Ethnic expedition from Rhumsiki to Dja Reserve:
Koma, Mbororo, Dupa, Baka Pygmies and other tribes
Koma, Mbororo, Dupa, Baka Pygmies and other tribes
CAMEROON
December 29, 2024 — January 10, 2025
Tour Cameroon
Tour Cameroon
tour to Cameroon expedition to Baka Pygmies Dja Mbororo Dupa Koma Alantika Rhumsiki travel to Central Africa tours to Africa
Explore real Black Africa with its authentic tribes and wildlife, learn the secrets of the tattooed faces of Mbororo people, breathe the fresh air in the Alantika mountains and discover living in the Stone Age Koma tribe, stare at the Martian landscapes of Rhumsiki, collect honey from a huge tree in the jungle of Dja Reserve with the Baka Pygmies and feel like a member of the ethnographic expedition of National Geographic.
Cameroon comprises all African features. This is Africa in miniature.
Expedition is supported by comfortable 4WD SUVs.
Cameroon comprises all African features. This is Africa in miniature.
Expedition is supported by comfortable 4WD SUVs.
Explore real Black Africa with its authentic tribes and wildlife, learn the secrets of the tattooed faces of Mbororo people, breathe the fresh air in the Alantika mountains and discover living in the Stone Age Koma tribe, stare at the Martian landscapes of Rhumsiki, collect honey from a huge tree in the jungle of Dja Reserve with the Baka Pygmies and feel like a member of the ethnographic expedition of National Geographic.
Cameroon comprises all African features. This is Africa in miniature.
Cameroon comprises all African features. This is Africa in miniature.
SCHEDULE AND COST:
Dates: December 29, 2024 — January 10, 2025
Duration: 13 days / 12 nights
Number of participants: 6 – 12
Cost per person:
• 2 790 EUR subject to 12 participants,
• 2 890 EUR subject to 10 – 11 participants,
• 3 090 EUR subject to 8 – 9 participants,
• 3 290 EUR subject to 6 – 7 participants.
10% early booking discount (in case you book before July 29, 2024)
Everything is included (also domestic flight and full board meals) except for:
- international flight to Yaoundé roundtrip,
- international medical insurance,
- Cameroon visa (E-visa to be arranged on your own at 175 EUR. The cost may change.)
Estimate cost of the flights Moscow – Yaounde – Moscow: 1200 – 1700 EUR (usually purchased on your own. We consult).
Estimate cost of the flights Istanbul – Yaounde – Istanbul: 800 – 1000 EUR (usually purchased on your own. We consult).
Single supplement: EUR 380 (single supplement provided along the entire itinerary, including in the night train)
TRAVEL PROGRAM: TOUR TO CAMEROON
Day 1. December 29, 2024. Yaounde
Late evening arrival flight to Yaounde. Meeting with a guide at the airport and transfer to Safyad Hotel 3*. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals included: no
Accommodation: Safyad Hotel 3*
* Recommended flights:
— Ethiopian Airlines with a transfer to Addis Ababa 2 hours 30 minutes, departure from Moscow on December 28 at 22:00, then departure from Addis Ababa on December 29 at 9:00 am, arrival in Yaoundé on December 29 at 13:45, or
— Turkish Airlines with a 7 hours transfer in Istanbul, departure from Moscow on December 29 at 7:15 am, arrival in Yaounde on December 30 at 1:25 am, or
— any other flight arriving in Yaounde at any time on December 29 or on the night of December 29 to 30.
Day 2. December 30, 2024. Yaounde – Ngaoundere
Breakfast. In the morning city tour of Yaounde - the capital of Cameroon, visit the Museum of Yaounde, the Symbole of Reunification. In the afternoon we visit the panoramic view on Mount Febé, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Transfer to the train station, where we will take the night train to Ngaoundere (departure at 19:10). Dinner and overnight in the train (compartment with 4 beds each).
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: overnight train (compartment with 4 beds)
Day 3. December 31, 2024. Ngaoundere – Lake Lagdo (250 km)
Breakfast in the train. Arrival in Ngaoundere, the capital of Adamawa province, around 10-11 am (train may be delayed). Visit the colorful Palace of sultan in Ngaoungere.
Departure by 4WD off-road vehicles to Lake Lagdo.
We descend from the Adamawa Plateau into the Benue Valley. You can feel the climate change and see the stunning scenery of the African plains. Then we will see traditional earthen structures instead of modern settlements around Ngaoundere. On the way we meet different tribes, including the Mbum tribe.
