AETO-ECOTOURS

DAY 1 : EUROPE-YAOUNDE

Arrival at Yaounde Nsimalen/Douala airport, welcome by aeto team, transfer to hotel, installation, briefing, dinner and night.

DAY 2 : YAOUNDE - SOMALOMO

Early morning breakfast, departure to Somalomo, we will travel gradually to the medium of wet tropical forest, the track will lead us to Somalomo village which is the main door of the immense reserve of the fauna of Dja.

Arrival at Somalomo, meeting with agents of ECOFAC (Central Africa Forest Ecosystem), Installation, dinner and night in tents.

The Dja reserve is located at the southern province of Cameroon around Somalomo where majority of the population are mainly pygmies. Created since 1950 as a forest reserve, the Dja reserve became operational in 1992 through the help of a foreign organisation known as ECOFAC. The reserve covers a total land area of about 5.260 km2. Heaven for over 100 specie of mammals, 320 birds and 1.500 plants specie.

NB : Neither light, water nor accommodation establishment at Somalomo.

DAY 3 : RESERVE DU DJA

After breakfast, we will cross the river of Dja to join the Schouam rock, an impressive overhanging Inselberg canopée. Continuation in the reserve for bivouac. The granitic masses which emergent in the forest are places privileged for the observation of its large fauna. We thus go to the great discovery of an important variety of primates such as chimpanzees and gorillas, large mammals like buffaloes; elephants. Accompanied by a tracker, we will learn how to raise the indices of their presence in the underwood. While spending a night there, one has unforgettable experience.

DAY 4 : RESERVE DU DJA

-Breakfast,

-Morning Walk through the forest will lead us back to Somalomo. In the afternoon, we will descend the Dja river by the use of a canoe to join and admire springs. On our way, we will observe various species of birds which populate its banks. Arrival at Somalomo, installation, dinner and night.

DAY 5 : SOMALOMO - YAOUNDE-BUEA

-Early morning breakfast,

-Departure to Buea, stop at Yaounde for lunch, continuation, arrival in Buea.

DAY 6 : BUEA-MONT CAMEROON: Upper Farms Buea (1100m) - Hut 2 (2860m)

(Trekking on the roof of Africa with volcanoes)

-Breakfast early in the morning,

-Transfer to Upper Farms where the journey begins.

-The mount Cameroon is the second highest peak in Africa. Known as the Chariot of God with an altitude of over 4095m above sea level. It is an active volcano with a record of over nine eruptions. The mountain, according to the 'Bakwerians' (natives), is alleged to have a "god" call "EFASA MOTO". The myth, holds it that, when the God is happy, it nourish the land with good volcanic soil fertile for the growth of crops. But when angry, the mountain trembles and flows/bursts out fire and lava (volcanic eruption) thus the chariot of God. Cause for which an annual rite is perform on the mountain. Trekking begins from upper farms via the Guinness Mt. Cameroon race of hope track, (an annual event which rallies athletes world wide) one discovers a variety of plants, vegetation; the climate is cool and refreshing. There are three cabins along the track where mountaineers usually rest or spend their nights known as huts 1,2 and 3 respectively, constructed of wood. From upper farms to huts 1 is about 2-3 hrs trekking with an altitude of over 1875m, about 2-3hrs trekking also from hut 1to hut 2 with an altitude of over 2860m, and 2hrs from hut 2 to hut 3 with an altitude of over 3740m.The summit which is about an hour trekking from hut 3 is known as the 'FAKO POINT'. Here the climate is too cold and above freezing point. An altitude of over 4095m.

Upper Farms (1100m), which was founded by the Germans almost 100 years ago as dairy farm, is at the moment a penitentiary station. The prisoners staying there under military control are re-habilitated to normal life through participation in village activities as farming and selling food crops etc.

From Upper Farms, the path leads through coco yam, maize and beans farms of the prisoners l for about 45 min until the fringe of the forest is reached. The vegetation gradually grows dense and the climate a bit cooler. There are many interesting plants met on the way, either among the farmland as well as in the forest. The natives have a name for almost every plant or tree and their use. As you will learn, the forest is a big reservoir of food and medicines, and for indigenous people living in harmony with nature it is a real heaven. The first break is usually made at Bonalyonga Junction (1340m), 15min after the end of farmland. Here the Ecotourism track meets a big hunters and farmers path on the right. Here the altitude of 1560m is reached. From this point, it takes about 1h to get to Hut 1, where longer break is foreseen. The trail up here leads as before through the forest, which become more and more natural and huge trees and charming lianas make quite a big impression. Hut 1 built in the first half of the 20th century by the Germans is at the altitude of 1875m. Today in a state of disrepair, Hut 1 was carefully maintained in German time and the area in the front of it was cleared and planted with roses, shrubs and conifers. There is a spring just below Hut 1 and last possibility of collecting water for the rest of the tour. With good weather, one may glimpse a view of escarpment emerging from the forest.

A pause at Hut 1, Snacks and continue to Hut 2.

