Kakum National Park - Open Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to dusk; admission fees may change, due ex-change rates. The park is clearly posted along Jukwa Road roughly 20 miles north of Cape Coast and Elmina. It is best to arrive at 7 a.m. to see as much wildlife as possible.
The threats currently faced within the park are numerous and varied, and significant efforts are being made to address them. One of the primary concerns is poaching, which has been documented through visible evidence such as makeshift camps, empty matchboxes, discarded rubber tire remnants, used carbide, gunshots, and spent cartridges. In addition to poaching, other pressing issues include illegal hunting, encroachments on park land for agricultural purposes, and the operation of chainsaws for logging activities. Furthermore, the conflict between humans and wildlife, particularly surrounding the park, arises when elephants venture out and cause damage to the crops cultivated by local farmers.
In response to the challenges posed by these elephants during the crucial cropping season, farmers have taken proactive measures by constructing pepper fences around their agricultural fields. These fences serve as a deterrent, effectively protecting their crops from potential raids by elephants seeking food.
The administration and management of the park falls under the purview of the Wildlife Department of Ghana. This undertaking is carried out under the guidance of Conservation International, with substantial financial support provided by USAID, ensuring that the park’s conservation efforts are both effective and sustainable.
Kakum National Park is widely recognized as the best-protected forest reserve in Ghana. Its reputation for conservation excellence has made it a prominent tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the globe who are eager to explore its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes.
Although the challenge of poaching remains significant, the management strategy that emphasizes community involvement and sharing the benefits derived from the park is expected to produce positive and lasting impacts on both conservation efforts and local livelihoods.
Within the park, gamekeepers undergo specialized training that equips them with a deep understanding of the medical and cultural significance of the indigenous flora. This knowledge not only enhances their ability to protect the park’s resources but also fosters a greater appreciation of the natural heritage among local communities and visitors alike.
The park contains rare animals, including forest elephants, forest buffalo, civet and cats. Two hundred forest elephants (Loxodonta africana cyclotis), potto (Perodicticus potto), Demidoff's galago (Galago demidovii), African civet (Viverra civetta), two-spotted palm civet (Nandinia binotata), leopard (Panthera pardus), bongo (Tragelaphus euryceros), many species of duikers (small antelopes), red river hog (Potamochoerus porcus pictus), giant forest hog (Hylochoerus meinertzhageni), long-tailed pangolin (Manis tetradactyla), white-belied pangolin (Manis tricuspis), giant pangolin (Manis gigantea), many species of forest squirrels, North African crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata), dwarf crocodile (Osteolamus tetraspis), monitor lizards, Home's hinged tortoise, serrated tortoise and many other fauna are reported from the park.
Preserving and maintaining!
The park is home to a diverse array of primates, including the Colobus vellerosus, which is classified as Vulnerable (VU), the Procolobus verus, listed as Least Concern/near threatened (LR/nt), the critically endangered Cercopithecus diana roloway (CR), and the African forest elephant, Loxodonta africana cyclotis, categorized as Endangered (EN). Notably, the African forest elephant can be found throughout the country, showcasing the significance of the park as a critical habitat for these amazing species.
In recognition of its rich avian diversity, BirdLife International designated this park area as one of the BirdLife Areas in Ghana back in 2002, based on several important criteria (A1, A2, A3). The park boasts an impressive record of 266 bird species, with an additional 56 species having been observed but not yet officially confirmed. All of the recorded bird species are resident, and the majority fall under the Least Concern classification, indicating a stable population status.
However, the park is also home to some globally threatened bird species that are categorized as Near Threatened. Among these are the green-tailed bristlebill (Bleda eximius), the red-fronted antpecker (Parmoptila rubrifrons), the rufous-winged illadopsis (Illadopsis rufescens), and the copper-tailed glossy-starling (Lamprotornis cupreocauda). Furthermore, several Vulnerable species have been identified within the park's ecosystem, including the white-breasted guineafowl (Agelastes meleagrides), the brown-cheeked hornbill (Bycanistes cylindricus), the yellow-casqued hornbill (Ceratogymna elata), and the yellow-bearded greenbul (Criniger olivaceus). This highlights the park's ecological significance and the need for ongoing conservation efforts to protect these vital species and their habitats.
Explore Kakum
Best Months: December (high season), school holiday peak; February is quieter but still beautiful.
Reserve Ahead: Especially for canopy walk access and overnight stays in the Tree House.
Guided Tours: Plan birdwatching, night hikes, and botanical hikes with trained guides.
Combine & Connect: Visit nearby attractions such as Cape Coast or Elmina castles for a fuller cultural journey.
First Slide
From a humble forest reserve in 1931 to Ghana’s most-visited eco‑hub, Kakum National Park exemplifies the power of conservation, innovation, and cultural tourism. With stunning natural architecture, elevated walkways, interactive exhibitions, and record-breaking visitor numbers, it invites everyone—locals, students, diaspora, researchers, and global travelers—to experience Ghana’s rainforest legacy.
Visiting Kakum isn't just sightseeing. It’s stepping into a story
Second Slide
Kakum National Park: A Story of Conservation, Culture & Climbing the Canopy
Kakum National Park—Ghana’s first official protected area—is more than a rainforest: it’s an emblem of ecological stewardship, sustainable tourism, and cultural revival. With its world‑class visitor facilities, iconic canopy walkway, and steadily rising footfall, Kakum has emerged as one of Ghana’s premier eco‑destinations.