The Mbum are considered to be the first inhabitants of Ngaoundere. The Mbum are polygamous.
Although some are Christian and Muslim, others still practice animism. We also visit the Duru tribe who, along with the Fulani, live in the area between Ngaoundere and Garoua. All the diversity of local tribes can be found in the village of Banda, also known as the village of the 12 tribes.
Arrival in Lagdo located on the Lake Lagdo, around 6-7 pm. Accommodation in the villa on the lake.
New Year eve celebration on the lake.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Villa in Lagdo
Day 4. January 1, 2025. Lagdo – Poli – Namji, Dupa and Mbororo tribes (130-160 km)
Breakfast in Lagdo lake. Drive towards Poli, the capital of Faro province. Today we visit a number of authentic tribes beyond Poli. We will start with the Namji tribe and get acquainted with their lifestyle and traditions. The Namji tribe is famous for the production of so-called "Namji Statuettes", a kind of sacred amulets that are considered as holy spirits. Watching traditional Namji dances in traditional dress. Visit the village of Sari and the Dupa tribe who are similar to the Namji tribe. We get acquainted with the lifestyle (basically agriculturalists and also keen on hunting) and culture of these people. Transfer to the village of the Mbororo tribe. The Mbororo are nomadic people, migrating with their cattle in search of fresh pastures. Being officially Muslim, they still practice some animistic beliefs that make their culture unique. The Mbororo are an ethnic group of Fulani people who are known to be among the most beautiful people in all of Africa. Sometimes in November they still practice their famous Guerewol – men's beauty contest where a female jury chooses the winner. Female beauty is underlined by elaborative facial tattoos and scarifications of very original and unique patterns. Such tattoos and scarifications are applied to girls starting from the age of 8. We take time to learn more about their culture and possibly witness the night dance. In order to get closer acquainted with the Mbororo people, we have to stay overnight with them. Set up camping in the Marka village of the Mbororo tribe near Poli, or in a village near Voko (depending on the nomadic location).
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: camping
Day 5. January 2, 2025. Mbororo tribe — Wangai — Keolo village of the Koma tribe in Alantika mountains (40-70 km)
Breakfast, transfer to Wangai through Faro Park, where you can meet wild animals such as antelope, baboons and others. In Wangai we have lunch and arrange porters. We can leave all big luggages here and bring along to the Alantika Mountains of what we need for next 2 nights.
Start walking via village of Bimlerou up to the village of Keolo in the beautiful Alantika Mountains (hike takes about 2 hours, 8-9 km). Here on the riverbank we set up camping for 2 nights.
Keolo is a village of the Koma tribe. The Koma tribe lives only in the Alantika Mountains, on the Nigerian and Cameroonian side. Koma life and culture are authentic. The Koma, being animists, have "witch doctors" or healers who tell the tribal people predictions about all important things in their life like good time to cultivate, time to harvest, the date of marriage or festival. Camping with Koma people.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: camping
Day 6. January 3, 2025. Keolo – Librou – Laira – Nagemalou – Keolo villages in Alantika mountains
Breakfast and trekking to the Koma tribal villages in the Alantika Mountains. Today we walk about 12 km on mountain trails.
Trekking to the village of Librou (1 - 1.5 hours), another traditional Koma village. Trekking in Alantika mountains is the adventure in itself: we will see many beautiful views, take a bath in the rivers and take amazing pictures.
Koma are indeed unique people. Their traditional clothing is more than modest. Women wear the leaves around the waist, and men wear the animal skin. Koma are agriculturalists, therefore their life is strongly on the work on the fields where they grow their staple food – the wheat. In addition, they also hunt with bow and arrows.
We continue through the village of Laira, to the village of Nagemalou, high up on the mountain. The ascent is about 350 meters in elevation (about 1 hour trekking). The village of Nagemalou is literally a mile and a half from the border with Nigeria and has only 4 families. Almost all of the Koma have descended from the mountains to the plains. There are a few hundred of them left in traditional villages in Cameroon. Back down the slopes to our camp near Keolo (about 1.5 hours). Lunch and a time where we can go deep into their culture, sit around a campfire and see the traditional dance of the women and men.
If we are lucky we will witness the Sorcier Peteur ceremony when Koma performs their mystic dance and remember the ancestors.
