Atimpoku

During this weekend excursion my group traveled to Atimpoku where we got our first real taste of the tropical rainforests that Ghana had to offer. Our first stop was at Kakum National Park which landed us in the heart of the jungle. We hiked upwards for about a mile until we came to a rope bridge suspended over the rainforest. In total there were 7 bridges to cross, each one offering their own unique perspective of the beautiful rainforest below. The entire canopy walk spanned 350 meters and gave way to awe inspiring views that made you forget you were suspended 40 meters over the rainforest floor.

The next stop on this weekend excursion was at Shai Hills. This land conservation was home to grasslands for as far as the eye can see as well as orangutans, zebras, and ostriches. First we took our bus around the outskirt of the conservatory and simple observed all the animals in their natural habitat. Afterwards we parked the bus at the base of one of the few hills in the grassland and began hiking up. However, this was not a typical hike because it entailed using ropes to scale the sides of rocks. After climbing our way up the side of the hill we finally peaked at the top where we were able to take in, and fully appreciate, the view of the grassland. Due to the fact that July falls in their rainy season, the grassland was a lush green broken up only by the various rocks scattered along the terrain.

The final leg of the weekend was spent taking a boat tour of the Volta River. We were able to tour the river to the Akosombo Dam which we learned generates electricity for the Volta River Authority. Surrounding the shores of the river was a dense jungle with thick green foliage. We were also able to float under the Adomi Bridge which is pictured on the Ghanaian cedi. Occasionally along the river we passed different huts that gave a brief glimpse into the lives of the locals who call the Volta their home.