Cameroon uses a class-based hunting license system that determines which species an international hunter may pursue and how many animals may be taken. Government charges, species quotas, firearm paperwork and travel documents can make quotations more complicated than they initially appear.
This article explains the principal licences and permits hunters may encounter. For hunting areas, available species and broader safari planning, see our complete Hunting in Cameroon guide.
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Key Takeaways
- Hunting licenses are divided into three classes: A, B and C.
- A big hunting license allows for two different species from Group A, and 4 from Group B
- A medium hunting license allows for four different species from Group B and C
- A small hunting license allows a hunter to hunt all the species in Group C
- A special license is also available, to hunt a Sing-Sing Waterbuck and five other Group B/C species
- It is illegal to hunt the same species, regardless of the license taken
- Visas are required to enter Cameroon, except for nationals from the seven CEMAC countries
Hunting Licenses
Hunting licenses in Cameroon are broken down into three distinct classes, namely Group A, B, and C.
Group A: Big Hunting License
- Cost: Approximately US$2,500
- This license allows the hunter to take two animals from Group A, along with 4 animals from Groups B/C
- Available species in this Group: Bongo, Dwarf buffalo, Forest Elephant, Forest Sitatunga
- Only one of each type of species is allowed to be hunted
- Hunting duration for this license is usually 13+ days
Group B: Medium Hunting License
- Cost: Approximately US$1,500
- This license allows hunters to hunt four different species from Groups B&C
- Available species in this group include: Peter’s Duiker, Giant Forest Hog, Bushpig
- It is illegal to hunt two of the same species
- Hunting duration with this license is generally 7-10 days
Group C: Small Hunting License
- This is generally not a popular option to take only this license, and the quota falls into the previous two hunting licenses
- Species include the Red River Hog, Gabon Duiker, Blue Duiker, Ogilby's Duiker, Bay Duiker, Black-fronted Duiker, Python, Yellow-backed Duiker
Special License
- A Special License is available at US$3,370
- This license can be issued on the spot on the hunting safari
- It covers a Sing-Sing Waterbuck or Harnessed Bushbuck together with five other species from Group B or C
Understanding proper shot placement when hunting game in Africa is essential when pursuing species like elephant in dense terrain.
Planning for Sought-After Trophies
If you are interested in hunting a Forest Elephant or a Yellow-backed Duiker, please note that these species are subject to quotas and must be reserved in advance. A special permit is required for an Elephant, with a personalized, non-transferable permit issued for US$8,000. The remaining trophy fee is payable on the hunting safari.
Costs Beyond the Hunting License
The hunting license is only one part of the final safari cost. A Cameroon quotation may also include daily rates, trophy fees, government charges, conservation levies, firearm permits, charter flights or ground transfers, trophy handling and international shipping.
Hunters should request a written quotation showing every inclusion and exclusion before paying a deposit. Our African Hunting Safari Prices guide explains the wider cost structure commonly encountered when planning a safari in Africa.
Other Documents Required Before Travelling
Here, your Outfitter proves to be a wealth of information, and many Outfitters include the cost of the visa in the package or offer it as an added extra. We suggest you take the option and have the assistance of people on the ground in the hunting destination.
Visas
- US citizens and other nationalities require a visa to enter Cameroon
- A single-entry visa can be obtained via the Embassy or online as an e-visa and is usually valid for six months, with extensions possible
- The cost starts at around US$360
- A valid passport, with at least 6 months' validity, is needed as well as sufficient clear pages for entry and exit stamps
- Proof of a Yellow Fever Certificate is required
- A letter of invitation, proof of accommodation, proof of financial support, and a passport copy are required
Vaccinations
- A Yellow Fever vaccination/certificate is required
- Preventive Malaria medication is recommended. Speak to your healthcare provider, as this needs to be commenced before the start of the safari
- A suggestion would be to ensure that all your other routine vaccinations are up-to-date
Firearm Import Permits and Ammunition Limits
- Hunters can apply for a Temporary Firearm Import Permit through the Cameroon Embassy or Consulate in their specific country
- By law, hunters are allowed to import two rifles and one shotgun per hunter into the country. A limit of 50 bullets of ammunition is allowed per rifle per shot gun
- No permit is required for a crossbow or hunting bow, but it must be declared at Customs
- Note that a minimum age limit of 20 years is required to import a firearm into Cameroon
Understanding the Paperwork Before Booking
Cameroon’s class-based licensing system can appear complicated, particularly when quotas, special permits and government charges apply to the chosen species. The outfitter should confirm the current license category, available quota, firearm requirements and total government fees in writing before the safari is booked.
Hunters ready to compare properly structured opportunities can explore our available Hunting Trips, while using the Cameroon destination guide for broader information about hunting areas and species.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you require a visa to enter Cameroon?
Yes, a visa is required to enter Cameroon, for US and many other nationalities. Visas are not issued upon arrival, and application for a visa needs to be made online via the Cameroon eVisa portal. The cost is approximately US$360 upwards (including visa cost plus service fee), depending on the type of visa required.
Who arranges the hunting license in Cameroon?
The licensed outfitter normally coordinates the hunting license and species permits required for the safari. Hunters should receive written confirmation of the applicable license category, available quota and government charges before paying a deposit.
Which Cameroon hunting license will I need?
The required license depends on the species included in the safari. Cameroon uses different license categories covering specified groups of animals, while certain quota-controlled species may require additional permits arranged in advance.
Are Cameroon’s government fees included in the safari price?
Not always. Some quotations include hunting licenses, firearm permits and government charges, while others list them separately. Request a complete written breakdown showing daily rates, trophy fees, licenses, permits, levies, transfers and trophy-handling costs.
Do quota-controlled species need to be reserved in advance?
Yes, species subject to limited quotas or special permits should be confirmed before the safari is booked. Availability can vary by hunting area and season, and verbal assurances should be supported by written confirmation from the outfitter.
Can an international hunter bring a rifle into Cameroon?
International hunters may bring firearms into Cameroon subject to current import rules and advance documentation. Confirm the permitted firearms, ammunition limits and declaration requirements with the outfitter before arranging flights.