Mbam Djerem National ParkMbam Djerem National Park at a Glance
About Mbam Djerem National Park
Mbam Djerem National Park is a protected area in Cameroon’s Adamawa Region established to conserve a mosaic of lowland forest, gallery forest, and savanna. The park covers a large area and protects important river systems and biodiversity.
The park contains gallery forests along rivers, open savanna and forest islands, and several waterfalls and rapids on the Djerem system. Visitors go for wildlife viewing, river scenery and to experience a landscape where forest and savanna meet across thousands of square kilometres.
The park was created by the Cameroonian government to protect watersheds and biodiversity in the Mbam and Djerem river basins. Its boundaries encompass a range of habitats that have long supported traditional land uses as well as significant wildlife populations.
The park lies in east-central Cameroon within the Adamawa Region, broadly encompassing parts of the Mbam and Djerem river basins. It is located inland from Cameroon’s coastal plain in a transition zone between forest and savanna.
- Best time to visit: Dry-season wildlife viewing is generally easier because animals concentrate around permanent water sources and visibility in the forest is better.
- Logistics: The park covers a large area spanning different habitats, so expect long travel distances between sites and limited infrastructure.
What to See#
- Djerem River zone: A network of rivers and streams centered on the Djerem River that create gallery forest corridors and waterfalls important for biodiversity and habitat connectivity.
- Mbam floodplain and savanna mosaic: Seasonal floodplains and savanna-forest mosaic around the Mbam system that support large mammals and serve as dry-season grazing and water points.
Best Time to Visit Mbam Djerem National Park
Visit during the dry season for easier access and more reliable wildlife viewing.
Weather & Climate near Mbam Djerem National Park
Mbam Djerem National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 17°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1597 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 17° - 30° | 24° | 3 mm | some cloud | 52% | 1.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.7h |
| February | Ideal | 18° - 31° | 25° | 11 mm | partly cloudy | 47% | 1.6 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.8h |
| March | Very Good | 19° - 30° | 25° | 67 mm | partly cloudy | 58% | 1.6 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Good | 19° - 29° | 24° | 125 mm | overcast | 76% | 1.7 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.1h |
| May | Very Good | 19° - 28° | 24° | 190 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 1.5 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.3h |
| June | Good | 19° - 27° | 23° | 194 mm | overcast | 85% | 1.4 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.3h |
| July | Good | 18° - 26° | 22° | 219 mm | overcast | 86% | 1.4 m/s | 1.6 very high | 12.3h |
| August | Good | 19° - 27° | 23° | 234 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.5 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.2h |
| September | Good | 19° - 27° | 23° | 277 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.2 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.0h |
| October | Good | 19° - 28° | 23° | 232 mm | overcast | 86% | 1.2 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.9h |
| November | Excellent | 18° - 30° | 24° | 40 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 1.3 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.8h |
| December | Ideal | 17° - 30° | 24° | 5 mm | mostly sunny | 65% | 1.4 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.7h |
How to Get to Mbam Djerem National Park
Reach the park from regional centers such as Ngaoundéré or Yaoundé with long overland drives; local guides and park authorities can advise on current access routes and permits.
Tips for Visiting Mbam Djerem National Park
- Hire a local guide with knowledge of the park's trails and river crossings.
- Bring malaria precautions and insect protection in wetter months.
- Road access can be poor; plan for long drives from regional towns and arrange fuel and supplies before setting out.