Expedition to Lobéké National Park: Dangaye Bai

Integrated into the Congo basin, the Lobéké national park is located at the extreme south-east of Cameroon. It covers an area of 217,854 hectares and is adjacent to two other national parks in the Central African Republic (Dzanng-sangha national park) and the Republic of Congo (Parc national de Nouabalendoki) with which it forms the tri-national (TNS), cross-border conservation initiative of biodiversity and UNESCO world heritage.

In Lobéké National park, there are continuously small “bai” or forest clearings that attract a large variety of fauna with large mammals (gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes). The Lobéké has a rich and varied biodiversity in plant and wildlife resources as there are 45 mammals species, 305birds species, 18 reptiles species, 16 amphibians species, 134 fishes species, 215 butterflies species, 764 plant species belonging to 102 families which have been identified.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Airport Pick Up

Today as you arrive in Yaounde, you will be met and greeted at the airport before being transferred to your accommodation. 

Dinner and overnight in Yaounde.  

Day 2: Yaoundé-Doume – Batouri

This morning you will drive approximately 300 miles (100 miles of dirt road) to Batouri, with plenty of sites and photo opportunities along the way. Splendid landscapes, historic sites, local markets, various types of dwellings, to name a few.

Dinner and overnight in a small motel.

Day 3: Batouri – Yokadouma- Mambélé

Today will include more driving - approximately 300 miles on dirt road Mambélé. Here is the headquarters of Lobéké National Park. Dinner and overnight in the guest house of the park.

Day 4: Mambélé- Dangaye

We will depart Mambele this morning and drive from the park headquarter to the car drop off point (approximately 30 miles). From here, we will then hike under the forest canopy to get to the watch tower at the first clearing, which is about 4 miles to "Dangaye” Bai with a stop at the Djaloumbe Bai. 

Overnight in tents. 

(During the days 4 to 7, you will experience fascinating forest walks to the beat of the thick forest lands, landscape and unpredictable movements of animals). 

Day 5: Dangaye Bai

Full day safaris in “Dangaye” Bai. 

Dinner and overnight in tents.

Day 6: Dangaye Bai

Full day safaris in “Dangaye” Bai. 

Dinner and overnight in tents.

Day 7: Dangaye- Mambélé

This morning will be an early morning departure from Dangaye. We will hike approximately 17 miles from the car drop off point and drive to Mambélé. Once we have checked into the guest house, you will have a chance to experience a pygmy dance in the evening, it is here where you also have the opportunity to share some gifts with the locals. 

Overnight.

Day 8: Mambéle – Yokadouma- Batouri

This morning after breakfast we will continue with our drive back to Batouri. The drive today will be approximately 200 miles. Dinner and overnight.

Day 9: Batouri- Yaoundé

Drive from Batouri to Yaoundé.

Dinner and overnight.

Day 10: Yaounde

Today (pending flight times) you will be met by your guide and explore the city of Yaounde. You will have the chance to see some of the city sites and shop at the local handicraft center for some souvenirs. 

This evening you will be transferred to the airport for your flight out. 

Included in price:

• Accommodation in a single room, 2 stars hotel in Yaoundé, small motels in other cities and tents in the forest.

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

• Entrance fees and all visits listed in the program

• Professional tour guides

• Transportation in a 4 WD vehicle, fuel, and a driver

• All activities mentioned in the program

Excluded in Price:

• Visas
• International or Domestic Flights
• Travel Insurance (100% necessary)
• Personal items such as souvenirs, sunscreen, insect repellent
• Gratuities or gifts for the locals if desired