Central African Republic and Cameroon - Untamed Africa

Itinerary

Day 1 – Bangui
On arrival in Bangui from your international flight, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight Hotel Azimut or similar.

Day 2 – Bangui
Spend today exploring Bangui. We visit some of the most interesting parts of the city including the old colonial quarter, and take an excursion by canoe along the Oubangui River. Overnight Hotel Azimut or similar. (BD)

Day 3 – Boda
Drive along jungle roads and through rural scenery until we reach the village of Boda. We should have time to look around the village and learn about local ways of life in this remote part of the continent. Overnight local guesthouse. (B)

Day 4 - Bayanga and Dzanga-Sangha Reserve
Continue our drive through the jungle until we reach Bayanga, the last town before Dzanga-Sangha Reserve. We then continue on to Sangha Lodge, a rustic lodge built with local materials situated on the banks of the Sangha river, within the reserve. Overnight Sangha Lodge. (BLD)

Day 5 - Dzanga-Sangha Reserve
Early this morning depart for Bai Hoku research camp. On arrival depart with the tracking team that consists of a Ba’Aka forest tracker and WWF researcher, and start your hike in search of western lowland gorillas. You will also have the chance to track mangabeys, and with luck will also see some of the other species that inhabit the forest. Overnight Sangha Lodge. (BLD)

Day 6 - Dzanga-Sangha Reserve
Drive into the rainforest and then take a leisurely hike along elephant paths to Dzanga Bai, frequented by large numbers of forest elephants. Spend the day observing these and other species before returning to the lodge. Overnight Sangha Lodge. (BLD)

Day 7 - The Sangha River and Bayanga Village
After breakfast, board dugout canoes and travel through lush swamps to Bayanga village. Spend time exploring the village, where you have a unique chance to witness daily life in this part of the country. Overnight Sangha Lodge. (BLD)

Day 8 – Lidjombo – Ba’Aka camp
We leave the reserve behind and travel to Lidjombo where we complete the formalities and cross the border from Central African Republic into Cameroon. From here we head to Sala Poumbe then begin our hike into the forest to a camp of Ba’Aka pygmies. We spend time learning about their traditional customs and knowledge of medicinal plants within the forest. Overnight camping. (BLD)

Day 9 – Yokadouma – Bertoua
After breakfast in the forest with the Ba’Aka we continue on to Yokadouma and Bertoua, jungle logging towns with rather a ‘Wild West’ atmosphere to them. Overnight Hotel Cristiana or similar. (B)

Day 10 – Yaounde
Drive to Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon, stopping at local markets along the way. Upon arrival we take a short city tour to see some of Yaounde’s sights. Overnight Azur Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 11 – Edea – Lake Ossa
Drive to the Doula-Edea Reserve where we visit the Pongo Songo Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Learn about their conservation efforts and how they work to reintroduce orphaned chimps onto islands in the Sangha River. We explore the sanctuary by boat before continuing on to Lake Ossa, a protected area rich in birdlife and also manatees. Overnight camping. (BD)

Days 12-13 – Kribi
Transfer to Kribi, on the coast. We have time to explore some of the colonial heritage of the town, walk to a nearby waterfall and relax on the beach. A great way to end this adventure. Overnight Tara Plage Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 14 – Douala
Transfer back to Douala with time to explore the busy city before transferring to the airport for your onward flight. (B)