Bénoué National Park
Park Savanna national park along Bénoué River with wildlife
Riverine national park in northern Cameroon where savanna meets gallery forest. Visitors take boat safaris and drives for antelopes, crocodiles and seasonal concentrations of waterbirds.
How to Get to Bénoué National Park #
Bénoué National Park is reached via Garoua (about 160-220 km southwest depending on the park entrance). International visitors typically fly into Yaoundé or Douala and take a domestic flight to Garoua, then hire a 4x4 and local guide. Road access is by the RN1 and regional tracks; expect long drives on rough surfaces from Garoua (4-6 hours). Local tour operators in Garoua and Maroua can arrange permits and guided safaris.
Tips for Visiting Bénoué National Park #
- Travel via Garoua and arrange a 4x4 with a local outfitter - roads are rough and seasonal; avoid the rainy season when tracks become impassable.
- Bring binoculars and a guide: sightings of roan antelope, kob and hippopotamus are far more likely with someone who knows the watering holes.
- Plan early-morning drives around the Bénoué River floodplain - light, activity and cooler temperatures converge before 9am.
- Respect local customs in villages at the park's edge: ask before photographing people, and purchase snacks or crafts from local vendors to support communities.
Best Time to Visit Bénoué National Park #
Visits are easiest and most rewarding during the dry season when animals concentrate near permanent water and roads are passable.
Weather & Climate near Bénoué National Park #
Bénoué National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with very hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 16°C to 37°C. Abundant rainfall (1144 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 0 mm.
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March
March is hot with highs of 37°C and lows of 22°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 30°C. Significant rainfall (128 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (156 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Heavy rain (227 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (261 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 21°C. Heavy rain (213 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 21°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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