Bunso Arboretum | Koforidua

Information

Landmark: Bunso Arboretum
City: Koforidua
Country: Ghana
Continent: Africa

Bunso Arboretum, Koforidua, Ghana, Africa

The Bunso ArboretumКликнете, за да отворите страничния панел за повече информация is a 40-hectare protected forest reserve and botanical research site located in the East Akim Municipality of the Eastern Region. It is managed by the Plant Genetic Resources Research Institute (PGRRI) of the CSIR.

Visual Characteristics

The site consists of a dense semi-deciduous forest with a multi-layered canopy featuring mature hardwoods such as Mahogany and Odum. The understory contains over 600 species of medicinal plants and herbs. Key structural elements include a series of suspended cable-and-wood canopy walkways, a 100-meter steel zipline, and established gravel nature trails.

Location & Access Logistics

The arboretum is situated approximately 35km north of Koforidua. It is located 4.1km from the Bunso Junction off the Accra-Kumasi Highway (N6). Access is via the Koforidua-Bunso Road; private vehicles utilize an on-site gravel parking area. Public "tro-tro" transport is available to Bunso Junction, followed by a short taxi ride to the entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Originally a rubber and cocoa plantation established in 1917, the site was converted into an arboretum in 1935 by British botanists for the study of tropical tree species. It transitioned to a state research facility in 1946. It serves as a genetic bank for indigenous Ghanaian flora and a sanctuary for diverse avian and primate species.

Key Highlights & Activities

The primary attraction is the canopy walkway, which consists of five bridges suspended 30 meters above the forest floor. A 100-meter zipline provides an aerial transit option across a section of the reserve. Guided botanical tours focus on identifying medicinal plants, and horse riding is available on designated forest paths.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The facility includes a visitor center, a snack bar, and a children's playground. Shaded picnic benches are located along the main trails. Basic restroom facilities are situated near the entrance gate. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is consistently available throughout the park.

Best Time to Visit

The arboretum is open daily from 06:00 to 18:00. The dry season (November to March) is the optimal time for canopy walks and hiking due to firm trail conditions. Photography is best between 07:00 and 09:00 when low-angle sunlight penetrates the upper canopy layers.

Facts & Legends

The site is home to the Garcinia kola tree, valued in traditional medicine for its antimicrobial properties. A unique biological feature of the park is its population of monkeys that have been observed scavenging bones to supplement their mineral intake, a rarity for the species.