Lobeke NP, Dja FR & Campo Ma'an NP, Cameroon

At a Glance

Overview

The rich southern forests of Cameroon are criminally overlooked by mammal-watchers and safari enthusiasts. Whilst many flock to the undeniably wonderful Dzanga-Sangha, Odzala-Kokoua and Ivindo wilderness areas in the nearby Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo and Gabon, the likes of Lobeke, Dja and Campo Ma'an boast excellent game-viewing far from the prying eyes of mainstream ecotourists. Antelope and primate species abound here, and the birdlife is simply fantastic - for the intrepid wildlife lover, there is nowhere better.

Itinerary

Day One

Yaounde

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On arrival into Yaounde you will be met by your Pictus Safaris representative and transferred to your local hotel. There will be a pre-tour briefing in the hotel this evening but the remainder of the day is at leisure.

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Day Two

Batouri

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The nature of travel in this part of Africa is that it can take a long time to get anywhere! Today is no exception, and we will leave our hotel in Yaounde early this morning for the eight-hour drive due east along bumpy roads, first through Bertoua, the largest settlement in this part of Cameroon, and eventually to the smaller town of Batouri. Here, we will spend the night at a basic local hotel.

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Day Three

Mambele

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Another long drive lies ahead today, and it is a further eight-hour drive to the remote village of Mambele, just outside Lobeke National Park. Here, there is a secure compound used by an international conservation organisation, and it is here that we will stay before heading into the park tomorrow.

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Days Four to Six

Lobeke NP

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The next three days are a rare and special opportunity to explore this remote and little-visited park. Part of the tri-national Dzanga-Ndoki Reserve, that spills across the borders into the Central African Republic and the Republic of Congo, Lobeke offers excellent game-viewing. It is a lengthy walk to the two main areas where wildlife is spotted, the Petit Savane and the Grand Savane. These are both 'bais', clearings in the forest where minerals leach to the surface and draw in a rich diversity of wildlife. Guests have an excellent chance of spotting western gorilla, chimpanzee, forest buffalo, sitatunga, bongo and much, much more. Rarities including golden cat are also possible, with mesopredators often drawn in by the stunning flocks of green pigeon that descend into the clearings each evening. 

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Guests will camp next to these bais, spending the morning and evening enjoying short walks in search of wildlife, with much of the day spent overlooking the bai and waiting for wildlife to come to us. The accommodation here is basic, with tents the only available option, but any discomfort is well worth it.

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Day Seven

Mambele

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After a final day in Lobeke, we return to the compound in Mambele this evening for some well-earned rest.

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Day Eight

Bertoua

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There can be no denying that another long day's drive lies ahead, broken by a snack lunch and toilet breaks. Travel in this neck of the woods is not for the faint-hearted! We will arrive in Bertoua by late evening in time for dinner before heading to our hotel accommodation.

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Days Nine

Somalomo

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From Bertoua this morning we head south-west to the town of Ayos, steeped in history and well-worth a quick stop. From Ayos, several hours of rough driving remain, heading south to Somalomo, were we will overnight in a basic guesthouse administered by the Ministry of Forestry.

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Day Ten

Dja FR

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This morning, we head directly to the Dja River, which we cross on a small ferry. On arriving at the beautiful and remote Dja Faunal Reserve, we will head immediately to the Bouamir site, where several forest clearings offer excellent chances of spotting the wildlife for which Dja is famous. A long walk, of over 17km, takes us to a stunning inselberg known as the 'Petit Rocher', undoubtedly the second-best spot for wildlife-viewing in Dja behind Bouamir. Primates are particularly abundant in the park, including western gorilla and chimpanzee, and lucky guests may also spot forest elephant and forest buffalo. Grey-necked picathartes are also easily seen here, a rare treat for any birder. Tonight we camp just metres from the Petit Rocher.

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Days Eleven to Thirteen

Dja FR

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Three full days lie ahead, allowing us to explore many of the accessible locations in the park, where we stand a chance of spotting eight or nine primate species, as well as a range of smaller mammals and antelope species.

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Day Fourteen

Yaounde

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Leaving early this morning, we make a beeline for Yaounde, where we will overnight in a comfortable local hotel.

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Day Fifteen

Campo

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Today we drive to the town of Kribi, a drive of around six hours, where we stop for lunch. From here, we drive on to the town of Campo just outside Campo Ma'an National Park.

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Day Sixteen

Campo Ma'an NP

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At first light we set out to the final stop on our itinerary - Campo Ma'an National Park. This park is seldon visited by ecotourists, but truly has bags of potential. It boasts the highest density of gorilla and forest buffalo anywhere in Cameroon, and visitors are likely to see many other species around our campsite on Dipikar Island.

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Day Seventeen

Campo

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After a final morning walk in Campo Ma'an we will head back to Campo and then Kribi, where we spend the night at a lovely beachside hotel.

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Day Eighteen

Douala

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This morning we end the tour with a four-hour drive to Douala Airport where the tour ends.

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Please be aware that whilst we make every effort to follow the above itinerary as closely as possible, circumstances may

occasionally arise that mean the tour deviates from the itinerary.