Cameroon has ten national parks. These parks are established to protect the country’s diverse ecosystems, wildlife, and cultural heritage while providing opportunities for tourism, research, and conservation efforts.
Cameroon National Parks
About Cameroon National Parks
Cameroon, often referred to as “Africa in miniature” due to its diverse landscapes and ecosystems, is home to seven national parks. These Cameroon National Parks are vital for the conservation of the country’s rich biodiversity, which spans from tropical rainforests and savannas to coastal areas and mountains. The parks play a crucial role in protecting endangered species and promoting eco-tourism, contributing to both environmental preservation and sustainable development.
Waza National Park, located in the northern part of Cameroon, is one of the most famous parks in the country. Established in 1934, it is known for its large populations of elephants, giraffes, lions, and various antelope species. The park’s savanna and wetlands provide critical habitats for these species, making it a key conservation area in the Sahel region.
Korup National Park, in southwestern Cameroon, is one of the oldest rainforests in Africa and a biodiversity hotspot. The park is home to a wide array of wildlife, including forest elephants, chimpanzees, drills, and more than 400 bird species. Korup’s dense forest also harbors many plant species that are unique to the region, making it an essential area for conservation and scientific research.
Other notable national parks in Cameroon include Bouba Njida National Park, which is home to rare species like the giant eland and black rhinoceros, and Lobéké National Park, which is part of the Congo Basin and supports populations of lowland gorillas, forest elephants, and other species.
Despite their significance, national parks in Cameroon face several challenges. Poaching, particularly of elephants for ivory, remains a significant threat, while habitat destruction due to logging, agriculture, and human settlement continues to degrade these ecosystems. Limited resources for park management and law enforcement exacerbate these issues, hindering conservation efforts.
Nonetheless, ongoing international collaborations, anti-poaching measures, and community-based conservation initiatives are working to protect the biodiversity of Cameroon National Parks for future generations.
Below is an Alphabetical List of National Parks in Cameroon
Cameroon National Parks
Bakossi National Park
Bénoué National Park
Bouba Njida National Park
Boumba Bek National Park
Campo Ma'an National Park
Deng Deng National Park
Douala Edéa National Park
Faro National Park
Kimbi-Fungom National Park
Korup National Park
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Lobéké National Park
Mbam Djerem National Park
Mbéré Valley National Park
Mount Cameroon National Park
Mozogo-Gokoro National Park
Mpem and Djim National Park
Nki National Park
Takamanda National Park
Tchabal Mbabo National Park
Waza National Park
Explore NowFAQ’s
1. How many national parks are there in Cameroon?
2. What is the largest national park in Cameroon?
The largest national park in Cameroon is Bouba Njida National Park. It covers an area of approximately 2,200 square kilometers (about 850 square miles).
Bouba Njida National Park is located in the North Region of Cameroon and is known for its diverse wildlife, including populations of elephants, giraffes, lions, buffaloes, and various antelope species.
The park’s landscape includes savannahs, woodlands, and riverine forests, providing habitat for a wide range of species and offering opportunities for safari experiences and wildlife viewing.
3. What is the smallest national park in Cameroon?
The smallest national park in Cameroon is the Bénoué National Park. It covers an area of approximately 1,800 square kilometers (about 700 square miles).
Despite its relatively small size, Bénoué National Park is significant for its conservation of wildlife, particularly elephants, hippos, antelopes, and various bird species.
The park is located in the North Region of Cameroon and is characterized by savannah grasslands, riverine forests, and gallery forests along the Bénoué River, providing important habitat for a diverse array of flora and fauna.
4. What was the first national park in Cameroon?
The first national park established in Cameroon was Waza National Park. Established in 1934, Waza National Park is located in the Far North Region of Cameroon, near the border with Chad. It covers an area of approximately 1,700 square kilometers (about 656 square miles).
Waza National Park is known for its Sahelian landscape, characterized by savannahs, grasslands, and seasonal wetlands. The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, lions, antelopes, and various bird species.
Waza National Park was established to protect these valuable ecosystems and wildlife populations while providing opportunities for eco-tourism and research in Cameroon.
5. What is the most popular national park in Cameroon?
The most popular national park in Cameroon is Waza National Park, located in the Far North Region of the country. Waza is one of Cameroon’s oldest and most famous parks, known for its impressive wildlife diversity and expansive savannah landscape.
The park is home to iconic African species such as elephants, lions, giraffes, antelopes, and a wide variety of bird species, including ostriches and cranes. Waza is especially popular among birdwatchers and safari enthusiasts, offering visitors a quintessential African wildlife experience.
Despite challenges such as poaching, Waza remains a major attraction for eco-tourism in Cameroon.
6. What percentage of Cameroon's land area is protected through official National Parks?
Approximately 10% of Cameroon’s land area is protected through national parks and other conservation areas, covering about 39,000 square miles (101,000 square kilometers).
These protected areas are spread across a variety of ecosystems, from savannas and rainforests to coastal wetlands, playing a vital role in biodiversity conservation.
7. What other protected areas are there in Cameroon?
In addition to national parks, Cameroon has several other protected areas, including wildlife reserves, game reserves, and forest reserves.
Notable examples include the Dja Faunal Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is one of the largest tracts of rainforest in Africa, and the Benoué National Park, which is surrounded by hunting zones and supports a rich variety of wildlife.
These protected areas help preserve important habitats and species while promoting sustainable use of natural resources.
8. What nature attractions does Cameroon have apart from National Parks?
Apart from national parks, Cameroon offers a variety of nature attractions, including Mount Cameroon, one of Africa’s highest volcanoes, which offers challenging hikes and breathtaking views.
The Ekom-Nkam Waterfalls are another natural wonder, famous for their stunning beauty. Additionally, Cameroon’s coastal areas, such as Kribi and Lobé Falls, where waterfalls cascade directly into the Atlantic Ocean, are popular tourist destinations.
The country’s rainforests and rivers also offer opportunities for wildlife viewing and ecotourism.
9. What species are endemic and unique to Cameroon alone?
Cameroon is home to several endemic and unique species, including the Cross River gorilla, one of the most endangered great apes, which is found in the dense rainforests along the Nigeria-Cameroon border.
Other endemic species include the Cameroon clawless otter, the Mount Cameroon francolin (a bird species), and various frogs and reptiles that inhabit the country’s highland and montane regions.
10. What is Cameroon's main international airport?
Cameroon’s main international airport is Douala International Airport (IATA code: DLA), located in Douala, the country’s largest city and economic hub. This airport is the primary gateway for international flights into Cameroon.
11. What international airline companies fly into Cameroon?
The following international airline companies fly into Cameroon:
- Air France
- ASKY Airlines
- Brussels Airlines
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Kenya Airways
- Royal Air Maroc
- RwandAir
- Turkish Airlines
12. Who manages the national parks of Cameroon?
The national parks in Cameroon are managed by the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife (MINFOF), which is responsible for the conservation and sustainable management of the country’s protected areas and wildlife.
MINFOF works in collaboration with various international organizations and NGOs, such as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), to protect and preserve Cameroon’s biodiversity.
More information can be found on the MINFOF official website: http://www.minfof.cm.