Dja Faunal Reserve Forest Trek

The Dja Faunal Reserve is 5,260 km² of near-untouched Congo Basin rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, encircled by the Dja river. Something like 107 mammal species live here, including western lowland gorilla, chimpanzee, forest elephant and bongo. It is the most biodiverse place in Cameroon and the hardest to walk in.

Treks run from Somalomo on the northern boundary, usually two to four days, sleeping in forest camps. Baka guides lead — their knowledge of the forest is the entire basis of the trip, and community guiding is one of the few forms of income the reserve's edge communities get from it. The walking is flat but relentless: mud to mid-calf, river crossings, dense understorey, no views, and heat with total humidity. Wildlife is heard far more often than seen; expect to identify gorilla by nest and dung rather than sight, and count the birds and primates you do see as a bonus.

Come prepared properly. Full rain gear that you accept will be wet the whole time, boots you can walk wet in, a mosquito net, and yellow fever plus malaria prophylaxis. Access is through the Conservation Service at Somalomo and cannot be arranged on arrival — write ahead. Nothing else in the country asks this much or gives back as much.