Kakum National Park

On Sunday we went to Kakum National Park, with an area of 375 square km in the central part of Ghana.  The park was first established in 1960 and is covered with tropical rainforest. Many rare animals live there including several endangered species that even the guides haven't seen!

It is famous for a series of 7 hanging bridges, 330 meters in length that hang 40 meters above the forest canopy that let you view the forest without disturbing the nature below. This Canopy Walkway was built by two Canadians from Vancouver!

It was quite a thrill for me!

A very narrow and long walkway!

We crossed 7 rope bridges with wood blank "floors" less than a foot wide.

Anyone who is afraid of heights (especially while traversing a narrow shaky rope bridge) will find the activity quite terrifying, but I loved it.  They are actually listed as one of the 7 scariest bridges in the world!  Giovanni was clever enough to take a shortcut that let him do the circuit twice!!  I unfortunately got caught as I headed down the same route. 

Bala making his way slowly but surely!

Bala got the prize today for overcoming his fear of heights and crossing all 7 bridges with a huge smile on his face at the end!  Good for you Bala!

That's one big tree! WOW.

The guide told us he made soccer balls from latex sap when he was young.  Notice the white drops?

This tree comes with it's own protection from wild animals.

In the park, the gamekeepers are specially trained in the medical and cultural significance of the trees and foliage, and our guide made the hike fascinating by telling us stories as we walked along the narrow paths in the rainforest.  We learned about latex trees, elephant's brush, Sugar plum trees, and saw a tree so big that 19 people were needed to hold hands in a circle to encompass it. 






So it was a great visit - we had an adventure on the bridges, we learned about the forest on the hike and we got some exercise too! 

Once again, Ghana has astounded us with it's unique and natural beauty.  :)























And the day wasn't over yet!  We went from there to lunch, where some of the team were brave enough to pet the crocodiles.   I couldn't do it, but now I'm regretting it.  Lesson learned Emily!

Jeremy wasn't going to let the chance pass him by.

Gorgeous!

We had a bit more time, so agreed quickly to stop at a beach to relax and enjoy.  In most of the world, this beach would be dotted with hotels and full of tourists, but here it is completely natural, peaceful and beautiful.

I hope it stays that way...