Cameroon encompasses Central and West Africa, deep primary forest and wild Atlantic coast, the people of forest tribes and farmers. The country also melds Francophone and Anglophone communities, vestiges of a colonial overlay.
The country’s economic growth and the desires and aspirations of a growing population can be both at odds with environmental protection and a major driving force behind it. There’s much to interpret. Cameroon offers a total immersion in planet Earth.
Day 1 – Douala
On arrival in Douala you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore this lively city. Overnight Aquarius Hotel or similar.
Day 2 - – Douala- Mboroukou
Today’s journey passes through rubber, banana, pawpaw, pineapple, cocoa and coffee plantations. And there’s time to investigate newer and cash crops, increasingly contentious palm oil and even tropical flowers. Arriving at the village of Ekom, we enjoy a picnic lunch at the foot of the magnificent, 80m high ‘Chutes d’Ekom’ waterfalls, used as a location for recent Tarzan movies. Our drive continues to the village of Mboroukou in the foothills of the Manengouba Mountains. Overnight at Villa Luciole Lodge or similar. (BD)
Day 3 - Mboroukou- Baham-Foumban
After breakfast we depart for Baham in the Hauts-Plateaux, and the palace of a traditional Bamileke chief. Later, we continue to Foumban, in relative Central African terms, a tourist hotspot. Sights include the Foumban Royal Palace, built in 1917 by King Ibrahim Njoya, and now a museum recording royal lineage from the 14th century. Elsewhere, though Foumban’s economy is rooted in agriculture, it’s also known for artisan wood workers and visual artists – there is time to visit both. Overnight at Paradise Hotel Koutaba or similar. (BD)
Day 4 – Foumban- Batoufam
After breakfast, we visit a Bororo village and gain insights into rural life in Cameroon. Here, cattle husbandry is an important mainstay, milk being used by women to produce butter and yoghurt. Bororo women are also skilled in hair braiding, creating some striking styles. Later, we depart for Batoufam via Bafoussam, visiting Metchie waterfalls where Bamileke people make sacrifices in the hope their wishes will be granted. Overnight at the chief’s palace in Batoufam. (BD)
Day 5 - Batoufam- Yaounde – Mbalmayo Forest Reserve
After a stop at the small town of Makenene to stretch our legs we arrive in Yaounde, Cameroon’s capital, in time for a short city tour. Continuing through the Mbalmayo Forest Reserve, one of Cameroon’s oldest protected areas, our destination is the eco-tourism village of Ebogo. Overnight at the “Centre d’Acueil” Lodge. (BD)
Day 6 – Nyong River- Mefou Primate Sanctuary
This morning we take a pirogue on the Nyong River and then join a guided walk through the rainforest to discover medicinal plant species. Later, we visit Mefou Primate Sanctuary which cares for rescued and orphaned chimpanzees and gorillas. We end the day by returning to Yaounde. Overnight at Merina Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 7 – Yaounde- Abongbang – Lomie
Today’s journey to Lomie, via Ayos and Abongbang entails a long drive. However, the route cuts through thick equatorial rainforest via fascinating Baka and Bantu villages. Overnight at Raphia hotel or similar. (BD)
Day 8 & 9 – Dja Reserve
This morning we visit the village of Matisson, where a community tourism project educates visitors about the Baka people’s unique and complex culture. During our stay we take walks in the forest, learn about hunting techniques, discover local folklore and much more. This is a superb opportunity to spend time with a fascinating people. Overnight in huts in the village. (BLD)
Please note: conditions in the village are very basic, with squat drop toilets and limited washing facilities. Please contact us for further information.
Day 10 – Yaounde
After bidding farewell to our Ba’Aka hosts we begin the drive back to Yaounde. Overnight at Merina Hotel or similar. (BD)
Days 11 – Douala- Edea Park
Today we head west towards the coast, via Edea, to the Douala-Edea National Park, home to the endangered Central Chimpanzees, one of West Africa’s most threatened primates. A dedicated sanctuary within the park cares for orphaned chimpanzees, releasing them into the wild at Pongo Songo Island on the Sanaga River when they become adults. We take a boat ride to the island to observe the chimpanzees. Overnight at Hostellerie de la Sanaga. (B)
Day 12 – Edea Reserve- Kribi
On the Gulf of Guinea, Kribi is a beach resort and Cameroon’s main port. Arriving in the afternoon, there’s time for a boat ride on the Lobe River to visit Lobe Falls which possess the unusual attribute of discharging directly into the sea. Overnight at Tara Plage Hotel or similar. (BD)
Day 13 – Kribi - Douala
Kribi’s palm-lined beaches provide a relaxing stroll before driving to Douala early afternoon. There’s time to stretch our legs along the way during a stop at the fishing village of Londji. Overnight at Aquarius Hotel or similar. (B)
Day 14 – Douala
Depending on your time of departure, there may be time to take a boat ride through the nearby mangrove forests and visit some local fishing villages. Tour ends with a transfer to the airport. (B)
Please note: the driving times shown are approximate and can vary according to local conditions at the time of travel. They do not include the time allocated for stops along the way.
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Price Includes
Arrival and departure transfers at the beginning and end of the tour
All accommodation
Transport throughout the tour in private minibuses.
Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
Meals as listed (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)
Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Price does not include
International flights
Any airport taxes
Travel Insurance
Visas
Tips (discretionary)
Drinks