Go wild with nature at Kalakpa Resource Reserve
Ecotourism is an effective conservation tool that promotes the protection of wild spaces and natural habitats.
There's immense potential for generating economic and environmental benefits along with positive experiences for individuals and businesses.
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In 2022 the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture reported a revenue of 2.1billion Ghana cedis from tourism on the whole.
Exploring nature also contributes to the enhancement of the quality of life. One becomes environmentally conscious while gaining genuine respect for local culture.
Ghana lays claim to seven natural parks nationwide, Bui, Digya, Kakum, Kyabobo, Mole Nini-Suhien and Kalakpa.
Tacked in the belly of Abutia Kloe, a quiet village at Ho West, Volta region, is the Kalakpa Resource Reserve.
This rich but not as widely known national park as Kakum and Mole locally is also preserved under government of Ghana for public recreational enjoyment, and for historical and scientific interests.
Science researchers can investigate and collect information.
Volta region with its vast natural resources is highly notable in ecotourism and Kalakpa Resource Reserve is a must-go to destination for nature lovers when touring Ghana. This natural park boasts some phenomenal features and landscapes with a diversity of wild plants and animals in habitation.
Mr. Yaw Kwakye, Operations Manager, Forest Services Division,states "Ghana has yet to scratch the surface of its huge potential for nature-based tourism and there’s no better time to do this than now given the attention Ghana is enjoying internationally as a destination of choice on the African continent."
There's wealth to be made partnering with indigenous people, recognising their rights and learning their customs and beliefs.
Mr Kwakye makes a call for increased private sector participation to support state efforts.
" For a start, a lot more effort should be put into driving private sector investment in the development and marketing of our natural attractions as well as whipping the interest of our citizens in ecotourism."
Sprawling at some 325km2 of raw savannah, Mr Prince Oppong, Assistant Park Manager, Humam Resource and Tourism describes "Kalakpa Resource Reserve, a wide gallery forest sits protected in great serenity with vegetation largely of dry woodland.
There are half a dozen broad galleries of semi-evergreen forest crossing the reserve from North to South."
The scenic beauty of the hills, Zitoe, Koffitoe, Kadanga and Agbenu surrounding this natural forest park will quite literally take the breath of any visitor away.
The Agbenu hill, believed to be the ancestral home of the Abutia people, is spiritually uplifting when absorbing the view.
Visitors are met at the front office with a statue of a park ranger, Victor Sesi who was accidentally shot and killed by poachers in the past.
Photo credit: Esi Arhin
Today the park is well protected from poachers and other threatening human activities, making it safe for both animals to live and humans to explore.
Prepare to trudge for about five minutes from the park office to the park entrance. Encounter a cool breeze weaving through an avenue of dry woods with benches under them. This area beckons for one to lay back and breathe in fresh clean air. Here, is the perfect place to pull on your boots and strap on your back pack in preparation to bond with nature.
Depending on what your interests are, you can be treated to a two-hour tour comprising of nature walks on well trailed paths, watching animals as well migratory birds that make their seasonal home at Kalakpa.
Do you wish to set up camp for the night? This is possible. The park offers tent rental services to brave souls who seek a deeper connection with the great outdoors. There are safe and specially designated spots for pitching tents overnight.
Visitors who tour the park can embark on other distinctive activities such as learning of the tree varieties populated, the odum, wawa, cola gigantia, bacco baku, ceiba petandre and many more in the thick forest areas. According to the Assistant manager, Borrasus plantation and rose wood can be found in the savannah area.
From the animal species, Kalakpa is home to the galapagos tortoise, red river cat, genet cat, tree hyrax, mona monkey, white nose spotted monkey, Maxwell’s duiker, grey duiker, red flank duiker, oribi, pangolin, African python, lining lizards, snails, crabs and a wide variety of butterflies!
There's a dam where the animals go to drink water, especially in the dry season. Close by is a good hideout to spot the animals early in the morning when they all come to parch their throats.
Looking for a real "Jurassic Park " moment?
Park Guide Lawrence Titrim, tells with a chuckle, how huge pythons, some as big as 5 feet 8 inches, like humans, sometimes without warning, emerge from the dam causing quite a scare to visitors.
“At times you come here with visitors, and you see different types of pythons, some bigger than I am, looking for food, the little fishes in the dam to eat. If you are not brave, I bet you will run, or tiptoe away and not want to return."
He, however, assures visitors their safety is secured. Tours are done under safe rules in addition to guides' experience in keeping of harm's way.
One fascinating activity is studying the footprints of the animals on existing footpaths and photographing the etchings in the earth which park guides take time to point out and name.
Visitors are cautioned not to take anything belonging to the park. There are strict rules regarding this.
Although structured activities by the park are not as diverse as one may find elsewhere, visitors can on their initiative go wild with their own inventions within acceptable bounds to maximize their fun.
Unfortunately, the rich wildlife diversity can only be seen hiking on low ground. Kalakpa Resource Reserve does not offer any aerial view services from up the surrounding hills neither do they provide helicopter tours. The absence of which offers a huge opportunity for actors in the private sector to step in and step up on the benefits to be derived for themselves, the state and tourists alike.
Top of the surrounding hills would be a great point for visitors to get a bird's eye view of the park if only hill top view tours are available.
Nevertheless, Kalakpa Resource Reserve remains a sanctuary, full of natural heritage and wildlife preserved at its purest state. It is indeed the place to tour if one is in search of an ultimate adventure to connect and bond with nature.
The park derives its name from the Kalakpa river which runs through it. The soothing sound of flowing river water alone is worth making the journey not to mention the excitement when crossing. It’s quite tricky to wade to the other side, which all adds up to the fun.
Tourists without private vehicles can catch a bus bound for Ho from any of the major lorry stations across the country.
From Accra, vehicles going to Ho are available at Tema station yard and Madina lorry station. From Accra, drop off at Sokode Bogame. Just at the roundabout are taxis both for hire and collective offering their services to Abutia kloe. Get off at the last stop, which is Kloe and Kalakpa Resource Reserve awaits you.
It opens at 9:00 am to all visitors, pre-booked or walk-in. Travel to this place of natural beauty and make more memorable experiences in Ghana touring the wild.