Dinner and overnight camping.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: camping
Day 7. January 4, 2025. Keolo – Wangai – Dowayo tribal village – Poli – Garoua (225 km)
After breakfast we walk back to Wangai (2 hours), where we get into the cars and drive to Garoua.
On the way from Wangai to Poli we visit a village of the Dowayo tribe, who are known to be animists with their own witch doctors and also collecting human skulls. Lunch in Poli.
If possible, visit Catholic Mission in Fygnolé village. Upon arrival in Garoua, visit of Handicraft Center and learn more about traditional medicine.
Dinner and night at Hôtel la Tour d'Argent.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Hôtel La Tour d'Argent
Day 8. January 5, 2025. Garoua – Kola Gorge – Rhumsiki (350 km)
Very early breakfast and 2 hours drive to Kola Gorge, an unusual volcanic gorge resembling Antelope Canyon in the United States, but smaller and gray in color.
Today we have a long way to go and a difficult road. We climb into the north of Cameroon, very close to the border with Nigeria. In Maroua, lunch and the guards from the Cameroonian B.I.R. unit (the equivalent of the Russian SOBR) will join us.
Continue driving to Rhumsiki via Mandara Mountains, a short visit to Mafa village.
Arriving in Rhumsiki by sunset taking amazing pictures of unique landscapes. Dinner and overnight at Rhumsiki Lodge.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Rhumsiki Lodge
Day 9. January 6, 2025. Rhumsiki Mountains
Today we are in a right place to wake up early in the morning in order to meet sunrise.
Breakfast, trekking to the Mountainous valley of Rhumsiki within 3-5 hours. Here travelers discover the Martian surreal landscapes of verdant highlands which are pierced by popped up peaks of volcanoes. Particularly unusual and notable is Mount Ziwu which resembles the finger of God sticking out of the ground. Or it is the Devil's finger. Nobody knows but the mountain is considered sacred for Kapsiki and their shamans perform healing ceremonies right near Mount Ziwu.
Lunch at our hotel. After lunch, we will see the Kapsiki village, meet the local potters and meet a real hereditary witch doctor who predicts the future with the help of... crabs. Later we will witness a beautiful traditional Kapsiki dance on the best spot with a panorama view of the mountains. Sunset at Rhumsiki mountains and overnight at Rhumsiki Lodge.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation Rhumsiki Lodge
Day 10. January 7, 2025. Rhumsiki – Maroua – Yaounde – Abong Mbang (350 km)
Breakfast and departure around 7 am. Drive to Maroua (130 km, some 4 hours). Upon arrival in Maroua, lunch and transfer to the airport. Flight from Maroua to Yaounde, departure at 2:45 pm (available on Tuesday).
Upon arrival in Yaounde at 4:25 pm, immediately transfer to Abong Mbang: 220 km by good tar road takes some 4 hours.
Late arrival in Abong Mbang, accommodation and overnight in Bagofit Sun City Hotel.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Bagofit Sun City Hotel
Day 11. January 8, 2025. Abong Mbang – Lomie – Messok – Baka Pygmies Traditional Village (185 km)
Breakfast, drive to Lomie, continue to Messok where we start trekking (about 1 hour) deep into the forest before we arrive in the camp of Baka Pygmies tribe. Meeting one of the shortest people on the planet. The height of some of them does not exceed 120 – 130 cm. According to studies of the Baka Pygmies' DNA, it turned out that they are one of the oldest people on Earth. Activities with Baka: building of the hut, dance, photo session. Setting up our camping. Overnight in tents in our camping area near Baka village.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: camping
Day 12. January 9, 2025. Traditional village of the Baka Pygmies in Dja Reserve
Breakfast. Walk into the forest with the hunters men from the Baka Pygmies tribe. The Baka tribe belong to the Pygmies people who live in the rainforest in Cameroon, RCA, Gabon and Congo. Baka are deemed the first inhabitants of Cameroon rainforest. It is believed that thousands of years ago Pygmy tribes populated vast areas in Africa but were later squeezed out by other tribes to the deep forest and adjusted to the nomadic life in the jungle. Some of them live by hunting and gathering, changing the place for nomads' camp from time to time. They are also famous for their procedure of collecting honey from the tops of the huge trees. Man who can bring honey to his wife is considered the most successful person and is gonna be loved by her. That is why Pygmies are ready to run the risk but get the honey. Even though nowadays most Pygmies wear modern clothes, they remember and respect their traditions very well. Baka adhere to animistic beliefs. They worship the forest spirit known as Jengi or Ejengi, whom they consider their ancestor and protector. After each successful hunting, Baka perform a thank-you dance called Luma, which is accompanied by drumming and polyphonic singing. Baka are very skilled in using a variety of plants, from which they receive various chemicals used to treat diseases and infertility. Traditional medicine is widely known among neighboring tribes who often come to Baka healers for help. After hunting in the jungle we also attend the process of climbing the tree and collecting honey, learning about traditional medicine etc.
