Cameroon, often referred to as “Africa in miniature” due to its diverse climates and landscapes, offers a unique blend of dense rainforests, vast savannas, mountains, and a significant coastline. This ecological variety translates into incredibly rich biodiversity and presents distinct opportunities for wildlife viewing and, for those interested, a highly specialized hunting experience.

Cameroon: The Country

• Geography and Location: Located in West-Central Africa, Cameroon borders Nigeria to the west; Chad and the Central African Republic to the east; and Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo to the south. It has an Atlantic coastline on the Gulf of Guinea. The country’s geography is remarkably varied, encompassing:
  • Coastal lowlands with mangrove forests.
  • Dense equatorial rainforests in the south.
  • High central plateaus.
  • Rolling savannas in the north.
  • Mountains, including Mount Cameroon, the highest peak in West Africa.
• Capital City: Yaoundé.
• Population: Approximately 28.4 million (2023 estimate).
• Language: French and English are the official languages, reflecting its colonial history (formerly a German colony, then divided between French and British mandates). Over 240 indigenous languages are also spoken, making it one of Africa’s most linguistically diverse nations.
• Currency: Central African CFA franc (XAF).
• Climate: Varies significantly by region:
  • Southern Cameroon: Humid and equatorial, with high temperatures (20-25°C) and heavy rainfall.
  • Northern Cameroon (north of 6° latitude): Semi-arid and dry, with higher temperatures (25-30°C).
• Economy: Cameroon has one of the largest economies in West-Central Africa, largely driven by its oil resources (accounting for about 40% of export earnings). Agriculture, timber, and the service sector also play significant roles. Despite its resources, the country faces developmental challenges.
• Culture: A mosaic of over 240 ethnic groups, broadly categorized into Bantu, Semi-Bantu, and Sudanese. This diversity is reflected in its vibrant music, dance, and art forms.

Wildlife in Cameroon

Cameroon’s “Africa in miniature” description extends to its wildlife, offering a broad spectrum of habitats and species, from forest-dwelling primates and elephants to savanna giants.

• Diverse Ecosystems, Diverse Wildlife:
  • Rainforests (South and Southeast): Home to an incredible array of primates, including:
    • Gorillas: Western lowland gorillas are found in parks like Lobéké National Park and Campo Ma’an National Park.
    • Chimpanzees: Also present in the southern forests.
    • Drills and Mandrills: Endangered primates found in the Cross-Sanaga Rivers region.
    • Forest Elephants: Smaller than savanna elephants, adapted to dense forest environments.
    • Bongo: An elusive and beautiful striped forest antelope, highly sought after.
    • Dwarf Forest Buffalo: Smaller and redder than their savanna counterparts.
    • Giant Forest Hogs and Red River Hogs.
    • Numerous duiker species (Yellow-backed, Blue, Black-fronted, Bay, White-bellied).
    • Sitatunga: A semi-aquatic antelope.
  • Savannas (North): More open country, home to larger herds and classic African plains game:
    • Lion: Found in northern parks, though populations can be scattered.
    • African Savanna Elephant: In larger numbers than their forest cousins.
    • African Buffalo (West African Savanna Buffalo): Distinct from the forest buffalo.
    • Lord Derby Eland (Giant Eland): The largest antelope in the world, a prime target for hunters. Cameroon is one of the best places to hunt this magnificent animal.
    • Western Roan Antelope, Western Hartebeest, Buffon Kob, Defassa Waterbuck, Bohor Reedbuck.
    • Hippopotamus and Crocodiles in rivers.
    • Giraffe, Topi, Ostrich, Warthog, Spotted Hyena.
  • Endangered Species: Cameroon is home to several critically endangered and endangered species, including black rhinoceros (though largely extirpated or only in very small, reclusive populations), chimpanzees, gorillas, drills, and pangolins. Conservation efforts are crucial.
• Major National Parks and Reserves:
  • Waza National Park: The most famous park in the far north, known for its savanna wildlife, including lion, giraffe, elephant, waterbuck, and a rich birdlife.
  • Bouba Ndjidah National Park: In the northeast, traditionally known for rhino (though their status is precarious) and large eland.
  • Benoue National Park: Central-north, a key area for Lord Derby Eland, hippos, and various predators.
  • Faro National Park: Northwestern, known for buffalo and a variety of large animals.
  • Korup National Park: In the southwest, one of the oldest and most biodiverse rainforests in the world.
  • Lobéké National Park: A forest reserve in the southeast, part of the Tri-National Sangha Park, vital for gorillas and forest elephants.
  • Campo Ma’an National Park: South, known for elephants and chimpanzees.
• Conservation Challenges: Poaching (especially for bushmeat and ivory), habitat loss due to agriculture and logging, and human-wildlife conflict pose significant threats to Cameroon’s wildlife. Various NGOs and government initiatives are working on conservation, anti-poaching, and community engagement.

Hunting in Cameroon

Cameroon is a highly specialized hunting destination, particularly famous for its forest game and the giant Lord Derby Eland. Hunting is strictly regulated and occurs in designated hunting zones (ZICs – Zone d’Intérêt Cynégétique) or community-managed hunting zones (ZICGCs).

• Regulations and Licensing:
  • Governing Body: The Ministry of Forest & Wildlife (MINFOF) regulates hunting.
  • Permits: Hunters must obtain specific permits for each animal group (Group A, B, C or 1, 2, 3) and for individual species. These are pre-arranged by the outfitter. Quotas are in place and strictly managed.
  • Firearms: Typically, a maximum of 2 rifles and 1 shotgun per hunter, with 50-100 rounds per weapon. Automatic or semi-automatic weapons are prohibited. A firearm import permit is essential and must be secured in advance via the Cameroonian Embassy.
  • Minimum Caliber: .375 H&H or 9.3mm for dangerous game, and .240 for smaller plains game are common minimums.
  • Ethical Hunting: All hunting must occur during daylight hours. Night hunting or hunting with artificial light is generally prohibited (with potential exceptions for specific problem animals or species like leopard and lion if conditions warrant and permits allow). Hunting of females, young, or immature animals is forbidden, incurring double trophy fees and counting as two animals if taken. Wounded and lost animals are considered bagged and charged in full. Shooting from a vehicle is not permitted, but vehicles can be used for transport to hunting areas.
• Hunting Seasons: Cameroon has distinct hunting seasons for its different ecological zones:
  • Savanna Hunting: Generally from January 1st to April 30th. This coincides with the dry season, making access easier and animals more concentrated around water.
  • Forest Hunting: Generally from March 1st to June 30th (sometimes extending to late July). Hunting in the rainforest is physically demanding and often involves tracking on foot.
• Hunting Areas: Concessions (Coutadas) are leased to professional outfitters.
  • Northern Savanna (e.g., Faro, Benoue, Bouba Ndjidah regions): Known for Lord Derby Eland, savanna buffalo, lion, and various plains game.
  • Southern/Southeastern Rainforest (e.g., Lobéké, Campo Ma’an buffer zones): Famous for Bongo, Forest Elephant, Dwarf Forest Buffalo, Sitatunga, Giant Forest Hog, and various duikers.
• Species Available for Hunting: Cameroon offers a range of unique and challenging species:
  • Dangerous Game: Forest Elephant (highly regulated, with minimum ivory weight requirements, and CITES permits), Lion (subject to age-based regulations and potential EU import restrictions), Leopard, Western Roan, Western Hartebeest, Western Kob, African Buffalo (Savanna and Forest subspecies), Hippopotamus, Crocodile.
  • Forest Specialties: Bongo (a major draw), Sitatunga, Dwarf Forest Buffalo, Giant Forest Hog, various Duiker species (Yellow-backed, Blue, Black-fronted, Bay, White-bellied), Bates’s Pygmy Antelope.
  • Savanna Specialties: Lord Derby Eland (the giant eland), West African Savanna Buffalo, Western Roan Antelope, Western Hartebeest, Buffon Kob, Defassa Waterbuck, Bohor Reedbuck.
  • Other Plains Game: Warthog, Bushpig, Oribi, Civet.
• Bowhunting: Legal and allowed, but highly specialized due to the challenging terrain and dense vegetation in many areas.
• Challenges and Considerations:
  • Logistics: Hunting in Cameroon can be logistically complex, often requiring charter flights to remote camps, especially for forest hunts.
  • Physical Demands: Forest hunting, in particular, is extremely physically demanding, involving extensive tracking in hot, humid, and dense terrain.
  • EU Import Restrictions for Lion: Since February 2015, the EU Scientific Review Group has issued a “negative opinion” on wild lion conservation in Cameroon, meaning most EU member states will likely deny import permits for Cameroon lion hunting trophies. This has impacted lion hunting.
  • Security: While most hunting areas are stable, hunters should always check the latest travel advisories and ensure their outfitter operates in secure regions.
  • Conservation Impact: Hunting is promoted as a means of conservation, with revenues supporting anti-poaching and wildlife management efforts in the concessions. However, the industry has faced challenges with profitability and ensuring sufficient funds reach conservation efforts on the ground.
  • Reputation: Choosing a reputable and experienced outfitter is paramount for a legal, ethical, and successful hunt in Cameroon.

Cameroon offers an “old-school” African hunting adventure, particularly appealing to those seeking rare and challenging forest species or the majestic Lord Derby Eland.