From the Sahara to the equatorial grasslands to the highest mountain in West Africa, Cameroon is full of wonderful, welcoming people. What often sets Cameroonians apart from even other Africans is their zest for life and their open curiosity regarding people from other parts of the world. Among the least known groups in Africa are the Pygmies, who live in the remaining areas of equatorial rain forest and many of whom still retain their traditional lifestyle despite encroaching roads and logging operations. There is still a vast area of Eastern Cameroon where Pygmies and forest elephant, chimpanzees and gorillas, orchids and hundred-foot mahogany trees all live in a symbiotic harmony.
Large horn bills are almost everywhere, resplendent great plantain eaters perch within a short distance, and a rich and varied cast of monkeys hesitate between curiosity and caution. But the elusive western lowland gorillas keep out of our way, taking advantage of the dense vegetation. Their droppings now and then indicate a popular route, and a circular space with flattened vegetation is a silent allusion to the massive size of a silver back male. Together with Boumba Bek, this proposed rain forest reserve may be one of the best preserved parts of the Congo-Basin - Africa's largest rain forest. WWF is collaborating with the Cameroon government to keep it that way.
The south-eastern part of Cameroon, close to the Central African Republic, the Congo and Gabon, has a third proposed reserve: Lobeke. Still rich in wildlife, it is an example of the dangers that Nki and Boumba Bek may be facing: human activity that has gone out of control. Logging and poaching go hand in hand here, disturbing the lives of Baka pygmies, other traditional local groups and wildlife. There is goodwill to get this protected area project to do what we want it to do. We can then develop a major ecotourist initiative which would also provide local people with alternatives to the bush meat and forest industries. We have an excellent chance of success. At the beginning and end of this trip there is time set aside to relax - at the beach , wandering around a quaint seaside village, or shopping for West African handicrafts.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Douala-Limbe. Arrive Douala, welcome and travel to Limbe, Hotel Miramane. Limbe is a beautiful, English-speaking village on the beach, about 80 kilometers from Douala. Dinner and one night. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 2: Limbe. Relaxing day in Limbe, exploring, resting, and preparing for trip, visit Limbe Wildlife Center. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 3: Limbe-Kumba-Mundemba. Early morning breakfast, then visit to Limbe Botanical Gardens, pass by recent volcanic deposits from eruptions of Mt. Cameroon last March 28. On to Buea, at the base of Mt. Cameroon, passing by coffee, banana, rubber, and pineapple plantations. Lunch in Kumba and on to Mundemba, dinner and one night at Hotel Yassa. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 4: Mundemba-Korup National Park. Breakfast, leave for Korup, wildlife and vegetation tour. Picnic lunch, local English-speaking guide/naturalist accompanies Korup tour, the length of which depends on your preference. Dinner and one night in Park in huts built and maintained by WWF. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 5: Korup National Park-Mundemba-Douala. Breakfast, travel to Douala, dinner and one night at Hotel Fatime in Douala. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 6: Douala-Yaounde-Bertoua (very long day). Early morning breakfast, lunch in Yaounde, dinner and one night at Hotel Mansa in Bertoua. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 7: Bertoua-Yokadouma. Breakfast in Bertoua, picnic lunch on the way, dinner and one night at Hotel Yokadouma. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Days 8-13: Camping in Pygmy (Baka) village(s), tours of forest environment, search for plant and animal life of equatorial rain forest. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 14: Yokadouma-Bertoua. Breakfast, picnic lunch on the way, dinner and one night at Hotel Mansa in Bertoua, possible exhibition of local traditional dance (Beti Bikoutsi dance). Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 15: Bertoua-Yaounde. Breakfast, picnic lunch en route, dinner and one night at Hotel des Deputes. Note: from this point on, transportation will be by public transport: bus, bush taxi, and city taxis. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 16: Yaounde-Kribi. Breakfast, drive to Kribi, lunch at Hotel Framotel, beach. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 17: Kribi. Visit Lobe Falls, motor pirogue ride on Lobe River to visit Bagyeli Pygmy camp. Duration of stay depends on your preference. Beach. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Day 18: Kribi-Douala. Morning beach, travel to Douala, craft shopping in Douala, airport for departure. Includes: (B), (L), (D).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Transportation
- Guide
- Park fees
- All road tolls and taxes
- Hotels
- Camping
- All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners
- Mineral water
- Pirogue ride in Kribi.
Price Excludes:
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Passport and visa fees
- Soft drinks or alcohol
- Tips
- Entry to Limbe Wildlife Center and Botanical Gardens
- Souvenirs and gifts.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Cameroon
Nature & Wildlife
Rainforest
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