We will listen to their magic stories, stare at rhythmic dances and enjoy the beauty and sincerity of the Ejengi forest! Dinner and overnight in tents in the Baka village.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: camping
Day 13. January 10, 2025. Baka Pygmies village – Messok – Lomie – Yaounde – Return flight (420 km)
Early breakfast. Trekking for about 1 hour through the jungle.
Driving via Messok and Lomie to Abong Mbang (about 6 hours). Lunch at the Hotel Résidence le Zurikoi.
Here we can change from jeeps to a large comfortable bus, which is better for the good and fast paved roads. Transfer to Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon (about 3 hours).
Dinner and day use hotel (for shower) at the Safyad Hotel 3* in Yaoundé.
Late transfer to the airport for return international flight.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: day use Hotel Safyad 3*
* Recommended flights:
— Turkish Airlines with a 3 hours 10 minutes stopover in Istanbul, departure on January 11 at 2:25 am, arrival in Moscow on January 11 at 18:40, or
— any other flight departing from Yaounde no earlier than at 9 pm on January 10 or on the night of January 10 to 11.
Duration: 13 days / 12 nights
Number of participants: 6 – 12
Cost per person:
• 2 790 EUR subject to 12 participants,
• 2 890 EUR subject to 10 – 11 participants,
• 3 090 EUR subject to 8 – 9 participants,
• 3 290 EUR subject to 6 – 7 participants.
10% early booking discount (in case you book before July 29, 2024)
Everything is included (also domestic flight and full board meals) except for:
- international flight to Yaoundé roundtrip,
- international medical insurance,
- Cameroon visa (E-visa to be arranged on your own at 175 EUR. The cost may change.)
Estimate cost of the flights Moscow – Yaounde – Moscow: 1200 – 1700 EUR (usually purchased on your own. We consult).
Estimate cost of the flights Istanbul – Yaounde – Istanbul: 800 – 1000 EUR (usually purchased on your own. We consult).
Single supplement: EUR 380 (single supplement provided along the entire itinerary, including in the night train)
TRAVEL PROGRAM: TOUR TO CAMEROON
Day 1. December 29, 2024. Yaounde
Late evening arrival flight to Yaounde. Meeting with a guide at the airport and transfer to Safyad Hotel 3*. Overnight at the hotel.
Meals included: no
Accommodation: Safyad Hotel 3*
* Recommended flights:
— Ethiopian Airlines with a transfer to Addis Ababa 2 hours 30 minutes, departure from Moscow on December 28 at 22:00, then departure from Addis Ababa on December 29 at 9:00 am, arrival in Yaoundé on December 29 at 13:45, or
— Turkish Airlines with a 7 hours transfer in Istanbul, departure from Moscow on December 29 at 7:15 am, arrival in Yaounde on December 30 at 1:25 am, or
— any other flight arriving in Yaounde at any time on December 29 or on the night of December 29 to 30.
Day 2. December 30, 2024. Yaounde – Ngaoundere
Breakfast. In the morning city tour of Yaounde - the capital of Cameroon, visit the Museum of Yaounde, the Symbole of Reunification. In the afternoon we visit the panoramic view on Mount Febé, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Transfer to the train station, where we will take the night train to Ngaoundere (departure at 19:10). Dinner and overnight in the train (compartment with 4 beds each).
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: overnight train (compartment with 4 beds)
Day 3. December 31, 2024. Ngaoundere – Lake Lagdo (250 km)
Breakfast in the train. Arrival in Ngaoundere, the capital of Adamawa province, around 10-11 am (train may be delayed). Visit the colorful Palace of sultan in Ngaoungere.
Departure by 4WD off-road vehicles to Lake Lagdo.
We descend from the Adamawa Plateau into the Benue Valley. You can feel the climate change and see the stunning scenery of the African plains. Then we will see traditional earthen structures instead of modern settlements around Ngaoundere. On the way we meet different tribes, including the Mbum tribe.
The Mbum are considered to be the first inhabitants of Ngaoundere. The Mbum are polygamous.
