Ghana Kakum National Park

Sarah, UK

Formerly known as the Gold Coast, Ghana gained independence from Britain in 1957, becoming the first sub-Saharan nation to break free from colonial rule. You might not fall instantly in love with Accra, but you might just grow to like it. It’s in your face in smells an sights, but Accra, whilst lacking in sight, it does have good nightlife and definitely the best selection of eating options in Ghana. Head out to Ghana Kakum National Park and Elmina for nature and coastal views. For me this isn’t one of my top recommendations but this trip was to visit friends who were working there.

Ghana

6 days

November

Dry 25 °C

Ghana Kakum National Park — Kakum National Park

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Accra

This was all about sampling the local nightlife and using Accra as our base (for the hotel options) as we headed to Kakum and Elmina.

Sunset City Hotel and Apartment

GHANA Kakum National Park

Kakum National Park is ucked away in the Assin Attandanso Reserve and is known for spectacular scenery and wildlife. The park’s best-known feature is undoubtedly its 7 suspension bridges which form a 333-meter long canopy walkway, suspended up to 27 meters above the forest floor from trees that are over 300 years old. It’s also a premier site for bird watchers, with over 300 species including eight species of global conservation concern. Mammals include forest elephant, leopard, bongo, bushbuck and many primates.

Kakum National Park

ELMINA CASTLE BENYA LAGOON

St. George Castle, also known as Elmina castle, is located in Central Region of Ghana, about a 3.5 hour drive along the coast from Accra. It is the oldest European structure in sub-Saharan Africa. Construction started in 1482 and was originally completed in 1486. The castles are linked with slavery so it was sad and harrowing to visit them.

If I had more time, I wouldn’t spend more time as this wasn’t one of my favourite places

If we had less time…the tree top walk was cool and the castles were interesting although harrowing due to their link to slavery.