Things to Do in Campo Ma'an National Park, Cameroun

Campo Ma'an National Park is one of Cameroon's most pristine and biodiverse protected areas, spanning over 264,000 hectares in the South Region near the Atlantic coast. Established in 2000, this remarkable park encompasses dense tropical rainforests, coastal plains, and important wildlife corridors that connect to Equatorial Guinea's protected areas. The park serves as a critical habitat for forest elephants, western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, and over 300 bird species, making it a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and researchers alike. What sets Campo Ma'an apart is its unique position as both a terrestrial and marine ecosystem, with pristine beaches along the Atlantic Ocean where sea turtles nest. The park represents one of the last intact pieces of the Congo Basin rainforest, featuring ancient trees, crystal-clear rivers, and an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. Visitors can experience authentic African wilderness while contributing to conservation efforts that protect this vital ecosystem for future generations.

Top Things to Do in Campo Ma'an National Park

Gorilla and Chimpanzee Tracking

Embark on guided treks through dense rainforest to observe western lowland gorillas and chimpanzees in their natural habitat. These encounters offer rare opportunities to witness complex social behaviors and interactions of our closest relatives in one of Africa's most pristine environments. Professional guides and trackers lead small groups on carefully planned routes that minimize disturbance to the animals.

Booking Tip: Book through certified tour operators in Yaoundé or Douala at least 2-4 weeks in advance, costing $200-400 per person. Best during dry seasons (December-February, June-August) when trails are more accessible and animals easier to track.

Forest Elephant Observation

Experience close encounters with forest elephants at natural clearings and salt licks throughout the park. These smaller, more elusive cousins of savanna elephants play crucial roles in seed dispersal and forest regeneration. Observation sessions typically occur during early morning or late afternoon when elephants are most active.

Booking Tip: Arrange through park authorities or specialized wildlife operators for $150-300 per day including guide and permits. Dry season offers better visibility, but wet season provides more predictable elephant movements to water sources.

Sea Turtle Nesting Tours

Witness the incredible spectacle of leatherback and olive ridley sea turtles nesting on the park's pristine Atlantic beaches. These nocturnal tours offer magical experiences watching ancient marine reptiles complete their reproductive cycles. The experience includes learning about conservation efforts and the challenges facing these endangered species.

Booking Tip: Available only during nesting season (October-February) through marine conservation groups for $100-200 per person. Night tours require advance booking and weather-dependent scheduling. Best success rates occur during new moon periods.

Canopy Walkway and Birdwatching

Explore the forest canopy via suspended walkways and platforms that provide unique perspectives on rainforest ecosystems. These elevated paths offer excellent opportunities to observe over 300 bird species, including hornbills, parrots, and rare forest specialists. The experience combines adventure with scientific education about vertical forest stratification.

Booking Tip: Book canopy access through eco-lodges or research stations for $80-150 per person including equipment and guide. Early morning tours (6-9 AM) provide optimal bird activity and cooler temperatures for comfortable walking.

Cultural Village Visits

Engage with local Bagyeli and Bantu communities to learn about traditional forest-based lifestyles and conservation practices. These cultural exchanges include demonstrations of traditional hunting techniques, medicinal plant knowledge, and sustainable forest management. Visitors gain insights into the complex relationships between indigenous peoples and rainforest ecosystems.

Booking Tip: Arrange through community tourism initiatives or park offices for $50-120 per person including meals and cultural activities. Respect local customs and photography restrictions. Best combined with multi-day park visits to allow meaningful cultural exchange.

Getting There

Campo Ma'an National Park is accessible via a 6-7 hour drive south from Yaoundé or a 4-5 hour drive southeast from Douala along generally good paved roads to Campo town, followed by 30-60 minutes on forest tracks to park entrances. The nearest airstrip is in Campo, but most visitors fly into Douala International Airport and arrange ground transportation. Several tour operators offer transfer services, or visitors can rent 4WD vehicles in major cities. Public transport options include buses to Campo followed by motorcycle taxis or arranged park transfers.

Getting Around

Transportation within Campo Ma'an National Park requires 4WD vehicles due to forest tracks and seasonal road conditions, typically provided by tour operators or park services. Most activities involve guided walking on established trails, with distances ranging from 2-15 kilometers depending on wildlife tracking objectives. Canoe transport is available for river-based activities and accessing remote areas. Park rangers and certified guides accompany all movements within the park for safety and navigation. Visitors should not attempt independent exploration due to dense forest conditions and wildlife safety considerations.

Where to Stay

Campo town guesthouses

Eco-lodges within park boundaries

Research station accommodations

Community-based tourism lodges

Camping sites with facilities

Kribi coastal resorts (day trips)

Food & Dining

Dining in Campo Ma'an National Park centers around eco-lodges and research stations that serve hearty meals featuring local ingredients including fresh fish, plantains, cassava, and tropical fruits. Many accommodations offer full-board packages including traditional Cameroonian dishes prepared with forest vegetables and sustainably sourced proteins. Campo town provides basic restaurants serving grilled fish, chicken, and local specialties like ndolé and eru. Visitors should expect simple but nutritious meals that reflect the region's coastal and forest influences, with limited international cuisine options but authentic local flavors.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Cameroon

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

K Hotel Douala

4.5 /5

(959 reviews)

lodging

View on Map Website

Ritz Regal

4.5 /5

(138 reviews)

bar night_club

View on Map Website

Klass Chill

4.7 /5

(102 reviews)

bar night_club

View on Map

When to Visit

The optimal time to visit Campo Ma'an National Park is during the dry seasons from December to February and June to August, when forest trails are more accessible and wildlife viewing conditions are favorable. However, the park offers year-round opportunities with different seasonal highlights: sea turtle nesting occurs from October to February, while the wet season (March-May, September-November) brings lush vegetation and increased bird activity. Temperatures remain relatively stable year-round (24-28°C), but humidity and rainfall vary significantly. Wildlife is generally more concentrated around water sources during dry periods, making tracking easier.

Insider Tips

Bring high-quality rain gear and waterproof bags as weather can change rapidly in the rainforest environment

Pack insect repellent, long-sleeved clothing, and sturdy waterproof hiking boots for comfort and protection during forest activities

Respect photography restrictions around wildlife and local communities, and always follow guide instructions for safety and conservation purposes

Things to Do in Campo Ma'an National Park