Although some are Christian and Muslim, others still practice animism. We also visit the Duru tribe who, along with the Fulani, live in the area between Ngaoundere and Garoua. All the diversity of local tribes can be found in the village of Banda, also known as the village of the 12 tribes.
Arrival in Lagdo located on the Lake Lagdo, around 6-7 pm. Accommodation in the villa on the lake.
New Year eve celebration on the lake.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Villa in Lagdo
Day 4. January 1, 2025. Lagdo – Poli – Namji, Dupa and Mbororo tribes (130-160 km)
Breakfast in Lagdo lake. Drive towards Poli, the capital of Faro province. Today we visit a number of authentic tribes beyond Poli. We will start with the Namji tribe and get acquainted with their lifestyle and traditions. The Namji tribe is famous for the production of so-called "Namji Statuettes", a kind of sacred amulets that are considered as holy spirits. Watching traditional Namji dances in traditional dress. Visit the village of Sari and the Dupa tribe who are similar to the Namji tribe. We get acquainted with the lifestyle (basically agriculturalists and also keen on hunting) and culture of these people. Transfer to the village of the Mbororo tribe. The Mbororo are nomadic people, migrating with their cattle in search of fresh pastures. Being officially Muslim, they still practice some animistic beliefs that make their culture unique. The Mbororo are an ethnic group of Fulani people who are known to be among the most beautiful people in all of Africa. Sometimes in November they still practice their famous Guerewol – men's beauty contest where a female jury chooses the winner. Female beauty is underlined by elaborative facial tattoos and scarifications of very original and unique patterns. Such tattoos and scarifications are applied to girls starting from the age of 8. We take time to learn more about their culture and possibly witness the night dance. In order to get closer acquainted with the Mbororo people, we have to stay overnight with them. Set up camping in the Marka village of the Mbororo tribe near Poli, or in a village near Voko (depending on the nomadic location).
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: camping
Day 5. January 2, 2025. Mbororo tribe — Wangai — Keolo village of the Koma tribe in Alantika mountains (40-70 km)
Breakfast, transfer to Wangai through Faro Park, where you can meet wild animals such as antelope, baboons and others. In Wangai we have lunch and arrange porters. We can leave all big luggages here and bring along to the Alantika Mountains of what we need for next 2 nights.
Start walking via village of Bimlerou up to the village of Keolo in the beautiful Alantika Mountains (hike takes about 2 hours, 8-9 km). Here on the riverbank we set up camping for 2 nights.
Keolo is a village of the Koma tribe. The Koma tribe lives only in the Alantika Mountains, on the Nigerian and Cameroonian side. Koma life and culture are authentic. The Koma, being animists, have "witch doctors" or healers who tell the tribal people predictions about all important things in their life like good time to cultivate, time to harvest, the date of marriage or festival. Camping with Koma people.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: camping
Day 6. January 3, 2025. Keolo – Librou – Laira – Nagemalou – Keolo villages in Alantika mountains
Breakfast and trekking to the Koma tribal villages in the Alantika Mountains. Today we walk about 12 km on mountain trails.
Trekking to the village of Librou (1 - 1.5 hours), another traditional Koma village. Trekking in Alantika mountains is the adventure in itself: we will see many beautiful views, take a bath in the rivers and take amazing pictures.
Koma are indeed unique people. Their traditional clothing is more than modest. Women wear the leaves around the waist, and men wear the animal skin. Koma are agriculturalists, therefore their life is strongly on the work on the fields where they grow their staple food – the wheat. In addition, they also hunt with bow and arrows.
We continue through the village of Laira, to the village of Nagemalou, high up on the mountain. The ascent is about 350 meters in elevation (about 1 hour trekking). The village of Nagemalou is literally a mile and a half from the border with Nigeria and has only 4 families. Almost all of the Koma have descended from the mountains to the plains. There are a few hundred of them left in traditional villages in Cameroon. Back down the slopes to our camp near Keolo (about 1.5 hours). Lunch and a time where we can go deep into their culture, sit around a campfire and see the traditional dance of the women and men.
If we are lucky we will witness the Sorcier Peteur ceremony when Koma performs their mystic dance and remember the ancestors.
Dinner and overnight camping.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: camping
Day 7. January 4, 2025. Keolo – Wangai – Dowayo tribal village – Poli – Garoua (225 km)
After breakfast we walk back to Wangai (2 hours), where we get into the cars and drive to Garoua.
