My first real day in Ghana started early (as mostly everyday here does), with a 7:30 departure westward along the coast to Kakum National Park. Kakum is a protected rainforest area about a three hour (slightly harrowing) drive from Accra. At Kakum I joined Kathy’s husband Keith and a friend of his that was visiting them in Ghana for a beautiful walk above the treetops along rope bridges.
After our canopy walk we headed a little further west to Elmina, home of a beautiful, 500 year old castle. The castle – more like a fort really – had been built by the Portugese explorers in the late 15th century as a trading post. When trade in human beings as well as goods began, the castle became a holding place for slaves bound for the Americas. Touring the dungeon areas of the castle and hearing about the absolutely appalling conditions in which slaves were kept was truly a sobering experience.
After our tour of Elmina Castle the three of us rejoined Kathy and the girls at a guesthouse near Cape Coast, where we spent the night.
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