The African country of Cameroon is situated on the continent’s western coastline in Central Africa. It enjoys a unique location in the crux of Africa, where the mainland bulges out towards the west and north. Surrounded by Nigeria, Chad, Congo and other significant African countries, Cameroon enjoys a diversity and natural abundance that is truly unique.
Its position on the equator means that Cameroon is home to equatorial rain forests that thrive on the hot, humid conditions. Although under serious environmental threat, these rain forests are home
Cameroon Sunset
to a wide array of different plants, animals and even people. The Pygmies are a small race of people that can be found living in these forests. They live in rural villages, cultivating and surviving off the land and its produce. In many areas, the Pygmy civilisations live in close contact with forest elephants, apes and exotic vegetation. Some tour operators include a night of camping in a local Pygmy village as part of their tour itinerary.
The Western Lowland Gorilla remains a mysterious creature as it shies away from human contact. If tourists manage to spot one of these during their visit to a Cameroonian rain forest, they are assured of an impressive memory for the tales of their holiday. Chimpanzees and other gorilla species populate the trees and dense foliage, as do a variety of birds, insects, snakes and mammals. Nki, Boumba Bek and Lobeke are some of the proposed reserves that are designed to protect and nurture the valuable rain forests of Central Africa. Human interference in the form of industrialisation, logging, poaching and pollution present enormous dangers to these natural wonders.
Apart from the rain forests, Cameroon also boasts gorgeous seaside villages that boast a definite
Cameroon Beach
nostalgic charm. Limbe is one such village, the majority of whose residents speak English. The Limbe Wildlife Centre is a rescue and rehabilitation project that caters to a variety of harmed and endangered species. These include the western Lowland Gorilla, Drill Monkey, Vellerosus Chimpanzee and various species of birds and reptiles. The Limbe Wildlife Centre is not only aimed at presenting these animals to the international travellers, it also focuses on exposing and educating the locals about the value of their natural environment and the importance of caring for it. This town is also home to the Limbe Botanical Gardens, which make a fantastic day trip.
The Korup National Park is situated in the south-western province of the country and stretches for almost 1300 square kilometres. It comprises one of the continent’s oldest rain forests and is abundant in plant- and animal life that guarantee a once-in-a-lifetime perspective. There are 161 species of mammal alone, and the range of butterflies has made this a popular tourist destination for years.
Douala is Cameroon’s largest city. As such, it is a great destination for tourists from all over the world to get a taste of the local arts, customs and culture. It provides a sample of the diversity of this nation, the curiosity and welcoming spirit of its people. Cameroon is truly unique, and invites visitors to witness what sets it apart as a world-class destination.