Cameroon’s varied ecosystems—coastal mangroves, dense rainforests, savannah plains, and mountain highlands—harbor an astonishing wealth of biodiversity. As one of Africa’s most ecologically diverse countries, it provides sanctuary to endangered species and offers eco-tourists unique immersive opportunities. From gorilla trekking in the southwest to birdwatching in the north, conservation efforts and sustainable tourism initiatives work hand in hand to preserve Cameroon’s natural heritage.
In the Southwest Region lies Korup National Park, one of Africa’s oldest rainforests. Covering over 1,260 km², Korup’s canopy teems with life: primates like chimpanzees, drills, and Preuss’s red colobus monkeys swing overhead, while the forest floor is home to pangolins and forest elephants. Guided ecotours take visitors along winding trails led by park rangers trained in primate behavior. Hikers often spot endemic Korup mahogany trees—over 40 m tall—with buttressed trunks shaped by centuries of growth. Lodges such as Korup Lodge blend rustic comfort with low-impact construction, using local timber and solar power to minimize environmental footprints.
Further north, Dja Faunal Reserve—designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987—spans the Dja River basin. Its intact semi-evergreen forest shelters forest buffalo, bongos, and six species of hornbill. Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC) supports nearby community-run eco-lodges, ensuring local Baka (Pygmy) communities benefit directly from tourism revenue. Visitors can join Baka trackers on night walks, learning about medicinal plants and traditional hunting techniques—a respectful exchange that fosters cultural understanding and conservation awareness.
For bird enthusiasts, Waza National Park in the Far North Region is a premier destination. Seasonal migrations bring vast flocks of flamingos along Lake Chad’s edges. Pelicans, herons, and a myriad of waterfowl congregate in wetlands adjacent to the park. Safaris in open 4×4 jeeps reveal lions, giraffes, hartebeests, and warthogs grazing under acacia trees. Local guides educate travelers on Waza’s dry-season challenges—poaching, water scarcity—and collaborative efforts to protect habitats by installing boreholes and anti-poaching patrols.
Cameroon’s mountain regions also draw eco-adventurers. Mount Cameroon, Central Africa’s highest peak at 4,040 m, is an active volcano and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Climbing expeditions follow established routes that traverse savannah grasslands, montane forests, and bamboo thickets. As elevation increases, hikers encounter endemic bird species such as the Mount Cameroon speirops and the dwarf chameleons. Conservation organizations like Mount Cameroon Project monitor amphibian populations, studying the impact of climate change on cloudforest ecosystems.
On the coast, the Douala-Edéa Wildlife Reserve protects coastal mangrove swamps and lowland forests. Dugongs, West African manatees, and crocodiles inhabit waterways weaving through mangroves. Boat tours offer glimpses of these elusive creatures, while mangrove restoration projects involve local fishermen in nursery programs planting nipa palms and red mangroves. These efforts mitigate shoreline erosion, filter pollutants, and sustain fish nurseries—benefiting both wildlife and subsistence fishing communities.
Eco-lodges and campsites across Cameroon adhere to sustainable principles: rainwater harvesting, solar electricity, and locally sourced materials. Community-based tourism initiatives empower villagers to lead guided walks, homestays, and craft markets. By staying in Baka-run camps near Lobéké National Park, tourists learn about tambiko (Baka honey) harvesting, forging genuine cross-cultural bonds. Profits support education, healthcare, and infrastructure improvements.
Cameroon’s government collaborates with international NGOs: CIFOR (Center for International Forestry Research) conducts research on community forestry, while WWF (World Wildlife Fund) works on elephant corridor preservation. Combined efforts aim to reduce deforestation, curb illegal wildlife trade, and promote ecotourism as a sustainable economic engine. As travelers seek authentic experiences that leave minimal ecological footprints, Cameroon’s eco-tourism sector offers both adventure and purpose: exploring one of Africa’s most biodiverse nations while actively contributing to conservation.
