National Parks and Reserves
The Kalamalou Reserve is small but offers opportunities for viewing several species of antelopes, monkeys and warthogs; some elephants cross the reserve. Waza National Park covers 170,000 hectares (420,079 acres) and is open from mid-November to mid-June. There is a forest area and a vast expanse of grassy and wet plains, called Yaeres. Elephants, giraffes, antelopes, hartebeest, cobs, lions, cheetahs and warthogs are numerous. There is also a rich variety of birds, including eagles, crested cranes, maribous, pelicans, ducks, geese and numerous guinea-fowl. Accommodation and other facilities are available. A vehicle and a guide are required for entrance to the park. The Bnou National Park, situated just off the Ngaoundere-Garoua main road, covers 180,000 hectares (444,790 acres) and has buffalo, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, hyena, giraffes, panthers, lions and a variety of primates, and can be visited all year round.
Korup National Park is home to Africa’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforest. Accessible by bush taxi, it is located in the westernmost corner of the country, along the Nigerian border near the town of Mundemba, which is about 150km (93miles) northwest of Douala. A wide variety of primates, birds, trees and other plants, including dozens of recently discovered species are there. Travellers should dress to cope with the 100 per cent humidity and the fording of waist-high pools.
The Bouba Ndjidah National Park is situated on the banks of Mayo Lidi River in the far north of the country; bordering Chad. Its wildlife includes elan and buffalo, black rhinoceroses, elephants and lions. There are several other parks and reserves which are not open to the public. Dinosaur fossils have been discovered here.
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