Kakum National Park, located in the coastal environs of the Central Region of Ghana, covers an area of 375 square kilometers (145 sq mi). Established in 1931 as a reserve, it was gazetted as a national park only in 1992 after an initial survey of avifauna ( birds of a particular region) was conducted. The area is covered with tropical rain forest. The uniqueness of this park lies in the fact that it was established at the initiative of the local people and not by the State Department of wildlife who are responsible for wildlife preservation in Ghana. It is also the only park in Africa with a canopy walkway, which is 350 meters (1,150 ft) long and connects seven tree tops which provides access to the forest...
As of 2012, the densest population of forest elephants in Ghana is located in Kakum.
The Park contains rare animals and the most notable species include the forest elephants, forest buffalo, civets, Demidoff's Galago (Bush baby), Diana Monkeys, Giant Bongo Antelope, Leopard, dwarf crocodiles, monitor lizards, serrated tortoise,squirrels, porcupines, different species of Duikers ( small antelopes) and various types of wildlife animals.
It is also an Important Bird Area (IBA) recognized by Bird Life International with the bird area fully overlapping the park area. The bird inventory confirmed 266 species in the park, including eight species of global conservation concern. It is very rich in butterflies as well, about 550 species of butterflies are found here and a new specie new to science was discovered in 1993. It also contains a large amount of plants which includes 105 species of vascular plants consisting of 57 trees, 19 shrubs, 9 climbers, 17 herbs and 12 grasses are reported from the park.
Forest Buffalo
Civets
Diana Monkey
Duikers
The park has a long series of hanging bridges known as the Kakum Canopy Walkway at the forest canopy level to provide access to the forest, which is a unique feature in the entire African continent. At 40 m (130 ft) height, the visitor can approach the limits and view plants and animals from a vantage point that would otherwise be inaccessible to people. The canopy walkway passes over 7 bridges and runs over a length of 330 m (1,080 ft). Some of the tree canopies are more than 50 metres (160 ft) in height. Built with wire rope, aluminium ladders, wooden planks, it is secured by a series of netting for safety purposes. An additional viewing platform that will allow visitors to climb into the canopy without braving the canopy walkway is currently under construction. The Canopy Walkway was built by two Canadian engineers from Vancouver.
Kakum Canopy Walkway
Kakum is Ghana's first protected area which has received major support for visitor facilities. The visitor centre opened on Earth Day 1997 and the park received the Global Tourism for Tomorrow Award the following year. There are eateries at the entrance as well as a safe areas for camping.... You don't want to forget your cameras at home during this trip because there are many motions to capture... Lol. It's safe n fun at the same time.. Ure going to Love it!
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