- 7 Days
- Feb-Aug
- Availability: 35
- Minimum Group: 5
The Baka Pygmies In The Dja Reserve Of Cameroon
Descriptions
The Baka pygmies of Cameroon are a unique and ancient indigenous group of people who have lived in the forests for thousands of years. With an estimated population of around 40,000 individuals, they are the largest pygmy group in the region, with smaller ethnic groups such as the Bagyely, Medzam, and Bakola numbering only a few thousand people.
The Baka pygmies share a common culture and way of life, which primarily centers around the exploitation of the forest environment through hunting, fishing, gathering, and harvesting honey. They also construct traditional huts known as moungoulous, which are covered in foliage and provide protection from the elements. They also have a rich knowledge of the medicinal properties of plants, using bark, roots, and plant fibers for therapeutic purposes. They have an animist belief system, worshipping the spirit of the forest (Kirdi) and the protective totem of their community (Ejengi).
Due to the lack of educational opportunities, the majority of the Baka pygmies are not literate. However, they learn about the forest from a young age and actively participate in the daily activities of the camp, such as gathering, fishing, and small hunting using traps. In the evenings, families come together for collective games, songs, and dances around campfires.
Included
- Double accommodation in half board basis
- Meet & greet
- Land transportation all inclusive
- All entries as mentioned in the program
- An English speaking professional guide
- Mineral water (1.5 lt per day)
- Local guides and porters
Excluded
- International Air Fares & Visas
- Baka traditional dance
- Lunch & Drinks
- Tips/Gratuities
- Personal needs not mentioned in the program
- Laundry
From
€ 3,125
/ pp
*Indicative price
Send us an enquiry
Popular Spots
- Schouam Rock (Dja Reserve)
- Bifolne Wildlife
- Baka Pygmies Culture
- Rustic Bantu villages
- Marché Central
Memorable Moments.
Traditional Baka Pygmy village
One memorable moment of the « The Baka Pygmies In The Dja Reserve Of Cameroon tour » would be visiting a traditional Baka Pygmy village within the reserve. This experience offers a unique glimpse into the traditional way of life of the Baka people, who have lived in harmony with the forest for centuries. Visitors can expect to see the Baka’s thatched-roof homes, observe their daily activities such as hunting and gathering, and learn about their rich cultural heritage and customs.
The Dja Reserve
Another memorable moment would be going on a guided hike through the Dja Reserve, one of the most biodiverse areas in Cameroon. The reserve is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees, and over 300 bird species. During the hike, visitors will have the opportunity to see some of these magnificent animals in their natural habitat, as well as learn about the conservation efforts that are in place to protect them. Along the way, visitors will also have the chance to explore the diverse ecosystems of the reserve, including rainforests, savannahs, and wetlands. Guides will point out medicinal plants, different fruit trees and also explain the importance of conservation of the diverse ecosystem.
Trip Schedule.
Yaoundé Hotel
Yaoundé HotelUpon arrival at Yaounde Nsimalen airport, your guide will be there to welcome you and arrange for a private airport transfer to take you to the city of Yaounde, which is located 30km away from the airport. The transfer may take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions. After checking into your hotel, you will have a briefing with your guide and spend the night in Yaounde.
Yaounde – Bifolone
You will begin your journey early in the morning to the land of the Baka Pygmies within the Biosphere Reserve of Dja. The Dja Reserve is a vast block of thick rainforest that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987. It is home to a diverse array of wildlife, which can be challenging to spot due to the dense forest. The reserve is also home to a significant number of Baka Pygmies who live in small encampments deep in the bush. The journey to the reserve will take approximately 8 hours, including a 3-hour drive on a sealed road from Yaounde to the junction of Mbama, and another 3.5 to 4 hours’ drive on a dirt road from the Mbama entrance to the main entrance of the Reserve via Messamena. Along the way, you will make a stop in Bifalone, where a group of Baka Pygmies live in small encampments in the depths of the rainforest. You will be welcomed by your hosts and set up your tents in their camp for the night. During the night, you will be treated to a series of folklore, themed dance performances, and other displays of their traditions and culture.
Bifolone – Somalomo
Begin the day by embarking on a traditional hunting expedition with our Baka hosts, where you will have the opportunity to witness a variety of hunting techniques and learn about the Baka’s unique relationship with the forest. The Baka are known for their knowledge of medicinal plants and their use in healing various tropical diseases. They also believe in the mystic virtues of certain plants, using them for good luck, charm, and to change undesirable outcomes in critical situations. In the afternoon, we will leave Bifolone and travel to Somalomo, a small village located a couple of hours away by dirt road. We will spend the night at the Ecofac Guest House, a basic accommodation with limited facilities and no running water or electricity.
Somalomo – Schouam Rock (Dja Reserve) – Somalomo
Start the day with an early wake-up and drive to the pier, where we will board a pirogue and cross the Dja River to the opposite bank. From there, we will take bikes and ride 8km to the entrance of the Dja Reserve. Once inside, we will embark on a 2-3 hour forest walk to reach the Schouam Rock, a viewpoint located 3km inside the reserve. At the top of the rock, we will enjoy a picnic lunch and take in the spectacular views of the forest canopy. After spending some time exploring the reserve, we will trek back to the entrance and take our bikes back to the pier. From there, we will board the pirogue and sail upstream to Mama, another Baka encampment where we will spend the night. Here, we will have the opportunity to experience more of the Baka Pygmy folklore through their songs, dances, and other cultural displays.
Mama – Somalomo Ecofac Guest House
We spend the day with the Baka Pygmies as they go about their daily activities, including hunting with arrows, traps, and nets, using traditional medicine, gathering food, fishing, and building traditional huts. We observe their unique way of life and gain an understanding of their culture and customs. After spending the day with them, we bid farewell and sail back to Somalomo. In the evening, we have the opportunity to explore the village and immerse ourselves in the local atmosphere before returning to the Ecofac Guest House for the night.
Somalomo – Yaounde Hotel La Falaise
We depart early in the morning for Yaounde, driving through clusters of rustic Bantu villages along the roadside. The journey takes approximately 8 hours, including a 250 km drive on partially unpaved roads. We arrive in Yaounde in the afternoon and check into the Hotel La Falaise for the night.
Yaounde – Mfou – Yaounde Return flight
In the morning we leave Yaounde and drive to the Mfou Sanctuary, located on the outskirts of the city. The sanctuary is home to hundreds of different monkey species, including great apes, baboons, mandrills, drills, chimpanzees, gorillas, and agile mangabeys. After spending an hour at the sanctuary, we return to Yaounde and visit the Handicraft Centre. We continue to explore the city of Yaounde, including a visit to the Marché Central, a bustling and vibrant market where thousands of traders, buyers, and visitors come together to trade, socialize, and conduct business. The noise, smells, and heat of the market provide a glimpse into the daily lives of many Cameroonians who rely on informal small businesses to make a living. We conclude the tour with an airport transfer for your return flight. Haut du formulaire
