Kakum Canopy Walkway: Adventure high above the ground
By Miriam Schirmer
Forty metres above the ground, secured by nothing but narrow wooden planks and a net on each side! For those who fear heights, this probably sounds like a horrible nightmare.
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But as it turns out, it actually is one of the most popular tourist activities in Ghana: The Canopy Walkway at the Kakum National Park.
Kakum National Park
Famous for its tall hardwood trees up to 65 metres, as well as a huge number of different species of wildlife, the Kakum National Park is definitely one of the biggest attractions, not only to tourists from all over the world, but also for local people who like to enjoy nature.
The rainforest is situated about 33 kilometres north of Cape Coast, covering an area of approximately 350 km². Those who visit the place can admire the forest, elephants, buffalos and even leopards. Some will probably also be fascinated by the beauty of birds and butterflies that have their natural habitat in the park, with an amazingly high number of over 600 different species.
Having travelled from Europe to Ghana, the Kakum National Park was on top of my list of the most famous places to see while exploring the country, which was how I eventually ended up on the Canopy Walkway. Of course, I did not want to miss this big adventure.
The Canopy Walkway
The walkway being suspended between trees up to 40 metres above the ground, you naturally do not get there by just standing in the park and waiting for the walk! Instead, you will have to do some workout, that is going on a 20-minute-hike to reach the walkway. While hiking, you have the opportunity to get some first impressions of the park’s plants and wildlife.
Also, you are accompanied by a guide, who tells you some interesting facts about the national park and its history, wildlife and vegetation.
Finally, I reach the Canopy Walkway and with just a step forward, I would be literally hanging in the air.
On the walkway
Mustering all my courage and overcoming my initial fears, I took the first couple of steps, though hesitantly. But the farther you go, the more used to the height you will get, ultimately, making you forget the distance to the ground and just enjoy your surroundings: You have an idyllic view over a huge part of the Kakum National Park and you can also observe lots of butterflies and birds.
So it is not an experience for adventurers only; nature lovers can fully enjoy themselves.
If you have not been there yet, why not spend your next weekend on a family trip to the Kakum National Park, escaping the hectic and stressful traffic in the urban centres and simply enjoy pure nature!
Since it is one of the most exciting and unique experiences one can have in the country, it is definitely worth your while.