Mefou National Park | Yaounde

Mefou National Park, located just south of Yaoundé, is one of Cameroon’s most accessible protected natural areas and a key center for wildlife conservation. Set within dense equatorial forest along the Mefou River, the park offers a rare opportunity to experience rainforest ecosystems and endangered primates within a short drive from the capital. Its atmosphere feels distinctly removed from city life, with thick vegetation, humid air, and the constant presence of forest sounds.

Purpose and Conservation Role
The park is best known as a sanctuary for rescued primates, particularly gorillas and chimpanzees that were victims of illegal wildlife trade or habitat loss. Rather than functioning as a traditional zoo, Mefou operates as a rehabilitation and semi-rewilding center, aiming to provide animals with conditions as close as possible to their natural habitat. Large forested enclosures allow primates to climb, forage, and interact socially, reinforcing natural behaviors.

Landscape and Environment
Mefou National Park is defined by lush tropical rainforest, tall canopy trees, tangled undergrowth, and riverine vegetation along the Mefou River. The forest floor is damp and shaded, while shafts of sunlight filter through the canopy in broken patterns. Bird calls, insect hums, and rustling leaves dominate the soundscape, creating a fully immersive rainforest experience. The terrain is gently undulating, with natural clearings and riverbanks breaking up the dense greenery.

Wildlife and Biodiversity
In addition to gorillas and chimpanzees, the park hosts other primates such as drills and monkeys, along with reptiles, birds, and small mammals native to southern Cameroon. While primates are the main focus, visitors often notice colorful butterflies, forest birds, and plant species used in traditional medicine. The biodiversity reflects the wider Congo Basin ecosystem, scaled into a manageable and protected environment.

Visitor Experience
Visits to Mefou are typically guided, emphasizing education, conservation awareness, and respectful observation. Walking through the park feels intimate and focused, with moments of quiet broken by sudden movement in the trees or distant calls from primates. Seeing gorillas moving calmly through forest enclosures often leaves a strong impression, particularly because the setting feels authentic rather than staged. The experience balances emotional impact with learning, highlighting both the beauty of wildlife and the consequences of human pressure on ecosystems.

Educational and Social Impact
Mefou National Park plays an important role in environmental education for schools, researchers, and visitors. Interpretive explanations focus on conservation challenges, anti-poaching efforts, and the long-term goal of protecting Cameroon’s wildlife habitats. The park also contributes to local employment and awareness, reinforcing the idea that conservation and community involvement are closely linked.

Mefou National Park stands as a quiet yet powerful counterpoint to urban Yaoundé, offering a close encounter with rainforest life while underscoring the urgency of wildlife protection in Cameroon’s southern forests.