Boumba-Bek National Park
East
Boumba-Bek National Park is a protected tropical rainforest area located in the East Province of Cameroon, between the Boumba and Bek Rivers. Established officially as a national park in 2005, it covers a vast area of semi-evergreen lowland rainforest with patches of evergreen forest, swamp-forest, and savannas. The park hosts a rich diversity of wildlife including chimpanzees, forest antelope, bongos, and one of the highest densities of African forest elephants in Cameroon. Its rivers support around 300 fish species, including several yet unnamed. The park is also recognized as an Important Bird Area, highlighting its significance for avian biodiversity. Accessibility is limited, requiring travel by pirogue and hunting trails, preserving its pristine nature. The surrounding region is home to various ethnic groups including Bantu tribes and Baka Pygmies. Conservation efforts are ongoing, notably through the TRIDOM project, aiming to manage forest use across a tri-national zone including neighboring protected areas in Cameroon, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo. The park’s climate is tropical with distinct rainy and dry seasons, supporting a lush and dynamic ecosystem.
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Tipp: Visitors should plan to visit during the dry seasons from November to March or July to August for easier access and better wildlife viewing opportunities. Due to limited accessibility, arranging transport via local guides familiar with pirogue travel and hunting trails is recommended. Purchasing tickets or permits in advance through official channels or local conservation organizations can help ensure entry and support park preservation. Visitors may also benefit from guided tours to explore monitored forest clearings known as bais, where large mammals are often observed. Respect for local communities and wildlife regulations is essential to minimize impact and support ongoing conservation efforts.
Interessante Fakten
- •Boumba-Bek contains sixteen forest clearings called bais, with four actively monitored for large mammal activity.
- •The park supports one of the highest densities of African forest elephants in Cameroon, approximately 2.5 elephants per unit area combined with Nki National Park.
- •Its rivers are home to about 300 fish species, including three that remain scientifically unnamed.
- •Boumba-Bek was designated an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International due to its rich avian biodiversity.
Geschichte
Boumba-Bek National Park was first designated as an Essential Protection Zone in 1995 but was not formally established as a national park until October 17, 2005, following a summit of seven Central African leaders in Brazzaville.
The park was historically unlogged, but poaching became a major threat during the economic depression of the late 1980s, leading indigenous peoples to engage in hunting activities.
Since its establishment, it has been part of regional conservation initiatives like the TRIDOM project, which aims to create a tri-national management zone with neighboring parks in Gabon and the Republic of Congo to better protect forest ecosystems and wildlife.
OrtsfĂĽhrer
Forest Clearings (Bais)
Sixteen natural forest clearings within the park serve as key observation points for wildlife, especially large mammals. Four of these are monitored regularly, offering unique chances to see elephants, bongos, and other species gathering for water and minerals.