Waza National Park

A vast area of plains and woods, where myriads of birds and animals can be observed

Waza National Park is a vast, remote area in the far North Province of Cameroon. Situated on the edge of the Sahel, between Chad and Nigeria, these flat acacia plains lie to the south of Lake Chad's floodplain, and are only accessible from mid-November to mid-June due to summertime flooding.



The park, which is an area of about 170,000 hectares (420,000 acres), was listed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1982. It consists of a forested area, and huge expanses of feathery grasslands and seasonal marshes, making it home both to forest and savannah animals, as well as permanent and migrating birds.

This is probably the best place in Central Sfrica to observe wildlife, and in late spring, when only a few waterholes remain, a constant parade of fabulous animals arrive in search of water and shade, finding moments of much needed relief from the blistering sun.

The plains are teeming with animals - giraffe, antelope, hyena, cheetah, serval, warthog, elephants and lions. A multitude of birds can be seen here, as both African and Palearctic migrants are attracted by the habitat. Some 397 species have been sighted, including raptors such as griffon vultures, eagles, goshawks and buzzards, flocks of cranes, storks and egrets, and many species of migrant ducks and waders.

Needless to say, Waza National Park suffers from poaching. Unfortunately there are very few guards, making it impossible to secure the entire area, even with extra funding given by the World Wildlife Fund and the Netherlands IUCN Committee.

Visit as part of an organized tour or bring your own 4 wheel drive vehicle. Whatever way you travel, you are bound to see a wealth of marvellous creatures roaming these golden plains.

The park is open to visitors from 15 November to 15 June. A guide is compulsory in each vehicle that enters the park. While there is no accommodation in the park, visitors can camp near the entrance, or at the tiny village of Waza, north of the park entrance. Access to the park itself might be tricky.

Late March to April is the best time for viewing, as the animals congregate at water holes before the rains.