On the way from Wangai to Poli we visit a village of the Dowayo tribe, who are known to be animists with their own witch doctors and also collecting human skulls. Lunch in Poli.
If possible, visit Catholic Mission in Fygnolé village. Upon arrival in Garoua, visit of Handicraft Center and learn more about traditional medicine.
Dinner and night at Hôtel la Tour d'Argent.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Hôtel La Tour d'Argent
Day 8. January 5, 2025. Garoua – Kola Gorge – Rhumsiki (350 km)
Very early breakfast and 2 hours drive to Kola Gorge, an unusual volcanic gorge resembling Antelope Canyon in the United States, but smaller and gray in color.
Today we have a long way to go and a difficult road. We climb into the north of Cameroon, very close to the border with Nigeria. In Maroua, lunch and the guards from the Cameroonian B.I.R. unit (the equivalent of the Russian SOBR) will join us.
Continue driving to Rhumsiki via Mandara Mountains, a short visit to Mafa village.
Arriving in Rhumsiki by sunset taking amazing pictures of unique landscapes. Dinner and overnight at Rhumsiki Lodge.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Rhumsiki Lodge
Day 9. January 6, 2025. Rhumsiki Mountains
Today we are in a right place to wake up early in the morning in order to meet sunrise.
Breakfast, trekking to the Mountainous valley of Rhumsiki within 3-5 hours. Here travelers discover the Martian surreal landscapes of verdant highlands which are pierced by popped up peaks of volcanoes. Particularly unusual and notable is Mount Ziwu which resembles the finger of God sticking out of the ground. Or it is the Devil's finger. Nobody knows but the mountain is considered sacred for Kapsiki and their shamans perform healing ceremonies right near Mount Ziwu.
Lunch at our hotel. After lunch, we will see the Kapsiki village, meet the local potters and meet a real hereditary witch doctor who predicts the future with the help of... crabs. Later we will witness a beautiful traditional Kapsiki dance on the best spot with a panorama view of the mountains. Sunset at Rhumsiki mountains and overnight at Rhumsiki Lodge.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation Rhumsiki Lodge
Day 10. January 7, 2025. Rhumsiki – Maroua – Yaounde – Abong Mbang (350 km)
Breakfast and departure around 7 am. Drive to Maroua (130 km, some 4 hours). Upon arrival in Maroua, lunch and transfer to the airport. Flight from Maroua to Yaounde, departure at 2:45 pm (available on Tuesday).
Upon arrival in Yaounde at 4:25 pm, immediately transfer to Abong Mbang: 220 km by good tar road takes some 4 hours.
Late arrival in Abong Mbang, accommodation and overnight in Bagofit Sun City Hotel.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Bagofit Sun City Hotel
Day 11. January 8, 2025. Abong Mbang – Lomie – Messok – Baka Pygmies Traditional Village (185 km)
Breakfast, drive to Lomie, continue to Messok where we start trekking (about 1 hour) deep into the forest before we arrive in the camp of Baka Pygmies tribe. Meeting one of the shortest people on the planet. The height of some of them does not exceed 120 – 130 cm. According to studies of the Baka Pygmies' DNA, it turned out that they are one of the oldest people on Earth. Activities with Baka: building of the hut, dance, photo session. Setting up our camping. Overnight in tents in our camping area near Baka village.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: camping
Day 12. January 9, 2025. Traditional village of the Baka Pygmies in Dja Reserve
Breakfast. Walk into the forest with the hunters men from the Baka Pygmies tribe. The Baka tribe belong to the Pygmies people who live in the rainforest in Cameroon, RCA, Gabon and Congo. Baka are deemed the first inhabitants of Cameroon rainforest. It is believed that thousands of years ago Pygmy tribes populated vast areas in Africa but were later squeezed out by other tribes to the deep forest and adjusted to the nomadic life in the jungle. Some of them live by hunting and gathering, changing the place for nomads' camp from time to time. They are also famous for their procedure of collecting honey from the tops of the huge trees. Man who can bring honey to his wife is considered the most successful person and is gonna be loved by her. That is why Pygmies are ready to run the risk but get the honey. Even though nowadays most Pygmies wear modern clothes, they remember and respect their traditions very well. Baka adhere to animistic beliefs. They worship the forest spirit known as Jengi or Ejengi, whom they consider their ancestor and protector. After each successful hunting, Baka perform a thank-you dance called Luma, which is accompanied by drumming and polyphonic singing. Baka are very skilled in using a variety of plants, from which they receive various chemicals used to treat diseases and infertility. Traditional medicine is widely known among neighboring tribes who often come to Baka healers for help. After hunting in the jungle we also attend the process of climbing the tree and collecting honey, learning about traditional medicine etc.
