Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary

Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary covers lowland plains and a montane edge of the Annamite Range between about 60 and 750 meters above sea level, protecting tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen, mixed deciduous and dipterocarp forest. The site was established in stages (Seima Biodiversity Conservation Area 2002, Seima Protection Forest 2009) and redesignated Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary in 2016. The varied terrain and elevation create a mosaic of habitats across the 2,926.9 km2 area.

The sanctuary is exceptionally biodiverse: more than 950 plant, fungi and animal species have been recorded, including 356 bird species and high woodpecker (Picidae) diversity. Keo Seima supports seven primate species and notably holds the vast majority of the world’s black-shanked douc langurs and large numbers of southern yellow-cheeked crested gibbons, including habituated groups at Jahoo Gibbon Camp. Large ungulates such as Eld’s deer, sambar, banteng and gaur are also present, while the tiger is locally extirpated.

Keo Seima overlaps with long-standing Bunong ancestral lands and several indigenous communities have received collective land titles inside the sanctuary. Management is led by Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment with long-term support from conservation organisations and a REDD+ project covering most of the area; these arrangements combine biodiversity protection with community livelihoods. Visiting the sanctuary is a remote experience that mixes forest trails, wildlife-focused camps and community- and NGO-supported initiatives such as the Elephant Valley Project and Jahoo Gibbon Camp, but practical arrangements are best organised through local guides or conservation partners.

• Jahoo Gibbon Camp: Habituated groups of southern yellow-cheeked crested gibbons can be observed here, offering one of the few reliable gibbon viewing opportunities in Cambodia.
• Black-shanked douc langur groups: Keo Seima holds the world’s largest population of black-shanked douc langurs, visible in forested valleys and canopy-rich areas.
• Birdwatching: With over 350 species recorded, the sanctuary is excellent for birds including peafowl, hornbills and a high diversity of woodpeckers.
• Community visits: Bunong villages inside and near the sanctuary offer insights into traditional forest-based livelihoods and customary land use.
• Forest landscapes and viewpoints: Trail sections on the Sen Monorom plateau and montane edge give contrasting lowland and evergreen forest scenery.

The nearest provincial center is Senmonorom in Mondulkiri, with Kratié town to the northwest used by some visitors as an approach point; both towns are typical jump-off points for local operators and community camps. The nearest major international airport for most travellers is Phnom Penh International Airport; domestic connections and road links to Senmonorom are the usual onward options. The main national rail network is centered on Phnom Penh and service in eastern Cambodia is limited, so rail is not a direct option for most visits.

The last stretch into Keo Seima is over provincial and forest roads that can be rough and seasonally difficult; arrange transport with a local operator, community project or a 4x4 vehicle and expect to change to shorter local vehicles for village access. Check access and visiting arrangements locally with community camps or conservation organisations before you travel.

• Hire a local guide or book through a community-run camp or conservation partner to maximise wildlife sightings and respect land access rules.
• Roads can become impassable in the wet season - plan flexible travel and expect long journeys over dirt tracks.
• Bring insect repellent and sturdy boots for forest trails, and pack sufficient cash as ATMs are limited outside provincial towns.
• Ask permission before visiting or photographing Bunong villages and follow local guidance on cultural protocols.
• Binoculars and a telephoto lens are essential for primate and birdwatching; keep noise to a minimum to avoid disturbing wildlife.