock located near Aboabo. This impressive rock spans approximately 100 meters (330 ft) in diameter and is adorned with diverse plant species, including Ceiba pathandra, Albizia furruginea, and Ricinodendron heudelotii.

Furthermore, the park now boasts a Tree House situated approximately 20 meters above the forest floor in the Secondary Forest. This unique facility can accommodate around 25 people and offers adventurous campers an opportunity to experience forest life, particularly during the nighttime. Due to the dense rainforest, various fauna species such as genets and leopards actively search for prey at night. The Tree House provides close proximity to Kakum's wildlife, and a trained tour guide is available to lead campers on night hikes while sharing captivating folklore of the Kakum Forest around a cosy bonfire. It promises to be an enthralling adventure

Cultural heritage and community involvement

Beyond its ecological significance, Kakum National Park holds deep cultural roots in Ghanaian history. Surrounded by vibrant local communities, whose lives intertwine closely with the rainforest, the park offers visitors the chance to engage with these communities and learn about their traditional practices, folklore, and craftsmanship. Local artisans showcase their work, providing an opportunity to purchase unique handicrafts as souvenirs, contributing to the economic well-being of the communities and fostering an appreciation for the thriving cultural heritage that coexists harmoniously with nature.

Threats and conservation

Efforts are underway to address various threats faced by Kakum National Park. These include poaching, which has been substantiated by the discovery of evidence such as camps, discarded matchboxes, rubber tire remnants, used carbide, gunshots, and cartridges. Additionally, hunting, encroachment on park lands, and chainsaw operations pose significant challenges. Human-wildlife conflicts arise from park elephants damaging farmers' crops, leading to the implementation of protective measures such as the construction of pepper fences around agricultural lands.

The Wildlife Department of Ghana administers the park, with Conservation International and USAID providing vital funding and support. These collective efforts have resulted in Kakum being recognized as the most well-preserved forest in Ghana and a prominent tourist destination. Although poaching remains a concern, involving local communities in park management to share its benefits has the potential to yield positive outcomes. Gamekeepers within the park receive specialized training on the medicinal and cultural importance of local plant life.

Tourism at Kukum National Park

Kakum National Park, the inaugural protected area in Ghana, has garnered substantial backing for its visitor amenities. The visitor centre, inaugurated on Earth Day in 1997, quickly gained recognition by receiving the prestigious Global Tourism for Tomorrow Award in the subsequent year. The park has witnessed a consistent rise in tourist figures over time, with visitor numbers climbing from 2,000 in 1992 to 27,000 in 1996. By 1999, the park successfully drew over 70,000 tourists, and in 2009, it attracted an impressive count of 135,870 visitors.

The Kakum National Park is a testament to Ghana's extraordinary natural beauty and biodiversity. With its remarkable canopy walkway, abundant wildlife, guided nature trails, and strong community involvement, the park offers a truly immersive experience for those seeking to connect with nature and explore the wonders of the rainforest. A visit to Kakum National Park not only promises a lifetime adventure but also contributes to the conservation efforts aimed at preserving this remarkable ecosystem for future generations.