We will listen to their magic stories, stare at rhythmic dances and enjoy the beauty and sincerity of the Ejengi forest! Dinner and overnight in tents in the Baka village.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: camping
Day 13. January 10, 2025. Baka Pygmies village – Messok – Lomie – Yaounde – Return flight (420 km)
Early breakfast. Trekking for about 1 hour through the jungle.
Driving via Messok and Lomie to Abong Mbang (about 6 hours). Lunch at the Hotel Résidence le Zurikoi.
Here we can change from jeeps to a large comfortable bus, which is better for the good and fast paved roads. Transfer to Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon (about 3 hours).
Dinner and day use hotel (for shower) at the Safyad Hotel 3* in Yaoundé.
Late transfer to the airport for return international flight.
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: day use Hotel Safyad 3*
* Recommended flights:
— Turkish Airlines with a 3 hours 10 minutes stopover in Istanbul, departure on January 11 at 2:25 am, arrival in Moscow on January 11 at 18:40, or
— any other flight departing from Yaounde no earlier than at 9 pm on January 10 or on the night of January 10 to 11.
Cost includes:
• air tickets for domestic flight from Maroua to Yaounde
• accommodation in hotels based on double or twin rooms (in Cameroon very often separate twin beds are not available and DBL beds are provided)
• accommodation in camping based on single
• camping equipment (tents, mattresses, cooking stuff, cutlery)
• full board meals (3 times a day) throughout the entire itinerary
• drinking pure water along the entire itinerary
• train tickets from Yaounde to Ngaoundere (sleeping compartment for 4 people)
• 4WD SUVs with AC and experienced drivers throughout the entire itinerary (Toyota Land Cruiser 100, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and similar, max 3 participants in each car), except for Yaounde
• Private comfortable 30-seat bus Toyota Coaster or similar, with A/C and experienced driver for tours in Yaounde
• all airport transfers
• all boats along the route
• armed security Escort in Rhumsiki area
• porters and cook services
• all permits for visiting protected areas, National reserves, sanctuaries
• all activities, visits and entrance fees along the route
• governmental taxes
• financial support of local communities/tribes
• photo- and video shooting allowance
• experienced English-speaking local guide along the whole route
• Russian-speaking and English-speaking team leader
To be additionally (personally) paid:
• international flight to Yaoundé roundtrip
• international medical insurance
• visa of Cameroon (e-visa purchased in advance)
• tips and personal expenses
• single accommodation in hotels
To take with:
- sets of clothes suitable for the weather conditions, including lightweight clothes (shorts, T-shorts), and one set of warm clothes (hoody or light jacket), long sleeve clothes
- sun hat/panama
- swimwear
- raincoat
- comfortable trekking footwear, light footwear (sneakers)
- sleeping bag for warm weather
- mosquito net for sleeping place (is a must!)
- personal hygiene items (towel, wet tissues, soap)
- individual medical kit (analgesics, antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, intestinal, multivitamins, rehydration, court plaster, your personal medications)
- anti malaria prevention pills (up to you to decide but recommended)
- yellow fever certificate (is a must!)
- certificate with negative result of PCR coronavirus test that is to be taken (that is sample to be taken but not result issued) at maximum 72 hour prior to your departure to Cameroon (negative coronavirus test result should be in PDF format, clearly stating the date of the sample collection and the type of test, e.g. PCR)
- sunblock set (cream, spray)
- various repellents (is a must!)
