Campo Ma'an National Park
South
Campo Ma'an National Park, located in Cameroon's South Region, spans approximately 2,680 square kilometers and represents one of the country's richest biodiversity hotspots. Established originally as the Campo Wildlife Reserve in 1932 and upgraded to a national park in 2000, it protects a variety of ecosystems including closed evergreen Atlantic Biafran forests. The park is home to numerous endangered and endemic species such as the western lowland gorilla, central chimpanzee, forest elephants, and a diverse bird population exceeding 300 species. Its flora includes 256 plant species, with 29 endemic to the park and several endangered, including a rare orchid. The park's climate features two dry and two rainy seasons, maintaining an average temperature around 25°C. Campo Ma'an faces ecological threats from logging, poaching, agriculture, and infrastructure projects like hydroelectric dams and ports. Conservation efforts include gorilla habituation and proposals for ecotourism development, aiming to preserve its unique natural heritage and support sustainable local livelihoods.
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Tip: Visitors should plan their trip during the dry seasons (November to March or July to August) for easier access and wildlife viewing. Booking guided tours in advance is recommended to enhance the experience and support conservation efforts. Discounts may be available for group visits or educational tours. Due to the park's ecological sensitivity, visitors are advised to follow all park regulations and travel with authorized guides.
Interesting facts
- •Campo Ma'an National Park covers about 2,680 square kilometers, making it one of Cameroon's largest protected areas.
- •It harbors critically endangered western lowland gorillas and endangered central chimpanzees, with an active gorilla habituation project.
- •The park contains over 300 bird species, classifying it as one of 33 important bird areas in southwestern Cameroon.
- •A rare and critically endangered orchid from the genus Distylodon was discovered near the park's vicinity.
- •The forest type is mainly closed evergreen Atlantic Biafran forest, which persisted since the Pleistocene era.
History
Campo Ma'an National Park originated as the Campo Wildlife Reserve in 1932 through a government agreement with the Campo Forest Company.
In 1980, the adjacent Ma'an forest plantation was established for conservation of the economically valuable okoumé tree.
The area was designated a Technical Operational Unit in 1999, encompassing protected forests and management zones.
In 2000, the park was officially created as compensation for environmental impacts from the Chad-Cameroon oil pipeline, gaining recognition through global conservation projects.
Since then, it has been surrounded by forest management units and industrial plantations, with ongoing efforts to balance conservation and development.
Place Guide
Gorilla Habituation Project Area
This area within the park is dedicated to the habituation of western lowland gorillas, allowing researchers and visitors to observe these critically endangered primates in their natural habitat under controlled conditions.
Atlantic Biafran Forest
The predominant forest type in the park, characterized by a closed evergreen canopy and rich plant diversity including endemic and endangered species, providing vital habitat for many animals.
