Excursion Kakum national park & elmina castle tour at Takoradi

Discover the natural beauty of Kakum National Park and Unesco World Heritage site of Elimna Castle on this full-day active adventure. Depart Takoradi Port toreach the Kakum National Park. Upon arrival start your Canopy Walkway with a local guide over the 7 suspension bridges and take in some spectacular views over the tree tops. Before proceeding to your final destination, the Unesco World Heritage Site of Elmina Castle, enjoy a local buffet lunch in a nearby resort.

Kakum National Park, Local Flora & Fauna

Depart Takoradi Port and drive for approximatley 2.5 hours directly to the Kakum National Park.

Kakum National Park is on coast of southern Ghana, in West Africa. Established in 1931 as a reserve. It protects an area of rainforest, home to endangered mammals such as forest elephants, bongo antelopes and primates like the Diana monkey. The park is rich in butterflies and birds, including African grey parrots and hornbills. The Canopy Walkway, suspended 30 meters above the ground, provides treetop views of the forest. The 357km National park consists of coastal forest and is home to Africa's only rainforest canopy walkway. On arrival at Kakum National Park, to reach the canopy hike to an elevation of 205m, on mostly large stone steps and uneven terrain. There are few resting spots along the way.

Suspension Bridges, Panoramic Views, Canopy Walk

The canopy consists of 7 scenic suspended bridges / walkway, for a total to a length of 330 m (1,080 ft), which connects 6 enormous trees where platforms are located. It reaches the height of 40 meters (130 ft) above the forest floor and is secured by a series of nets and wires for safety purposes. Guests can choose a shorter loop of only 3 bridges. Guests opting for the 7 bridges have to complete the full 7 bridge walk once started. There are excellent panoramic views from the bridges and platforms looking down over the tree tops below. After walking over all 7 bridges (5 guests on any 1 bridge at a time is the limit), walk back down to the car park below.

Buffet Lunch at Coconut Grove Beach Resort or similar & UNESCO Elmina Castle

Next, re-board your coach for the approx 40-minute drive to Coconut Grove Beach Resort and enjoy a buffet lunch with local entertainment, before proceeding to UNESCO Site of Elmina Castle.

Elmina Castle, UNESCO World Heritage Site

After lunch, re-board your coach for an approx 20-minute transfer to Elmina Castle. Elmina Castle was built by the Portuguese in 1482 and later used as an auction market. See the slave dungeons and condemned cells where slaves who attempted to escape were incarcerated. View its interior and exterior architecture and enjoy panoramic views of the fishing harbor.  A region rich in gold and ivory resources, the area was home to 30 or so “slave forts” concentrated along the coast, and was the first European slave-trading post in sub-Saharan Africa. These fortified castles were built between 1482 and 1786 by numerous traders including the Portuguese, Swedish, English, Danish, and Dutch. Between 1482 and 1486, the Portuguese constructed what became known as Elmina Castle, also called St George's Castle. One of the main purposes of Elmina Castle was to give support to ship captains by providing their vessels with a secure harbor. Upon conclusion of your guided tour of the Castle, return to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Kakum National Park - Suspension Bridges, Buffet Lunch, Unesco World Heritage Site Elmina Castle, Local Flora & Fauna, Scenic Views

Note

Please note: Ghana is a very-low-income country with very basic infrastructure, and vastly different to the western culture mentality. Local conditions may be challenging; therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique and somewhat remote destinations. Coaches, guides, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other excursions. This excursion involves a moderate amount of walking (for approximatley 2-3km or 1.2-1.8 miles and a hike up 100 big stone steps) over cobblestone, uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach as well as at the castle and National Park and is not suitable for guests with mobility issues. Guests who may be hesitant about heights, note the canopy walk is suspended about 30 meters above the forest floor. This excursion includes 5 hours driving, with 90-120 minutes in each direction plus travel time between sites. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, sun protection and insect repellant is recommended. Anticipate high temperatures and humidity and we recommend staying hydrated by bringing your water bottle.  Local souvenir shop accepts cash in US dollars, Pounds, Euros and local currency. No Credit Cards. Guests should be aware that the Ghanaian public and security personnel are friendly, but you must ask permission before taking photos of local residents. The tour sequence may vary.