- sunglasses
- big backpack for stuff (up to 70 l)
- small backpack for radial walks (25 – 30 l)
- head torch
- favorite meals (chocolate, nuts)
- photo and video camera, tripod
- Power bank, batteries
• air tickets for domestic flight from Maroua to Yaounde
• accommodation in hotels based on double or twin rooms (in Cameroon very often separate twin beds are not available and DBL beds are provided)
• accommodation in camping based on single
• camping equipment (tents, mattresses, cooking stuff, cutlery)
• full board meals (3 times a day) throughout the entire itinerary
• drinking pure water along the entire itinerary
• train tickets from Yaounde to Ngaoundere (sleeping compartment for 4 people)
• 4WD SUVs with AC and experienced drivers throughout the entire itinerary (Toyota Land Cruiser 100, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and similar, max 3 participants in each car), except for Yaounde
• Private comfortable 30-seat bus Toyota Coaster or similar, with A/C and experienced driver for tours in Yaounde
• all airport transfers
• all boats along the route
• armed security Escort in Rhumsiki area
• porters and cook services
• all permits for visiting protected areas, National reserves, sanctuaries
• all activities, visits and entrance fees along the route
• governmental taxes
• financial support of local communities/tribes
• photo- and video shooting allowance
• experienced English-speaking local guide along the whole route
• Russian-speaking and English-speaking team leader
To be additionally (personally) paid:
• international flight to Yaoundé roundtrip
• international medical insurance
• visa of Cameroon (e-visa purchased in advance)
• tips and personal expenses
• single accommodation in hotels
To take with:
- sets of clothes suitable for the weather conditions, including lightweight clothes (shorts, T-shorts), and one set of warm clothes (hoody or light jacket), long sleeve clothes
- sun hat/panama
- swimwear
- raincoat
- comfortable trekking footwear, light footwear (sneakers)
- sleeping bag for warm weather
- mosquito net for sleeping place (is a must!)
- personal hygiene items (towel, wet tissues, soap)
- individual medical kit (analgesics, antiseptic, antibiotic, antiviral, intestinal, multivitamins, rehydration, court plaster, your personal medications)
- anti malaria prevention pills (up to you to decide but recommended)
- yellow fever certificate (is a must!)
- certificate with negative result of PCR coronavirus test that is to be taken (that is sample to be taken but not result issued) at maximum 72 hour prior to your departure to Cameroon (negative coronavirus test result should be in PDF format, clearly stating the date of the sample collection and the type of test, e.g. PCR)
- sunblock set (cream, spray)
- various repellents (is a must!)
- sunglasses
- big backpack for stuff (up to 70 l)
- small backpack for radial walks (25 – 30 l)
- head torch
- favorite meals (chocolate, nuts)
- photo and video camera, tripod
- Power bank, batteries
KEY FEATURES:
TOUR TO NIGER
Cameroon
Best season: October – April
Hunting, fishing and collecting honey with Baka pygmies, night in the jungle in Dja Sanctuary.
Deep dive into the culture and lifestyle of Koma - the unique tribe of animists, trekking in Alantika mountains.
Trekking in Rhumsiki with surreal Martian landscapes.
Explore tribes of Mbororo, Fulani, Dupa, Dowayos, Kapsiki and others
Kola Gorge – African "Antelope Canyon"
Chimpanzee in the wild in Pongo Songo sanctuary
Comfortable journey throughout Cameroon by 4WD SUVs
Cameroon
Best season: October – April
Hunting, fishing and collecting honey with Baka pygmies, night in the jungle in Dja Sanctuary.
Deep dive into the culture and lifestyle of Koma - the unique tribe of animists, trekking in Alantika mountains.
Trekking in Rhumsiki with surreal Martian landscapes.
Explore tribes of Mbororo, Fulani, Dupa, Dowayos, Kapsiki and others
Kola Gorge – African "Antelope Canyon"
Chimpanzee in the wild in Pongo Songo sanctuary
Comfortable journey throughout Cameroon by 4WD SUVs
Why with MZUNGU EXPEDITIONS?
- 1UNIQUENESS
We find the most astonishing places on Earth and speed up to reach them. Our motto is to go ahead of road roller, touch the unique and unknown, before it disappears. - 2ADVENTURISM
Wherever we go, we look for challenging activities and adventures, filling the journey with absolutely different spirit and emotions. That is why people join us over and over again. - 3SAFETY
In our trips we pay special attention to safety. All our travels are based on personal experience, equipped with the best gear, involving proved providers and experienced local guides who perfectly know local features. - 4EXPERIENCE
We have a unique experience of the most offbeat expeditions and ascents, deep knowledge of countries and peoples, and are ready to share it with you. All the expeditions and climbings are tested by Mzungu himself, guaranteeing exciting traveling and your comfort. - 5REASONABLE PRICE
All our trips are reach in adventures, with high quality accommodation, transportation and meals included. We do not save on it. Thanks to solid contacts with reliable providers we offer really good prices and high quality.
Photographs used on this page:
©️ Nаtаshа Kirkеndоll
WE ARE IN SOCIAL NETWORKS:
