Dja Faunal Reserve
Location: Southern Cameroon
Year of Inscription: 1987
Criteria: (x) to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The Dja Faunal Reserve is a protected area in Cameroon that covers an area of over 5,200 square kilometers. It is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including forest elephants, chimpanzees, gorillas, and several species of monkeys and antelopes. The reserve is also known for its unique flora, including several species of rare and endemic plants.
Prominent Features: The Dja Faunal Reserve is characterized by its tropical rainforest, which is one of the largest and most pristine in Africa. The reserve is home to over 100 species of mammals, including several endangered species such as the forest elephant, chimpanzee, and western lowland gorilla. Visitors can take guided nature walks and wildlife viewing tours to see these animals in their natural habitat.
History: The Dja Faunal Reserve was established in 1950 to protect the region's unique flora and fauna. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987, in recognition of its outstanding natural value and importance for biodiversity conservation.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Dja Faunal Reserve offers several family-friendly activities, including guided nature walks, wildlife viewing tours, and birdwatching tours. Children will also enjoy learning about the reserve's wildlife and ecology through interactive exhibits at the visitor center.
Fun Fact: The Dja Faunal Reserve is home to several rare and endemic plant species, including the Okoume tree, which is used to make plywood.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Dja Faunal Reserve varies depending on the activities and attractions visited. Guided tours and wildlife viewing tours typically cost around 30,000 CFA (approximately 55 USD) per person. It is important to note that the reserve is only open during the dry season, which runs from November to April.
How to Reach it: The Dja Faunal Reserve is located in southeastern Cameroon, near the border with the Republic of Congo. The easiest way to reach the reserve is by flying into Douala International Airport, which is the largest airport in Cameroon. From there, you can take a domestic flight to the city of Yaoundé, which is the closest major city to the reserve.
Once you reach Yaoundé, you can arrange a guided tour of the Dja Faunal Reserve. Many tour operators offer guided wildlife viewing tours and nature walks in the reserve, and it is recommended to hire a guide for your safety and to get the most out of your experience.
There are buses from Yaoundé to Lomié, which is the gateway town to the Dja Faunal Reserve. The journey takes approximately 9-10 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Several bus companies operate on this route, including Buca Voyage and St. Joseph Transport. You can buy your tickets at the bus station or through a travel agency in Yaoundé.
It is important to note that the road conditions can be challenging, with some sections being unpaved and rough. It is recommended to take a 4x4 vehicle if possible, especially during the rainy season when the roads can become muddy and difficult to navigate.
Once you arrive in Lomié, you can hire a guide and arrange for a permit to enter the Dja Faunal Reserve. The reserve is located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Lomié, and transportation options include private car hire or motorcycle taxis (known as "motos").
Where to Stay: The Dja Faunal Reserve offers several accommodation options, including campsites, lodges, and guesthouses. Some popular options include the Sangha Lodge, the Dja Wildlife Camp, and the Hotel La Falaise.
Next Stop: Sangha Trinational
Year of Inscription: 1987
Criteria: (x) to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: The Dja Faunal Reserve is a protected area in Cameroon that covers an area of over 5,200 square kilometers. It is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including forest elephants, chimpanzees, gorillas, and several species of monkeys and antelopes. The reserve is also known for its unique flora, including several species of rare and endemic plants.
Prominent Features: The Dja Faunal Reserve is characterized by its tropical rainforest, which is one of the largest and most pristine in Africa. The reserve is home to over 100 species of mammals, including several endangered species such as the forest elephant, chimpanzee, and western lowland gorilla. Visitors can take guided nature walks and wildlife viewing tours to see these animals in their natural habitat.
History: The Dja Faunal Reserve was established in 1950 to protect the region's unique flora and fauna. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987, in recognition of its outstanding natural value and importance for biodiversity conservation.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Dja Faunal Reserve offers several family-friendly activities, including guided nature walks, wildlife viewing tours, and birdwatching tours. Children will also enjoy learning about the reserve's wildlife and ecology through interactive exhibits at the visitor center.
Fun Fact: The Dja Faunal Reserve is home to several rare and endemic plant species, including the Okoume tree, which is used to make plywood.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for the Dja Faunal Reserve varies depending on the activities and attractions visited. Guided tours and wildlife viewing tours typically cost around 30,000 CFA (approximately 55 USD) per person. It is important to note that the reserve is only open during the dry season, which runs from November to April.
How to Reach it: The Dja Faunal Reserve is located in southeastern Cameroon, near the border with the Republic of Congo. The easiest way to reach the reserve is by flying into Douala International Airport, which is the largest airport in Cameroon. From there, you can take a domestic flight to the city of Yaoundé, which is the closest major city to the reserve.
Once you reach Yaoundé, you can arrange a guided tour of the Dja Faunal Reserve. Many tour operators offer guided wildlife viewing tours and nature walks in the reserve, and it is recommended to hire a guide for your safety and to get the most out of your experience.
There are buses from Yaoundé to Lomié, which is the gateway town to the Dja Faunal Reserve. The journey takes approximately 9-10 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Several bus companies operate on this route, including Buca Voyage and St. Joseph Transport. You can buy your tickets at the bus station or through a travel agency in Yaoundé.
It is important to note that the road conditions can be challenging, with some sections being unpaved and rough. It is recommended to take a 4x4 vehicle if possible, especially during the rainy season when the roads can become muddy and difficult to navigate.
Once you arrive in Lomié, you can hire a guide and arrange for a permit to enter the Dja Faunal Reserve. The reserve is located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Lomié, and transportation options include private car hire or motorcycle taxis (known as "motos").
Where to Stay: The Dja Faunal Reserve offers several accommodation options, including campsites, lodges, and guesthouses. Some popular options include the Sangha Lodge, the Dja Wildlife Camp, and the Hotel La Falaise.
Next Stop: Sangha Trinational