Dja Faunal Reserve
Cameroon · South · 640 m
Description
The Dja is one of the largest and least disturbed rainforests in Africa, five thousand square kilometres almost entirely enclosed by a loop of the Dja river that acts as a natural boundary. UNESCO listed it in 1987. Western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephants and mandrills live here alongside more than three hundred and twenty bird species, though the forest is dense and sightings take patience rather than luck. Baka guides lead walks from the villages at Somalomo and Mintom and read the forest as a larder. Nights are spent in basic camps or with families in the villages. The road in runs from Yaoundé through Sangmélima.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 3 to 6 days (optimal 4 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: December – February
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Forest walks with Baka guides
- Western lowland gorillas and chimpanzees
- UNESCO-listed primary rainforest
- Dja river loop by pirogue
- Forest elephants and bongo antelope
- Birdwatching for grey parrots and hornbills
- Somalomo and Mintom villages at the reserve entrances
- Baka music and polyphonic singing
- Night walks for galagos and pottos
- Camping in the forest interior
- Rapids on the Dja river