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Endangered Wildlife and conflicts of interest

The threats faced in the park which are being addressed relate to poaching; visible proof has been recorded in the form of "camps, empty matchboxes, pieces of rubber tyres, used carbide, gunshots and cartridges", hunting, land encroachments and chainsaw operation. Human-wildlife conflicts around the park are due to park elephants damaging the agricultural crops of the farmers.

To prevent raids by elephants during the cropping season on the agricultural fields, farmers have adopted the practice of building pepper fences around their lands to protect their farms.


The park is administered by the Wildlife Department of Ghana. Under the direction of Conservation International and with funding support from USAID.

Kakum is considered the best protected forest in Ghana. As a result it is now a major tourist spot.

Though poaching is still prevalent, the management practice of involving local communities to share the benefits of the park would yield positive results.

In the park, gamekeepers are specially trained in the medical and cultural significance of the local foliage.

Endangered Wildlife

The park contains rare animals, including forest elephants, forest buffalo, civet and cats. Two hundred forest elephants (Loxodonta africana cyclotis), potto (Perodicticus potto), Demidoff's galago (Galago demidovii), African civet (Viverra civetta), two-spotted palm civet (Nandinia binotata), leopard (Panthera pardus), bongo (Tragelaphus euryceros), many species of duikers (small antelopes), red river hog (Potamochoerus porcus pictus), giant forest hog (Hylochoerus meinertzhageni), long-tailed pangolin (Manis tetradactyla), white-belied pangolin (Manis tricuspis), giant pangolin (Manis gigantea), many species of forest squirrels, North African crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata), dwarf crocodile (Osteolamus tetraspis), monitor lizards, Home's hinged tortoise, serrated tortoise and many other fauna are reported from the park.

Preserving and maintaining!

Primates in the park include the Colobus vellerosus (VU), Procolobus verus (LR/nt), Cercopithecus diana roloway (CR) and Loxodonta africana cyclotis (EN); the latter is found throughout the country.


The Bird Life International included the park area under its list of Bird Life Areas in Ghana in 2002 under the criteria A1, A2, A3. The species recorded are 266 and the species though identified but yet to be confirmed are 56. All the species are resident and most of them are under the Least Concern categorization.


The globally threatened species listed under the Near Threatened category are: green-tailed bristlebill (Bleda eximius), red-fronted antpecker (Parmoptila rubrifrons), rufous-winged illadopsis (Illadopsis rufescens) and copper-tailed glossy-starling (Lamprotornis cupreocauda).   The Vulnerable species identified are white-breasted guineafowl (Agelastes meleagrides), brown-cheeked hornbill (Bycanistes cylindricus), yellow-casqued hornbill (Ceratogymna elata) and yellow-bearded greenbul (Criniger olivaceus)..

Dive into Kakum

  • Best Months: December (high season), school holiday peak; February is quieter but still beautiful.

  • Reserve Ahead: Especially for canopy walk access and overnight stays in the Tree House.

  • Guided Tours: Plan birdwatching, night hikes, and botanical hikes with trained guides.

  • Combine & Connect: Visit nearby attractions such as Cape Coast or Elmina castles for a fuller cultural journey.

    • First Slide

    From a humble forest reserve in 1931 to Ghana’s most-visited eco‑hub, Kakum National Park exemplifies the power of conservation, innovation, and cultural tourism. With stunning natural architecture, elevated walkways, interactive exhibitions, and record-breaking visitor numbers, it invites everyone—locals, students, diaspora, researchers, and global travelers—to experience Ghana’s rainforest legacy.

    Visiting Kakum isn't just sightseeing. It’s stepping into a story

    Second Slide

    Kakum National Park: A Story of Conservation, Culture & Climbing the Canopy

    Kakum National Park—Ghana’s first official protected area—is more than a rainforest: it’s an emblem of ecological stewardship, sustainable tourism, and cultural revival. With its world‑class visitor facilities, iconic canopy walkway, and steadily rising footfall, Kakum has emerged as one of Ghana’s premier eco‑destinations.

    Third Slide