Kakum National Park, Ghana: where it is located, when to go, and what to see

Located inland from Cape Coast, Ghana, the Kakum area was designated a protected National Park in 1992. Characterized by stretches of pristine rainforest, completely untouched by humans and so dense that sunlight barely penetrates, it is the natural habitat for numerous animal species, including elephants, monkeys, leopards, wild boars, and bongos. For this reason, it is one of the favorite places for safari and adventure enthusiasts.

In this article, we will try to learn more about this park, which is truly one of the most hidden and incredible corners of the Earth. Here is everything you need to know about Kakum National Park in Ghana: where it is located, when to go, and what to see!

Where is it located?

Kakum National Park is located in the place of the same name, Kakum, situated 12 miles from Cape Coast. It is one of the largest equipped natural parks in Ghana. It spans over 135 square miles, and most of the territory is covered by rainforest.

How to get there?

From Milan or Rome there are no direct flights from Italy. The nearest airports to Kakum are Sekondi-Takoradi (50.6 miles) or Accra (93.1 miles). If flying to Takoradi, expect at least 2 layovers (typically one in Accra), while those flying to Accra might have 1 layover. The duration varies from 10 to 20 hours, depending on the departure city and the number of layovers. The airlines serving this route include: Turkish Airlines, Air France, Brussels Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, and Africa World Airlines - Compare flights from Rome or Milan

From major European capitals, the only direct flight is operated by Air France from Paris Charles de Gaulle to Accra, available only on certain days of the week and with a duration of 6 hours. In other cases, be prepared for 1 or 2 layovers and a flight duration that ranges from 20 to 30 hours to Sekondi-Takoradi, and from 10 to 15 hours to Accra. The airlines active on these routes are: Africa World Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, KLM, Air France - Compare flights to Kakum National Park

How to reach Kakum National Park?

The best option is to organize the entire trip with the help of a specialized agency, which can guide you on the best way to reach the park, sometimes directly offering private transport.

If you are organizing the trip independently, once you land, proceed towards Cape Coast.

From Takoradi, it is recommended to take the bus that departs directly from the airport twice a day: from Takoradi to Tema (5 hours, €8.00), then from Tema to Cape Coast (3 hours and 21 minutes, €6.00).

From Accra, you can take line 456 from Alliance to Okponglo, line 389 or 386 from Okponglo to Accra New Town, line 376 or 368 from Accra New Town to Accra New Tema Station, and from there a bus directly to Cape Coast (2 hours, €5.00).

Upon arriving in Cape Coast, to reach Kakum National Park, you need to take a tro-tro from Kotokuraba station (45 minutes, €0.56). The tro-tros stop near the park entrance (a five-minute walk following the signs).

When to go? Info on climate and best time

Climate tropical, average daytime temperature 32°C (89.6°F), nighttime 24°C (75.2°F). Rainfall begins to increase at the end of March, peaking during June. Sea temperature hovers around 27°C (80.6°F)

Best time is between January and March. The winds blowing from the east and northeast make the climate mild and pleasant

Avoid May and June, as they are the rainiest months

Tips pack a versatile suitcase that contains everything needed for the weather and possible mishaps in a wonderful land like Africa. Bring scarves (to shield from the wind laden with sand), umbrellas, raincoats, and clothes made of natural fibers

Climate tropical, average daytime temperature 32°C (89.6°F), nighttime 24°C (75.2°F). Rainfall begins to increase at the end of March, peaking during June. Sea temperature hovers around 27°C (80.6°F)
Best time is between January and March. The winds blowing from the east and northeast make the climate mild and pleasant
Avoid May and June, as they are the rainiest months
Tips pack a versatile suitcase that contains everything needed for the weather and possible mishaps in a wonderful land like Africa. Bring scarves (to shield from the wind laden with sand), umbrellas, raincoats, and clothes made of natural fibers

What to bring: clothing

Clothing lightweight clothing, preferably made of natural fibers, a sweater for the evening

Gear scarf, raincoat, binoculars, camera. Comfortable shoes and clothing, and insect repellent

Clothing lightweight clothing, preferably made of natural fibers, a sweater for the evening
Gear scarf, raincoat, binoculars, camera. Comfortable shoes and clothing, and insect repellent

10 things to see: animals and points of interest

Canopy walk true walks atop the trees within the park, connected by suspended bridges, for spotting wildlife and breathtaking views

Monkey Forest Monkey sanctuary, located along the road to Kakum. In addition to monkeys, you can also see other animals, including turtles and two alligators

International Stingless Bee Center another place totally immersed in African nature, dedicated to bees. You can learn about and purchase various types of honey

Birdwatching over 400 species of birds to admire and photograph. Among the most common: White-throated Bee-eater, Yellow-billed Kite, African Hobby, Black-winged Lapwing, Long-tailed Cormorant, Smooth-backed Pipit, African Pygmy Goose, Long-tailed Nightjar

Hiking backpacking through the rainforest to discover the most significant medicinal tree species that grow here

Endangered animal species leopards, bonobos, forest antelopes, buffalo, duikers, and red river pigs

Butterflies over 500 different and colorful species. A small enchantment for the eyes

Kakum Museum a walk among local flora, fauna, culture, and history. The craft shop is also quite interesting.

