When it comes to authentic hunting safaris, where untamed wilderness meets exclusive and elusive species, Cameroon is the place to be. While hunting in this neck of the woods may involve a bit of red tape and can be quite challenging to understand the licensing and pricing, taking the time and speaking to experienced outfitters is both a necessary step and one that can help clear up any possible questions you may have. This gem of a hunting destination is well worth the extra effort, with trophy collectors able to hunt some exceptional species, including sought-after trophies such as the Bongo, Dwarf buffalo, Elephant, Red River Hog, Forest Sitatunga, and an impressive array of Duikers.
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Key Takeaways
- The country provides authentic African hunts, where hunters need to work hard for their trophies under challenging conditions
- Sought-after species are available to hunt, including Forest Sitatunga, Forest Elephant, Dwarf buffalo, Red River Hog, Duikers and Bongo
- Hunting Licenses are broken down into three classes, namely 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
- 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
Cameroon
If you are looking for an unauthentic, untamed African hunt, this is the destination for you. Real, untamed wilderness safaris in the heart of Africa!
Bordered by Nigeria, Chad, the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo, this country also has a section of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. Cameroon is a largely undiscovered hunting destination, offering prospective hunters exhilarating fair-chase hunts in authentic hunting safaris. From Dwarf Buffalo and Bongo hunting in the dense forest regions to Lord Derby Eland and Western Roan on the savannah, the destination challenges and tests a hunter’s ability to adapt to changing conditions, terrain, and circumstances. Hunters must work hard for their trophies, but each walk, stalk, and challenge is worth it, with some exclusive species on offer for trophy collectors.
Cameroon’s Hunting Terrain
Hunting in Cameroon is divided into two distinct areas, namely Forest and Savanna hunts. Each region has unique locations, seasons, and hunting methods tailored to the terrain. Savanna regions see hunters engaging in stalking methods, while rainforest hunts have hunters up close and personal with prey, engaging in close-quarter tracking completed in dense vegetation. Here, the pygmy trackers are invaluable, with their experience and ability to read the situation being legendary.
Forest Hunts
In the South and East of the country, the rainforests are thick, dense, humid jungles located around numerous reserves, including the Boumba, Dja, and Lobeke national parks.
Species: Bongo, Forest Sitatunga, Forest Elephant, Dwarf Buffalo, Giant Forest Hog, Bushpig, Peter’s Duiker, Python, Blue Duiker, Bay Duiker, Gabon Duiker, Bate’s Pygmy Duiker, Varono, Black-fronted Duiker, Ogilby’s Duiker
Savanna Hunts
Northern Cameroon hosts expansive savanna concessions between national parks, such as Bouba Ndjida, Benoué, and Faro.
Species include Lord Derby Eland, Elephant, Western Roan, North Western Buffalo, Sing-Sing Waterbuck, Topi, Western Hartebeest, Western Cob, Nigerian Bohor Reedbuck, Warthog, Oribi, Civet, Baboon, Western Bush Duiker, Red-flanked Duiker, Python
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: +-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: +- US$1,500
- This license allows hunters to hunt four different species from Groups B&C
- Available species in this group include: Giant Forest Hog, Bushpig, Peter’s Duiker
- 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 Gabon Duiker, Blue Duiker, Ogilby’s Duiker, Bay Duiker, Black-fronted Duiker, Bate’s Pygmy Duiker, Python, Yellow-backed Duiker, Red River Hog
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
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.
Traveling to Cameroon
While there are no direct flights from the US to Cameroon, there are some good connections from Europe, making it a two-stop itinerary. There are daily flights from Paris (France) to Douala, and two flights per week from Brussels (Belgium) to Douala and Yaounde, or from Paris (France) to Yaounde.
Once in Cameroon, there are various ways to reach your hunting concession, including domestic or charter flights, as well as ground transfers, depending on the location of the concession.
Visas & Vaccinations
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
Hunting Rifles & Bow Hunting
- 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 / 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
Depending on your hunting location (forest vs savanna) as well as the species hunted, a suggestion would be to include one large rifle for the forest (375 or larger if hunting Elephant), and one shotgun for hunting Duiker species.
For savanna hunts, the combination of a larger .375 together with a 300-caliber is a good option.
Best Time for A Cameroon Safari
The hunting season in Cameroon runs annually from 1 December to 21 July, with the savanna hunting season running from the beginning of December to the end of May. The forest region runs from the beginning of December until the end of July.
Conclusion
Hunting in Cameroon offers an unparalleled adventure, from the thrill of tracking elusive game to the satisfaction of a successful hunt under the African sky. The country’s vast and varied landscapes provide the perfect setting for an unforgettable hunting experience.
Cameroon’s diverse environments not only support a wide range of game species but also offer hunters a chance to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of the country. Whether you are stalking a Bongo through the rainforest or tracking a Lord Derby eland across the savannah, each hunt is a unique and exhilarating adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you hunt the Big 5 in Cameroon?
Cameroon does have members of the Big 5 that can be hunted, including Lion, Elephant, Leopard, and Buffalo. Rhino can only be legally hunted in South Africa and Namibia.
What types of Buffalo are hunted in Cameroon?
Cameroon is home to the North Western Buffalo, also known as the West African Savanna Buffalo (Syncerus caffer brachyceros). The West African savanna buffalo is a sturdy, solid cow-like creature. They are heavily built, with short, stocky legs.
the Dwarf Buffalo, also known as the Red Dwarf Buffalo or Congo Buffalo (Syncerus caffer nanus) is also available to hunt in the region.
What vaccinations are required to hunt in Cameroon?
To enter Cameroon, proof of a Yellow Fever Vaccination is required. It is also suggested that all routine inoculations are up to date, including MMR, Chickenpox, Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, and so forth. Other recommended vaccinations include COVID, Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, and Meningitis.
Cameroon is a known Malaria area, so start preventive Malaria medication before you arrive in the country.
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.
What species are popular to hunt in Cameroon?
Cameroon possesses a wide array and abundant wildlife species. Popular and sought-after species include the Bongo, Forest Sitatunga, Dwarf Buffalo, Sing-Sing Waterbuck, Giant Forest Hog, and a variety of Duikers.