Tucked away in the extreme southwest of the Cameroon, and bordered by the CAR to the east and the Congo to the south, lies the deep jungle, the mystic land of giant trees, mighty elephants, elusive Bongo and the most proficient hunter/gatherers of all: the pygmies. Our outfitter was the first commercial safari operator in this secluded spot of the dark continent, with the owner establishing his first camp there 15 years ago. Many changes have been made since the beginning, but to this day our outfitter has the very best area, the best pygmy hunters and the most experienced PH’s for the demanding, challenging and unique safaris, in quest of the most elusive of all African game species, the Bongo; as well as Dwarf Forest Buffalo, Giant Forest Hog, Forest Elephant, Sitatunga and a variety of forest Duiker species.
Climate:
With an elevation of about 1,700 ft., the low lying vastness of the African rain forest is hot and moist throughout the year. Humidity is around 100% with daytime temperatures ranging from the lower 80’s in the morning to 110 degrees Fahrenheit during the hot hours of the day. Due to the proximity of the Equator, the annual variation on both temperatures and daylight hours is hardly noticeable. The best hunting for all forest species is between March and June, when isolated rains and thunderstorms provide the best conditions for tracking, making the hunter’s movements through the vegetation much stealthier on moist ground, and causing the animals to move around more. During the rainy season proper (July to Sept.) no vehicles can negotiate the muddy roads and wild, flowing waters of previously peaceful creeks and small streams.
Hunting Regulations:
The following conditions are imposed by the Ministry for wildlife. The huntable species of Cameroon are divided into two categories, and the following restrictions apply:
Group A: Two different species of Group "A"
Bongo
Elephant
Dwarf Buffalo
Group B: Four different species of Group "B"
Sitagunga
Giant Forest Hog
Bush Pig
Yellow-backed Duiker
Peter's Duiker
Bay Duiker
Gabon Duiker
Blue Duiker
Black-fronted Duiker
Bate's Pygmy Antelope
Each hunting license is issued beforehand for all huntable species, except elephant, so that all species may be hunted, until the applicable bat limits for group A and B are filled, without need for advanced application for a given species.
Quota restrictions apply for certain species; it is therefore very important to inform us at time of booking, about your main species priorities.
Safari schedules:
Our Bongo/Buffalo safaris are based on 12 hunting days with two more days for travel on day 1 and 14 of the safari. The combination Elephant/Bongo is based on 16 days with travel days on day 1 and 18. For this safari you will be using two different air carriers.
All other safari schedules are based upon the timetables of air carrier SWISSAIR, as they provide good transcontinental connections and very reliable service with Douala, your point of entry and exit in Cameroon.
You will have the chance to catch up on your jet lag for one night in Douala before flying out to camp the following morning; similarly, you will have one afternoon and evening in Douala, at the end of your safari, for shopping and sightseeing. Please note that the hotel accommodations and transport in Douala is not included in the basic safari costs.
Three to four hunters will be in camp at any given time. If you keep your luggage to reasonable limits, according to our list of recommended gear, these will be able to share the charter flights to and from the camp.
Our appointed company, Globetrotter Travel & Cruise Centre, handles all client particulars and bookings, related to international air travel, firearm import permits and visas. Our clients are offered fares in all classes of service at substantial savings, due to Globetrotter Travel being fully integrated in our operation. You will be contacted shortly after your booking to coordinate all details.
Trophy Information:
Our outfitter is responsible for the proper care, drying and dipping of trophies in the field. We will ensure all correct Cameroonian government documents are obtained to accompany the trophies on export. We cannot accept responsibility for the trophies, once they are handed over to handling agent for export.
Cites-Documentation:
Owing to the various complications involved with CITES permits, we strongly advise hunters to select a taxidermist in the country of final destination. Your local taxidermist, wildlife department, environmental or agricultural agency will be able to advise you on your destination's particular import regulations.