Camping under the stars tent, mattress, and sheets; the park also offers the possibility to camp and experience it at night, spotting animals or simply enjoying an unforgettable landscape

Wildlife Education Center a truly important initiative aimed at protecting wildlife, especially endangered species, from poachers. Learning about their projects will add more interest and experience to your visit to the park.

Canopy walk true walks atop the trees within the park, connected by suspended bridges, for spotting wildlife and breathtaking views
Monkey Forest Monkey sanctuary, located along the road to Kakum. In addition to monkeys, you can also see other animals, including turtles and two alligators
International Stingless Bee Center another place totally immersed in African nature, dedicated to bees. You can learn about and purchase various types of honey
Birdwatching over 400 species of birds to admire and photograph. Among the most common: White-throated Bee-eater, Yellow-billed Kite, African Hobby, Black-winged Lapwing, Long-tailed Cormorant, Smooth-backed Pipit, African Pygmy Goose, Long-tailed Nightjar
Hiking backpacking through the rainforest to discover the most significant medicinal tree species that grow here
Endangered animal species leopards, bonobos, forest antelopes, buffalo, duikers, and red river pigs
Butterflies over 500 different and colorful species. A small enchantment for the eyes
Kakum Museum a walk among local flora, fauna, culture, and history. The craft shop is also quite interesting.
Camping under the stars tent, mattress, and sheets; the park also offers the possibility to camp and experience it at night, spotting animals or simply enjoying an unforgettable landscape
Wildlife Education Center a truly important initiative aimed at protecting wildlife, especially endangered species, from poachers. Learning about their projects will add more interest and experience to your visit to the park.

How much does it cost to visit Kakum Park? Prices, deals, and tips

Kakum National Park is open every day from 6:00 AM until sunset. It is advisable to arrive around seven, to maximize the chances of spotting various animal species.

There will also be specialized guides available on site who will explain specific characteristics of the local flora and fauna, especially the important and precious medicinal plants that grow here.
The entrance fee is not particularly high.

The entrance to the park requires a fee starting at 40.00 GHS (€6.50), and you should add the costs of various experiences you choose to participate in: camping or hiking, for example, is from 85.00 GHS (€13.40) per person. The cost of traveling to the park from Cape Coast is around 3.50 GHS (€0.55). As previously mentioned, there are many experienced guides available. However, for experiences like these, in places that are so different from our own, it is always advisable to get in touch with an agency in advance to leave nothing to chance.

Travel smart: useful info about Ghana

Population 28,210,000

Capital Accra

Languages English; various local dialects are also widely spoken (Akan, Ga, Twi, Fante, Ewe, Hausa, etc.)

Local currency New Ghana Cedi (GHS) / €1.00 = 6.29 GHS

Climate tropical, varying based on proximity to the ocean. Average temperatures in coastal areas range from 25/35°C (77/95°F). There are only two seasons: dry, from November to April, and rainy, from June to October

Vaccinations a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory to show upon arrival. Typhoid, hepatitis A and B, tetanus, and meningitis are recommended

Entry requirements passport with a remaining validity of at least six months; entry visa must be requested before departing from the U.S. at the Ghana Embassy in Washington, D.C. and the Honorary Consulates of Ghana in various major cities

Distance from the U.S. approximately 4,099.5 km (about 5 hours and 43 minutes flight time) from Washington, D.C.

Population 28,210,000
Capital Accra
Languages English; various local dialects are also widely spoken (Akan, Ga, Twi, Fante, Ewe, Hausa, etc.)
Local currency New Ghana Cedi (GHS) / €1.00 = 6.29 GHS
Climate tropical, varying based on proximity to the ocean. Average temperatures in coastal areas range from 25/35°C (77/95°F). There are only two seasons: dry, from November to April, and rainy, from June to October
Vaccinations a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever is mandatory to show upon arrival. Typhoid, hepatitis A and B, tetanus, and meningitis are recommended
Entry requirements passport with a remaining validity of at least six months; entry visa must be requested before departing from the U.S. at the Ghana Embassy in Washington, D.C. and the Honorary Consulates of Ghana in various major cities
Distance from the U.S. approximately 4,099.5 km (about 5 hours and 43 minutes flight time) from Washington, D.C.

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