Conduct surveys on Cross River Gorillas in the Highland Rainforests of South West Cameroon
Program Overview
Journey to Cameroon, a fascinating country famed for its natural wonders, witch doctors and pygmy tribes. Southwest Cameroon, where our project is based, harbours two of the most threatened African great apes: the Cross River Gorilla (the rarest of the gorilla sub-species) and the Nigeria-Cameroon chimpanzee (the most endangered chimpanzee subspecies in Africa).
You will be conducting vital research surveys in the beautiful montane rainforest, home to some of the most endangered species in Africa, including the critically endangered Cross River Gorilla.
Between surveys you will stay with indigenous highland rainforest communities and meet with local kings, chiefs, teachers and children. Here you will assist with conservation education programs and awareness raising activities as research alone is not enough to protect these endangered primates.
Life on the Program
Almost all of your time will be spent in the Lebialem Highlands conducting research surveys and running environmental education programs in local villages.
Be aware that the rainforest surveys take place in rough and steep terrain and the temperature and humidity levels are also high. Whilst in the rainforest you will be camping, there is no electricity and no toilets. Conditions are very basic. Days are fairly long as we break camp at sunrise and make camp each evening just before dark.
The Lebialem Highlands are a six-hour drive from the coastal town of Limbe in the Southwest Region of Cameroon.
Program Details
During surveys, which last 3-5 days, all sightings of animals, in particular primates, will be recorded in detail including: nest site data, observations, feeding signs, habitat and tree species, GPS coordinates and mode of detection. Photographs will also be taken to compliment the data where possible.
After each survey period the team returns to one of the local villages where you will make camp and live with a host family for one or two days. During this time the team will conduct education activities, such as videos sessions or art workshops with the community or local schools. Changing the attitudes towards great apes and improving relationships between children and wildlife is a prerequisite to sustainable co-existence and the protection of apes.
Volunteer Testimonials
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed my trip. The personal highlight was staying in Fossimondi with a local hilltop family. They were so welcoming and the children were amazing. I also loved the challenging trekking and camping out, washing in gorgeous rivers and sitting in a used gorilla nest.
The volunteer trip in Cameroon was just what I needed to begin my hands-on experience as a conservation worker. I have gained an appreciation of the struggle between the needs of people living in remote areas and the conservation of forest ecosystems. I feel now that I am better prepared for the future and hope to enjoy many similar experiences as I embark on my career. I will make it a priority to return to the Cross River gorilla program as I feel that I would gain even more from a longer stay.
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Program Details
Build Your Program
What's Included
- Pre-departure support and discounted services
- 24-hour emergency phone
- Airport pick-up (unless otherwise stated)
- Arrival orientation
- Long term experienced staff
- Safe and basic accommodations (usually shared)
- All meals (unless otherwise stated in field manuals)
- Welcome meeting
- Location orientation
- All necessary project training by experienced staff
- All necessary project equipment and materials
- 24-hour in-country support
- 2 nights accommodation in a hotel in Buea (1 night at arrival/1 night at dept)
- Working alongside former poachers who are now trackers assisting the project
- Indigenous host family stays
- Visiting Limbe Wildlife Centre
- Field training on great apes ecology and conservation
What's Not Included
- Flights
- Medical and travel insurance
- Visa costs
- Personal kit
- Additional drinks and gratuities
- Extra local excursions
- International and domestic airport taxes
