Discovering Cameroon & Central African Republic

Itinerary

Saturday – Yaoundé

Arrival in Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon. Our driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.

Yaoundé, spread across several green hills, is the political heart of the country and offers a lively first introduction to Cameroon, with busy streets, markets and a strong mix of modern and traditional life.

At 6 PM we meet in the hotel lobby for a group briefing before heading out for dinner.

Overnight in a hotel in Yaoundé.

Sunday – Yaoundé – Bertoua

This morning we begin our journey eastwards towards Bertoua, the capital of Cameroon’s Eastern Region and gateway to the country’s vast rainforest areas.

The scenery gradually changes from the busy capital to rural villages, forest landscapes and roadside markets. Along the route we’ll see daily life unfold far from the usual tourist trail.

Upon arrival in Bertoua, take a walk through the town and explore the local market, where traders from surrounding villages come to sell produce and goods.

Overnight in a hotel in Bertoua.

Monday – Bertoua – Yokadouma

Continue deeper into southeastern Cameroon towards Yokadouma, close to the borders with the Central African Republic and the Republic of the Congo.

The roads become increasingly remote and adventurous, passing through jungle scenery, logging areas and isolated villages. Travel times can vary considerably depending on weather and road conditions.

Yokadouma serves as an important regional transit town for forestry workers, traders and travellers heading towards the Sangha region.

Overnight in a hotel in Yokadouma.

Tuesday – Yokadouma – Libongo – Bayanga (CAR)

After breakfast, continue to Libongo, located on the Sangha River at the border between Cameroon and the Central African Republic.

Following border formalities, cross the river into the Central African Republic (CAR) by motorized boat and enter the remarkable Dzanga-Sangha National Park, part of the wider Sangha Trinational UNESCO forest ecosystem shared between Cameroon, CAR and Congo. (whc.unesco.org)

Continue by motorized boat to Bayanga, a small town surrounded by dense rainforest and one of Central Africa’s best-known wildlife destinations.

Overnight in a close to Bayanga.

Wednesday – Bayanga

Today we explore the extraordinary rainforest ecosystems of Dzanga-Sangha National Park.

In the morning, visit a Baka community to learn more about traditional forest knowledge, hunting techniques and medicinal plants. The Baka are Indigenous forest-dwelling communities with a deep connection to the rainforest environment.

Later, continue to Dzanga Bai, often called the Village of Elephants. This enormous forest clearing is famous for attracting large numbers of forest elephants, drawn by the mineral-rich soils. Sightings can sometimes include dozens of elephants at once, alongside forest buffalo, bongos and many bird species.

After the excursion, return to Bayanga.

Overnight in the Sangha Lodge close to Bayanga.

Thursday – Bayanga

This morning we travel deeper into the rainforest towards Bai Hokou, a gorilla research camp located at the edge of the forest. The area is known for its lowland gorillas and agile mangabeys.

On arrival, we meet the park rangers for a short briefing before heading into the forest. We’ll trek in search of agile mangabeys and experience the rainforest landscape up close, surrounded by dense vegetation, towering trees and the sounds of the jungle.

In small groups, it is also possible to join a gorilla trek to see the habituated Mkumba group of western lowland gorillas. This group consists of around 15 individuals and offers a rare chance to observe lowland gorillas in their natural habitat. Please note: The gorilla trek is optional and comes at an extra cost of €500 per person. Availability depends on park regulations.

Later, we visit another Baka community, where we witness traditional dances and ceremonies performed to welcome visitors and celebrate important occasions.

Overnight in the Sangha Lodge close to Bayanga.

Friday – Bayanga – Yokadouma

Today we leave the rainforest of the Central African Republic behind and return to Cameroon.

Take the boat back to Libongo before continuing by vehicle towards Yokadouma. Once again, expect adventurous road conditions, remote scenery and small villages scattered throughout the jungle.

Overnight in a hotel in Yokadouma.

Saturday – Yokadouma – Bertoua

Continue westwards through southeastern Cameroon. Long driving days are part of the adventure in this remote region, where infrastructure remains limited and journeys provide a real insight into daily life far from the country’s major cities.

Arrival in Bertoua in the evening.

Overnight in a hotel in Bertoua.

Sunday – Bertoua – Yaoundé

This morning we complete the final part of our journey back to Yaoundé.

Upon arrival in the capital, enjoy a city tour visiting some of Yaoundé’s main landmarks. Visit the Reunification Monument, symbolising the reunification of French and British Cameroon, and continue to the area around Poste Centrale and the Our Lady of Victories Cathedral.

We also visit the Centre d’Artisanat, a craft market offering wood carvings, textiles and traditional artwork from across Cameroon. If time permits, explore the lively Marché Central, one of the city’s busiest markets.

Overnight in a hotel in Yaoundé.

Monday – Yaoundé

Transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.

End of tour.