Tourist attractions in Cameroon include tropical rainforests, mountain scenery, savanna areas as well as coastal beaches and dunes. The diversity of biospheres found in the country, makes Cameroon the ideal place for adventurous tourists to explore the hidden gems found in the remote areas of the country.
Korup National Park, Cameroon
The Korup National Park in Cameroon must be the best-known national park in the country. Being regarded as one of the Africa's oldest tropical rain forests, the 1259 km² Korup National Park in the South West Province of Cameroon plays host to a variety of unique trees and plants. According to puretravel.com, visitors to Korup National Park recorded over 400 bird and flora species, 140 fish species and various mammals and primates.
Tourists traveling to Korup National Park usually depart from Douala, pass through Kumba and Ekondo Titi, before arriving at the parks headquarters and Mundemba some 250 km further. The last 115 km of road is not tarred. Alternatively, visitors can reach Korup National Park by boat from Limbe through the Rio del Rey into the Ndian River.
All excursions into the mangrove forest, the park, the river Ndian and neighboring Nigeria depart from Mundemba and tourists must take precautions against mosquito and ant bites. The park provides overnight shelter for tourists and park officials who provide tourist guides on hire basis collect entry fees.
Dja Forest Reserve in Cameroon
Situated in Southern Province of Cameroon, the 5260 km² Dja Forest Reserve was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987. With more than 1500 plant species recorded, 107 mammals, and 320 bird species, the Dja Forest Reserve is an essential tourist attraction on any visitor's itinerary.
According to an extensive survey, the Nzooh Dongmo in 2001, environmentalists raised concerns about the approximately 71 hunting camps with between 5000 to 7000 people residing inside the park. A balance must be found between the increased hunting pressure on the ecosystem of the reserve and the right of the local people to substantiate their income in order to preserve the reserve for future generations.
Waza National Park in Cameroon
Arguably Cameroons most famous park, guided tours inside the park attract many tourists each year. As no accommodation is available inside the park, a camp sites close to the entrance and lodges at Waza just north of the entrance to the park, provides ample accommodation for tourists. Access to the park can be difficult in the rainy season.
The 170 000 hectare Waza National Park is situated in the north of Cameroon and tourists can expect to see herds of elephant and other antelope, lions, hyenas and a myriad of bird species during their visit to the park as the the landscape alters between forest, savanna and wet grassy plains.
The Waza National Park is only open to tourists between 15 November and 15 June and a guide must accompany tourists.
Other National Parks in Cameroon
Besides the Waza and Korup National Parks, Cameroon also have the Benoue National Park, Boubandjidda National Park, Faro National Park, Kalamaloue Reserve and the Mozoro-Gokoro National Park. With over 20 other sites proclaimed as protected areas, nature lovers will find all they seek in the diverse and beautiful country of Cameroon while venturing away from the main towns like Yaounde.
Yolande Pienaar - Yolande traveled extensively through Southern Africa and frequently visits places off the beaten track where she discovers gems to share ...
