Bunso Eco Park and Arboretum
A leafy escape off the Accra–Kumasi road, Bunso pairs a canopy walkway with birdwatching and shaded forest trails, ideal for a slower green day out.
The short answer
- Bunso Eco Park and Arboretum sits in the Eastern Region near the Accra–Kumasi highway.
- Highlights are a canopy walkway, birdwatching, butterflies and cool, shaded forest trails.
- It is a research and conservation site as much as a tourist attraction, so expect a low-key feel.
- It makes a comfortable day trip from Accra or a stop on the way to Kumasi.
- Facilities are modest; bring water, insect repellent, sturdy shoes and a little cash.
- Confirm current opening times, guiding and fees locally before you set out.
At a glance
| Region | Eastern Region, near Bunso junction |
|---|---|
| Main features | Canopy walkway, arboretum trails, birdwatching |
| Best for | Nature lovers, birders, families wanting shade |
| Access | Off the main Accra–Kumasi highway |
| From Accra | A comfortable half to full-day trip |
| Bring | Water, repellent, walking shoes, cash |
What Bunso is and why go
Bunso Eco Park and Arboretum is a pocket of cool, green calm in the Eastern Region, set just off the busy Accra–Kumasi road near Bunso. It began life as a serious plant collection and research site, and that heritage shows: this is an arboretum of many tree species, threaded with trails, rather than a theme park. The reward is genuine forest air, birdsong and shade a world away from the city.
As a Kasoa-based team who run Eastern Region day trips regularly, we like Bunso for travellers who want nature without a long, rough journey. It is not flashy, and that is the point. Come for a canopy walk, a quiet ramble and a break from the heat, and you will leave refreshed. For more active walkers, our hiking in Ghana guide sets out the fuller range of trails.
The canopy walkway and birdlife
The star attraction is the canopy walkway, a suspended trail strung between tall trees that lets you look out over the forest rather than up at it. It is gentler and shorter than the famous walk at Kakum, which suits nervous first-timers and families, though anyone uneasy with heights should still take it slowly and hold the ropes.
Bunso is also a rewarding spot for birdwatchers. Early morning is best, when the forest is most active and the light is kind. Bring binoculars if you have them, keep your voice low, and consider a local guide who knows which species frequent which trees. Butterflies are common in the warmer hours, adding flashes of colour along the paths. It is the kind of place that rewards patience rather than a quick march through.
Forest trails and what to see
Beyond the walkway, a network of shaded paths winds through the arboretum's collection of trees, some towering and old, many labelled or known to guides. It is a relaxed, mostly gentle walk, though sections can be muddy or slippery after rain, so wear proper shoes. The forest floor, the tangle of buttress roots and the sudden cool under the canopy all make it a lovely place to simply wander.
A knowledgeable guide brings the site alive, pointing out medicinal plants, tree uses and the birds and butterflies you might otherwise miss. If you enjoy this kind of calm, botanical day out, pair it in your planning with Aburi Gardens on the Akuapem ridge, another green Eastern Region favourite that sits well alongside Bunso.
What to expect and what to bring
Be realistic about facilities. Bunso is a conservation and research site with a modest visitor set-up, not a resort. There may be a picnic area and basic amenities, but do not count on cafes, shops or reliable card payment. Bring plenty of drinking water, snacks, insect repellent, a hat and enough cash for entry and guiding.
Opening times, guiding and fees can change and are not always posted online, so confirm the current details locally before you travel, and allow flexibility in your timings. Mornings are cooler and better for wildlife. If you are travelling with little ones, our advice on family holidays in Ghana and bringing children to Ghana covers what to pack and expect for a gentle forest day.
How to get there from Accra
Bunso lies off the main Accra–Kumasi highway in the Eastern Region, making it an easy addition to a day out or a break on a longer drive north. The most comfortable option is a private car and driver, since the site is a little off the road and public transport will leave you to find onward transport for the final stretch. Our transport guide explains the choices honestly.
It slots neatly into a wider itinerary of Accra day trips, and works especially well combined with Aburi. Give yourself an unhurried half or full day and check the best time to visit so the trails are at their driest.
Plan your Bunso day with us
Bunso is a gentle, restorative day for anyone who loves nature and wants a break from the pace of the city. Its canopy walk, birdlife and shaded trails make it a fine introduction to Ghana's forests, and its easy location means you do not need a long or difficult journey to reach it.
As a Kasoa-based team arranging Eastern Region trips week in, week out, we can handle everything, from a reliable car and a knowledgeable guide to a full itinerary that folds in Aburi, waterfalls or a Kumasi onward leg. Tell us how much time you have and what you enjoy, and we will shape the day to suit. Message us on WhatsApp, browse our tours, and sort your airport transfer so your Ghana trip starts smoothly.
Questions people ask
Where is Bunso Eco Park and Arboretum?
It is in the Eastern Region of Ghana, just off the main Accra–Kumasi highway near Bunso junction. This makes it an easy day trip from Accra or a break on the way to Kumasi.
Does Bunso have a canopy walkway?
Yes. Bunso has a canopy walkway suspended among the trees. It is shorter and gentler than the one at Kakum, which suits families and first-timers, though anyone wary of heights should still take it slowly.
Is Bunso good for birdwatching?
It is a rewarding spot for birds, especially in the early morning when the forest is most active. Bring binoculars and, ideally, a local guide who knows the resident species.
How do I get to Bunso from Accra?
Take the Accra–Kumasi highway east into the Eastern Region; Bunso is signposted off the main road. A private car and driver is the most comfortable option, as the final stretch is awkward on public transport.
What should I bring to Bunso?
Facilities are modest, so bring plenty of drinking water, snacks, insect repellent, a hat, sturdy shoes and enough cash for entry and guiding. Do not rely on card payment or on-site shops.
How much does it cost to visit Bunso?
Fees exist for entry and guiding, but they change and are not always posted online. Confirm the current amounts locally on the day and carry cash rather than assuming fixed prices.
What I know about Ghanaian travel comes from doing it: filing passport and visa applications, booking flights and hotels, collecting people from arrivals at two in the morning, and driving the Accra, Tema, Cape Coast and Kumasi runs week after week. Where this guide describes how something works, it is because we have done it.
Rules, fees and timetables in Ghana change. I have deliberately not quoted figures that go stale — where a number matters I name the office to confirm it with. If you spot something out of date, tell me and we will fix it.
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