KORUP

Korup National Park protects an exceptionally biologically diverse patch of rainforest reported to be one of the oldest and richest in Africa. within its 1.259 sq. km are more then 300 species of bids, 50 species of large mammals, more than 400 varieties of trees and over 90 medicinal plants. The vegetation is very dense and - apart from monkeys - you're unlike to see animals, but visiting is a superb way to experience a rainforest ecosystem. Korup is also the easiest of Cameroon's protected rainforest areas to reach, and one with the most developed infrastructure. There is more than 100km of marked walking trails within the park, well-trained English-speaking guides, and enough to keep you busy for at least two days. The entrance is via the famous suspension bridge that crosses the Mana River.

In 1986 the Government of Cameroon established the Korup National Park as Cameroon's first, and only, national park. Earlier, it had been designated as a forest reserve. The area receives a large amount of rainfall and a relatively low amount of sunshine.

SABGA

Sabga, a village four hours away from Yaounde, is located near the famous touristic area known as the Ring Road, a 367 km (228 mi) circular route through Cameroon's most spectacular mountains.

The mountainous nature of the terrain with wonderful topographical sites contributes to the beauty of the region. The mountain Sabga (hill) is just an example from which one can get a fantastic view of the Ndop plains.

There are also interesting cultural sites that could be visited with its ancient architechtural structures.

THE NORTH PROVINCE

The North Province (French Province du Nord) makes up 66,000 km² of the northern half of The Republic of Cameroon. Neighbouring territories include the Far North Province to the north, the Adamawa Province to the south, Nigeria to the west, Chad to the east, and Central African Republic to the southeast. The city of Garoua is both the political and industrial capital. Garoua is Cameroon's third largest port, despite the fact that the Bénoué River upon which it relies is only navigable for short periods of the year.Major ethnic groups include the Fulbe (Fula), who are Islamic pastoralists, and numerous Muslim and Chadic, and Nilo-Saharan languages.

The North Province is a land of savanna. This begins with wooded savanna on the Adamawa Plateau with its thick grasses and isolated copses of trees. This territory was once more heavily forested, but repeated burning and livestock trampling has left this original vegetation only in the valleys. Moving north, the wooded savanna gradually gives way to Sudan savanna or parkland savanna in the Bénoué Depression. Here grass cover thins out, and trees become fewer and more isolated, and stunted shrubs become more prevalent. Common species include acacia, baobab, and various palms. Most of these have adapted to the region's harsh dry season and seasonal burning by growing thick bark and shedding their leaves during this period.

The Waza National Park is Cameroon's most famous national park. It is Cameroon's most accessible and rewarding wildlife-viewing experience. The park is open to visitors from 15 November to 15 June. A guide is compulsory in each vehicle that enters the park. While there is no accommodation in the park, visitors can camp near the entrance, or at the tiny village of Waza, north of the park entrance. Access to the park itself might be tricky. However, visitors get a chance to observe various animals like the elephant, giraffe, ostrich, antelope, and gazelle. Moreover, there are a variety of birds to be observed. There are lions in the park, but seeing them requires some luck and a very early start. Late March to April is the best time for viewing, as the animals congregate at water holes before the rains.

Kapsiki Mountains Rising up from The valley, just before the village is the much photographed Rhumsiki Peak. These fascinating rock formations were once the molton cores of vulcanoes, wich cooled and hardened . The exterior of the vulcanoes have eroded away leaving these volcanic necks or plugs, wich are composed of harder rock.

YAOUNDE, CAMEROON

Yaoundé, estimated population 1,430,000 is the capital city of Cameroon and second largest city in the country after Douala. It lies in the center of the nation at about 750 metres above sea level. Yaoundé was founded in 1888 by German traders as a base for the ivory trade and an agricultural research station. It was occupied by Belgian troops during World War I and, following the war, became the capital of French Cameroon. It has continued as the capital of the Republic of Cameroon until the present day. Yaounde is somewhat more easy-going, with an excellent selection of nightclubs and restaurants, although the traffic can be a nightmare for the tourist. The city also boasts some unusual and surprisingly modern architecture, particularly with regards to many of the government ministries.

Mostly vegetables from the farmlands are on sale on the many market places in Yaoundé. It is common for a city family to have a small compound elsewhere in the country for growing vegetables.

Yaounde is set in a lushy vegetated area at about 750m altitude and is unique among West African capitals for its hilly environment. It's not as lively as Douala, but most travellers prefer it here, and it's a good place to rest from the road and take care of necessities. The climate is relatively cool, but it still can get sticky and sudden downpours are common.

CAMEROON WILDLIFE AID FUN

Mefou National Park is situated around one hour from the center of Yaounde. It contains 1044 hectares of forest. At present the park has eight electrified enclosures housing Chimps, Gorillas, Baboons, and various species of monkeys. Mefou is the perfect setting for visitors to see Cameroon's unique wildlife in a natural environment.

MOUNT CAMEROON

Mount Cameroon is the highest mountain in West Africa, rising more or less straight from the coast through tropical rainforest to a bare summit which is cold and windy and occasionally brushed with snow. It is not dormant and sent lava flowing down almost to the sea only few years. Although it is so close to the sea it can rarely be seen from the coast as clouds gather round its lower slopes and Debuncha at its southwest corner is reputed to be the second wettest place in the world. The climb is usually started from Buea at around 1000m where the compulsory guide and the very necessary porters can be obtained from the Mount Cameroon Ecotourism Organisation Office. There is no water on the mountain above the forest so large amounts must be carried, needed lower down to replace the sweat lost by a hot and humid climb through the forest and higher up to counteract the threat of altitude problems.

Mount Cameroon (4.095m).

KRIBI

Kribi is located in south-western Cameroon. It lies on the Gulf of Guinea coast, at the mouth of the Kienké River, also at the edge of the tropical rain forest zone; Ivory, cocoa, timber, and coffee are exported from the port, which is also a trade center for local agricultural products and fish. Beautiful beaches and the Campo game reserve to the south attract tourists. It has a population of 48,800 (2001 estimate).

The Lobé falls is where Lobé river splashes out in the Atlantic Ocean. The small bay of fresh water is a peacefull and beautiful place for swimming, fishing and relaxing.

Kribi With its attractive beaches and good road access, kribi has become cameroon's main beach resort and favoured weekend getaway for government ministers and Douala expats. It also experienced a development boom in recent years, with the construction of the Chad-Cameroon oil pipeline, witch will terminate just to the south. Most beaches are ideal for swimming, although check locally before plunging in as currents can be strong at times. At the south-side is a harbour with local fisherman selling there catch.