House 03 · Central Region
Kakum & the Central forests
The canopy at first light
Above the forest before the school buses
Kakum National Park protects a block of tropical forest north of Cape Coast. Its best-known feature is the canopy walkway: a chain of rope-and-plank bridges strung between platforms high in the trees.
Most visitors arrive mid-morning in groups. We aim for opening time, with a birding guide, when the forest is cooler and quieter and you are more likely to hear hornbills before you see them. (to verify) (to verify) (to verify)
Why go
It is the easiest way to stand inside a West African rainforest, and it sits naturally between the coast and Kumasi. Birders can add guided walks on the forest floor, and nearby Assin Manso, the ancestral river site, can be visited on the same road north.
Let us help you plan your trip
Plan Kakum & the Central forests into your journey
- A specialist who writes back by hand
- Days ordered one house at a time
- Time left free after the heavy days
Step into Kakum & the Central forests
What to see and do in Kakum & the Central forests
Good to know
Best time to go
Year-round. The walkway can close in heavy rain; the drier months from November to March are most reliable. (to verify)
Usually driest here: January, February, March, August, November, December. See when to go.
How long to stay
A morning, or one night nearby for an early start.
Suggested on the planner: 1 night.
Getting there
About 30 to 45 minutes by road from Cape Coast.
Where you will stay
Most people stay in Cape Coast or Elmina. There are simple lodges near the park for an early start; we will tell you exactly how simple.
On our list for this region (to be confirmed): lodge near Kakum. See stays.
Best for
Birding, Families, A green morning between heavier days.
Routes through here
- The coast and the court (10–12 days)
How we plan“Be on the walkway before the school buses and you'll hear the hornbills before you see them.”
Nearby houses
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Central Region
Cape Coast & Elmina
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Western Region
Western coast
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Greater Accra
Accra
Start a conversation
Leave your name and email and a specialist will write back by hand, usually within two working days. Or use the trip planner to send us more.