Firearms and Ammunition:
Conditions on our safaris vary greatly from other African expeditions. The number of species in the jungle is limited, and many are taken with a shotgun rather than a rifle. Also, shooting distances average less that 20 yds, through fairly thick foliage. High velocity calibres and bulky scopes are definitely a disadvantage. You should consider bringing a rifle in the .338 to .458 class with either low magnification scopes or open sights. Other than on elephant you will not need solid bullets. One 20 round box of well constructed soft point slugs will see you through your safari. We recommend the excellent Barnes X bullet, or similar constructions for your shotgun hunting, 4-buck shot in 3" mag. shells is recommended. 50 shells will suffice.
Baggage:
Apart from Guns and Ammunition, each client should pack his safari kit in duffel bags, with any hard suitcases and or hard gun cases being left in town until the end of the safari. This is necessary due to limited space on charter aircraft and critical load limits while using bush airstrips in hot climate.
Medical requirements:
Cameroon is a malarial area and precautions must be taken throughout hunting season. We urge you to check with your local doctor prior to departure for details of health regulations and immunization requirements. Yellow Fever vaccination is very important. Although we carry a comprehensive medical kit in camp, please ensure that you bring any special and personal medications, which your doctor may deem essential for your well being.
Hunt Costs:
For Bongo, Dwarf Forest Buffalo and Elephant Safari:
14 days, 12 days hunting, One hunter with One PH-$38,000.00US
NOTE: Due to demanding hunting conditions all safaris are guided 1 X 1.
Trophy fees (in US Dollars)
Elephant - $7500.00
Forest Buffalo - $4,000.00
Bongo - $5000.00
Sitatunga - $3000.00
Giant Forest Hog - $1500.00
Bush Pig - $1000.00
Yellow Back Duiker - $1000.00
Peter’s Duiker - $500.00
Bay Duiker - $500.00
Gabon Duiker - $500.00
Black Fronted Duiker - $500.00
Blue Duiker - $500.00
Bate's Pygmy Antelope - $500.00
Trophy care (Dip/Pack/Shipment to final destination):
Bongo Safari - $2500.00US
Elephant Safari - $2500.00US
Note:
Trophy fees are due for all animals taken or wounded and lost. All wounded animal game is to be registered on your license and counts toward your bag limits.
The trophy fee for elephant includes $500US towards species-related conservation efforts: surveys, anti-poaching, collection of scientific data etc.
*All prices subject to change without notice.
Cost Includes:
Experienced PH with team of pygmy trackers
Highly qualified support staff: including skinners, cook, waiter, driver/mechanic and camp assistants
Fully equipped, permanent camp, with tented accommodations, stone built lounge for dining etc. separate shower and ablution blocks
All basic fly camp gear, if necessary for hunting
All meals, as well as readily available soft drinks, beer and wine with meals
Unlimited use of hunting vehicles while on safari
Field treatment of trophies, salting and drying of animal skins
Airport assistance upon arrival and departure in Douala
Cost does NOT Include:
All international travel
All charter flights (Douala - camp - Douala $5,750US)
Personal expenses of whatever sort; telecoms, tips, souvenirs, etc.
Accommodation, meals, drinks and transport during your stay in Douala
Liquor, sparkling wines and specially requested drinks
Insurance of whatever sort: medical, repatriation, cancellation, etc.
Hunting License, trophy fees, visa and firearm import permits as established by the Cameroon Government
Observers at a rate of $300.00US per day in camp
All expenses related to the export and shipping of trophies
Insurance of whatever sort
We strongly suggest that you carry a certain amount of cash in Euros, as US funds are not readily accepted, or have very unfavorable rates. All purchases, tips, taxes, etc. will have to be paid for in cash only.
With regard to the export of trophies, all air carriers operating out of Douala require all shipments to be pre paid. To this end, a deposit of $2,000.00US will be included in your final invoice. Charges in excess of that amount will be billed to you after shipping the trophies, should your shipment be less than the amount deposited, you will be refunded upon receipt of shipment by the air carrier directly.
All safaris are scheduled to ensure that, if the relevant suggestions are followed, all hunters who share camp during a safari will be able to share the necessary charter flights as well. This will bring your charter costs down to about $2000-$2400US round-trip, however we cannot guarantee any particular charter rate, as other travelers might change their schedules and therefore cause unforeseeable changes on your part of any given charter flight. Also, charter prices as such are beyond our control, and may change due to dollar exchange rates, availability of fuel, etc.
