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Benoué National Park

North  >  Cameroon

Huge protected area of 1,800 square kilometers located in northeastern Cameroon characterized by wooded grassland and riverine ecosystems.

Added* by Stojan Trajkovski
Most recent update 31 január 2026

Description

Benoué National Park is a UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve and features a diverse landscape of savanna, forest patches, and riverine ecosystems. This variety of habitats supports a rich biodiversity, making the park an important refuge for many birds and other species. The park has a wide frontage to the Bénoué River, which stretches for over 100 km, forming the eastern boundary. The park is home to large mammals such as elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, and various antelope species including roan antelope and hartebeest.

The national park hosts over 300 bird species, ranging from raptors to waterfowl. The dry season, from November to February, is the best time to visit. Bird you can observe include Adamawa Turtle-Dove, Abyssinian Ground-Hornbill, Egyptian Plover, Red-throated Bee-eater, Red-winged Gray Warbler, Violet Turaco, White-crested Turaco, Four-banded Sandgrouse, Bateleur, African Fish-eagle, Vieillot's Barbet, Bearded Barbet, White-crested Helmetshrike, Black-headed Gonolek and Pel's Fishing-Owl.

Details

Access

Benoué National Park is located in northeastern Cameroon. The nearest major city with an airport is Garoua, which has domestic flights connecting to Yaoundé and Douala, Cameroon’s main international gateways. From Garoua, you will need to travel by road to the park, which is roughly 100 kilometers away. The roads can be rough, so a 4x4 vehicle is recommended. Visitors must obtain permits to enter Benoué National Park. These are usually arranged through the Cameroon Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife or via authorized tour operators. It’s advisable to book your permits and any guided tours well in advance, as the park is protected and access is controlled. Due to the park’s size and the need for safety, guided tours are highly recommended.

Accommodation options inside or near the park are limited and relatively basic. There are a few lodges and campsites near the park entrance.

Terrain and Habitat

Grassland , River , Scattered trees and bushes

Conditions

Open landscape , Dry

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

Winter

Route

Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Car

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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