Family Adventure in Kakum National Park, Ghana

A Canopy of Dreams
Today marked the beginning of our family's 11-day journey into the heart of Ghana, a trip we've been eagerly anticipating. Leaving behind the crisp autumn air of Kingston, we embarked on an adventure to immerse ourselves in the lush landscapes of Kakum National Park Entrance. It’s a place teeming with biodiversity, a far cry from our urban lives, and I couldn't wait to share this experience with Liam and Nadia.

Our day started with a flurry of activity at Kotoka International Airport in Accra after our flight from Canada. The air was thick with humidity, a stark contrast to the dry Canadian air we'd left behind. After gathering our luggage, including the slightly-too-heavy camping gear, we picked up our rental car. The drive to Kakum was an adventure in itself, a vibrant tapestry of roadside markets and bustling towns. The 170 kilometers from Accra to Kakum National Park took us around 3 to 4 hours.

Before heading to the park, we stopped for a hearty Ghanaian breakfast at Sankofa Restaurant. The name 'Sankofa,' meaning 'go back and get it' in Twi, resonated deeply with me, a reminder of the importance of connecting with our roots. The restaurant was a culinary delight, offering a fusion of traditional Ghanaian dishes. I opted for some spicy kelewele (spicy fried plantains), while Liam enjoyed a local omelette. Nadia, ever the adventurous eater, surprised us by trying and loving the plantains. After breakfast, fully energized, we headed towards Kakum National Park Entrance.

Arriving at the park entrance, the air was filled with the sounds of the rainforest. Kakum National Park, established in 1992, spans 375 square kilometers and is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna. The park was established by the local people, setting it apart from other state-run wildlife preserves. We purchased our tickets at the Kakum National Park Entrance Gate Ghana. While there, I couldn't resist browsing the small shop near the entrance, picking up a few locally made crafts as souvenirs.


Explore the breathtaking beauty and rich biodiversity of Kakum National Park, Ghana's iconic destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

The highlight of our day was undoubtedly the canopy walkway. Suspended 40 meters above the forest floor, the 350-meter-long bridge connects seven treetops, offering a unique perspective of the rainforest. As we ascended, Nadia clung tightly to Liam's hand, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and excitement. I must admit, even I felt a slight tremor as the bridge swayed gently with each step. But the view! Oh, the view was simply breathtaking. The vibrant green canopy stretched out before us, an endless sea of leaves and branches teeming with life. It's one of only three locations in Africa with a canopy walkway.

We spotted colorful birds flitting through the trees, their calls echoing through the forest. Liam, ever the keen photographer, captured the stunning scenery, though I regretted forgetting our portable solar charger to keep the camera going. The weather in November is generally favorable, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C, making it ideal for exploring the outdoors. The humidity, however, was something we were still getting used to. I could feel the sweat trickling down my back, a reminder of the tropical climate we had traded for the Canadian autumn.

Sometimes, the greatest adventures are not about conquering mountains, but about immersing ourselves in the beauty of the world around us and sharing those moments with the people we love.

After our exhilarating walk, we were all famished. We decided to have lunch at Anomansa Restaurant. This charming restaurant serves authentic Ghanaian dishes with a view of the surrounding landscape. I opted for jollof rice, a flavorful and spicy dish that is a staple in West African cuisine. Liam chose grilled tilapia, fresh from the coast, and Nadia devoured a plate of fried rice. The portions were generous, and the food was delicious.


Experience authentic Ghanaian cuisine at Anomansa Restaurant near Elmina Castle - where culinary delight meets rich history.

As we ate, we discussed our impressions of the park. Nadia was particularly fascinated by the monkeys we had spotted from the canopy walkway. She peppered us with questions about their habitat, diet, and behavior. It warmed my heart to see her so engaged with nature, a stark contrast to the screen-filled world she often inhabits back home. I made a mental note to buy her a book about Ghanaian wildlife to fuel her newfound interest.

After lunch, we spent some time exploring the grounds around the park entrance. We learned that the park is home to over 266 species of birds. Although we didn't spot any forest elephants or Diana monkeys, knowing they were there added a sense of mystery and excitement to our visit. Perhaps we'll have better luck on one of our guided hikes tomorrow!

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Becky Kay Restaurant and Bar for dinner. This lively spot is known for its local flavors and coastal charm. We enjoyed a mix of Ghanaian stews and some international favorites. I savored a glass of local beer while Liam indulged in a refreshing cocktail. The vibrant atmosphere of the restaurant was the perfect end to a day filled with adventure and discovery. It's a great local spot in Cape Coast which serves local food well as some great fresh pizza.


Discover culinary delights at Becky Kay Restaurant and Bar in Cape Coast – where local flavors meet coastal charm.

Reflecting on our first day, I am filled with a sense of gratitude. We’ve immersed ourselves in the beauty of Kakum National Park, savored the flavors of Ghanaian cuisine, and connected with each other in a way that only travel can facilitate. Despite forgetting the extra camera batteries, we captured memories that will last a lifetime. As we settle into our campsite within the park, I can hear the sounds of the rainforest lulling us to sleep. It’s a symphony of nature, a reminder of the incredible biodiversity that Ghana has to offer.

Tomorrow, we plan to hike along the Kakum River and explore more of the park's trails. Nadia is especially excited about visiting the Parc national des passerelles, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of the local flora and fauna. We might even stop by Rasta Bar for a refreshing drink after our hike. For now, though, it's time to rest and recharge for another day of adventure in this beautiful corner of the world. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Ghana, you have captured our hearts. This is just the beginning, and I know there's so much more to explore and discover. Stay tuned for more updates from our family adventure in Kakum National Park!

The dense population of forest elephants in Ghana is located in Kakum. There are 266 species of birds within the park boundaries. Kakum National Park is also known as Ghana's most famous park. There are guided walks by park personnel giving you a chance to explore the nature of the area in a more intimate way. There are forest walks where the vegetation type is moist evergreen rainforest with tall hardwood trees up 65m in height. The rainforest canopy walkway is 40m high and suspended between trees from which different species of birds and butterflies can be observed.

Kakum National Park opens at 8:00 AM. The park welcome center contains a restaurant, a Rainforest Lodge, a picnic area, a camping area, and a wildlife education center. The rain forest canopy walkway connects 6 enormous trees and is in seven sections which total to a length of 330 m. The walkway reaches the height of 40 meters above the forest floor and is secured by a series of nets and wires for safety purposes. Kakum National Park is located in the southern central part of Ghana not too far from the coast. The park is named after the Kakum River which begins inside the protected.