Ready to enter the Kumasi Zoo in the Ashanti region of Ghana and start an amazing animal encounter? Before you go, here are some key things to know to ensure a safe, comfortable and fun experience.
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Opening hours
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Kumasi Zoo opens its doors at 9am daily to welcome visitors and closes at 5pm. Please note that in order to fully explore the various areas and enjoy the animals' movements, it is recommended that you enter the zoo before 3pm. If you enter too late, you may miss many highlights and fail to fully appreciate the charm of the zoo. In addition, the park occasionally adjusts its opening hours temporarily due to maintenance, special events, etc. Before departure, be sure to reconfirm through the official website or official social media accounts to avoid a wasted trip.
Ticket details
Price differences: Ticket prices vary depending on the identity of the visitor. Ghanaian adults need to pay 60 cedis, students and children need to pay 30 cedis; among foreign tourists, adults pay 20 cedis, students pay 10 cedis, and children only need 5 cedis. Such differentiated pricing is designed to take into account the needs of local and international tourists, so that more people can get close to these lovely animals.
Ticket purchase method: You can choose to book in advance on the official website to lock in your admission quota in advance, and you can also avoid the long queues for on-site ticket purchases and save queuing time, especially during the peak tourist season. You can also purchase tickets on-site at the entrance of the park. When purchasing tickets on-site, cash payment is the most common method, but some windows also accept mainstream credit cards. However, in case the payment system fails, it is best to prepare an appropriate amount of local currency, Cedi, before traveling.
Comfortable clothing
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Kumasi is hot all year round and the sun is strong, so light and breathable clothing is the best choice. Shorts and short-sleeved T-shirts can keep you cool in the hot weather. At the same time, don't forget to bring a sun hat. A wide-brimmed sun hat can effectively block ultraviolet rays and is fashionable and versatile; sunglasses can protect your eyes from strong light stimulation, making you more comfortable when watching animals. In addition, since you need to walk for a long time in the park, a pair of comfortable and well-fitting sports shoes is essential. It can reduce the burden on your feet and allow you to easily shuttle between various animal areas, avoiding the mood of playing due to uncomfortable shoes.
Sunscreen and mosquito repellent products
Ghana is located in the tropics and has strong ultraviolet radiation. Applying sunscreen is an essential sun protection measure. Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, and apply it evenly to exposed parts such as face, neck, arms, etc. 15-30 minutes before going out, and reapply it in time according to the play time. In addition, mosquitoes in Kumasi are more active. Carrying mosquito repellent spray can effectively repel mosquitoes and avoid being bitten. Especially in areas near water or dense vegetation, there are more mosquitoes. Take precautions in advance to focus on appreciating animals instead of being disturbed by mosquitoes.
Drinking water and snacks
Although there are some sales points in the park, the prices may be relatively high, and it is very important to keep hydrated during the tour. Bring a bottle of drinking water to replenish water at any time and prevent heatstroke. However, it is important to abide by the park regulations. Some animal areas may not allow the entry of opened liquids. At this time, water can be temporarily stored in designated areas. In addition, prepare some snacks, such as energy bars, nuts, etc., to replenish energy in time when you feel hungry. But do not throw away garbage at will in the park to maintain the clean environment of the park.
Feeding animals is strictly prohibited. The zoo provides animals with a scientific and reasonable diet. Feeding animals privately may not only cause animals to ingest inappropriate food, cause gastrointestinal discomfort or even disease, but also disrupt their normal eating habits and life patterns. Some foods may be delicious for humans, but they may be fatal to animals. Therefore, no matter how cute the animals look and how eager they are for food, you must firmly restrain the urge to feed them and let them live in a healthy and natural environment.
Photography precautions
Taking photos is an important part of traveling, but when taking photos at Kumasi Zoo, be sure to turn off the flash. Animals' eyes are more sensitive to light, and strong light stimulation may scare them and interfere with their normal life and rest. For example, nocturnal animals are usually resting during the day, and flash may make them feel uneasy and affect their biological clock. Therefore, for the health of animals, please choose natural light or low-brightness auxiliary light sources to shoot and record the most natural and beautiful moments of animals.
Observe the signs in the park
There are various signs in the park, from road guidance to safety warnings, and each sign plays an important role. Do not cross the fence or enter the prohibited area. This is not only responsible for your own safety, but also a necessary measure to maintain the order of the park and protect animals. Some areas may be potentially dangerous. For example, there are safety distance signs outside the fence of the wild animal area. If you cross it without permission, once the animals behave abnormally, the consequences will be disastrous. Therefore, strictly follow the signs and be a civilized and law-abiding tourist.
Weather changes
Kumasi's weather is changeable. It may be sunny in the morning, but suddenly it will rain in the afternoon. Therefore, it is wise to carry a light umbrella or raincoat with you. When it rains, it can not only protect you from the wind and rain and avoid getting wet and catching a cold, but also protect your electronic devices, such as cameras and mobile phones, to a certain extent, ensuring that they are not damaged by rain and continue to record the wonderful moments of the tour.
Sudden physical discomfort
It is inevitable that you may feel physically unwell during your travels. Before departure, you can prepare some common medicines, such as cold medicine, antipyretic medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, motion sickness medicine, etc. If you feel unwell in the park, don't panic and ask for help from the staff in time. The park is usually equipped with basic medical emergency facilities and personnel to provide necessary help at the first time. At the same time, know the location and contact information of nearby hospitals in case further treatment is required.
Understanding and following these precautions before entering the park will allow you to spend a pleasant and unforgettable time at Kumasi Zoo. Not only can you watch the cute animals up close, but you can also contribute to their protection and the good order of the park.