From Hut 1 you still have to hike for about 40min to the end of the forest. Approximately at an altitude of 2040m you get to the grassland, and impressive cliff wall of 800m appears surprisingly in front of you. Usually covered with clouds, by clear weather it may be a little discouraging, because this part of the hike is very steep. On the other hand, the endless view on grassland by blue sky is memorable and invites you to numerous small breaks and taking pictures. The savannah is also a kingdom of antelopes, civets, bushbucks, duikers and if you are lucky you may meet them on the way. The path up the escarpment is very clear, because of its use by hunters and climbers. As you progress, there is less and less soil under shoes and more volcanic rocks. The steepness of the slope and the rocky surface of the trail make this part of the hike very demanding. First resting point is about 30min. of hike in the savannah. The place is called Table Rock and lies at the altitude of about 2250m.on a clear day one can enjoy a panoramic view of Douala from this point (60km away in straight line). Visibility up the mountain is reduced to a few kilometres during the dry season, especially between the months of December - February. This is due to large amount of dust particles in the air, carried here with Harmattan. (Warm and dry wind from Sahara Desert). Next passage lasting for about 1h 15 min leads you to the Magic Tree with an altitude of 2610m. From here only another 240m (in comparison to 1610m reached already today) and 45 minutes are needed to Hut 2, where you stay overnight. Hut 2. located at the altitude of 2850m actually contains only basic accommodation facilities: 3 sleeping rooms for tourists, simple kitchen used also by porters as place to sleep by a warming campfire and a toilet. There is also a small camping place prepared, but the low temperatures in the night don't invite to stay in the tent if the hut is available. Unfortunately no water is available in Hut 2, so you need to manage your water supplies very carefully. Remember although to drink a lot, that will help to keep your body fit and decrease a possibility of high sickness. After a short rest, one could visit a volcanic cave located just nearby. Short walk of about 5 min each way takes you to the cave, which looks in the first moment only as a hole in the ground. As you get inside two long corridors appear - one upwards, second downwards the slopes of the mountain. If you are interested you may explore them, but remember to take along torchlight for better observations. Return to the camp area, dinner and night. Don't forget to store your food packed in plastic and hang it on the walls in order to avoid attracting mice and to have a peaceful night.

Day 7: MONT CAMEROON: Hut 2 (2860m) -Hut 3- Summit (4095m)-Mann Spring

-Breakfast at Hut 2.

-Trekking to Hut 3, pause and continue to the summit.

It is advisable to start this day quite early (latest 6-7 a.m.) in order to have enough time to enjoy this but beautiful trip. First part of the hike on this day takes about 1h up to altitude of 3125m (first resting point). On the way, you pass the so called Magic Tree. The hiking path leads steadily upwards but not as steep as yesterday afternoon from Hut 1 to Hut 2. The landscape is free from higher vegetation and far views open in all directions. From the first resting point steeper rocky path takes you in about 45 min. up to the next volcanic cave (3400m.), which is not open for sightseeing. After about 40 min. the edge of Hut 3 Plateau is reached and the hardest work for today is already done. As you leave the edge behind, the breathtaking view down towards Hut 2 closes. Instead of it smoking crater '2000 and the building of Hut 3 are seen. Now only 30 min of easy walk are needed to get to Hut 3 (3740m), where longer break is foreseen. As you get there, it is good to protect yourself against cold and wind in small and dilapidated building of Hut 3. This is also a good moment to eat something, take a warm cup of tea (if you have your thermos along) and put on some extra warm clothes in order to stay warm and don't loose unnecessary too much energy. The landscape of Hut 3 Plateau reminds moon, since there are only volcanic rocks, small hills built by grey volcanic ashes, smoking fumaroles and huge crater '2000 around. Leaving Hut 3, we continue our way on the edge of crater 2000 because it gives you a good impression of volcanic activity and power of Cameroon Mountain. Since you have to walk on the surface built by loose volcanic rocks and ashes just on the edge of huge still smoking crater '2000 the smell of CO2 gas is felt. Due to this unusual surrounding you may really feel like an explorer. The passage to the beginning of the crater '2000 (3900m) takes approximately 30 min. Continuous hike will enable you to reach the summit after next 1h. The views on the way are so amazing that you for sure will stop frequently to take many pictures. Going from the crater you will climb the Bottle Peak (4025m), which took its name from the pile of bottles after beer and whisky lying there already for a long time. After the Bottle Peak, you descend towards small pass before you climb the summit of Mt. Cameroon.

Now you may congratulate yourself and your colleagues that you have climbed 4095m high Cameroon Mountain called also "the roof of West and Central Africa" because of its domination in this part of continent. At the summit, obligatory family pictures with your guide and a few minutes to take a look in all directions are foreseen. As you reached the high Cameroon mountain, you can also say you are on the "roof of west and central Africa". Now you have time for a break and admiring wonderful views around you. If you are lucky and the visibility is good, the view of Douala and Wouri Estuary, Atlantic Ocean with Malabo Island of Equatorial Guinea and the whole mosaic of different vegetation types will reward your climbing effort. Unfortunately the temperatures at this altitude are very low (around 0C) and don't invite to stay longer on the summit. It is advisable to be on the summit not later than by midday, because there is still a long way to hike on the second day and beautiful landscapes to admire! - Snacks and You descend now very steep in the NW direction. Clear path takes you along down through fields of volcanic ashes. Descending goes very easy and even running down is very comfortable, because it doesn't burden your legs too much. Hike down to Camp II already at the altitude of 3435m goes really fast and takes only 45 min up to 1h. Here you are welcome to make longer break and watch moon volcanic landscapes in warmth (in comparison to the temperatures at the summit). When you take a look to the W. you will now believe that on the way to Mann Spring you are going to pass the rolling hills seen at the horizon, between which the lava stream disappears from the view. Next part of the hike leads you exactly in this region along the rocky path on the old lava bed. You hike up, down and around the volcanic rocks and fossil lava streams for about 1, 5-2h, until you leave the Summit of Mount Cameroon far behind and you reach the end of lava tongue. Here at the beginning of savannah very nice resting point is waiting for you. After a break you walk in high grass between rolling hills to the ELF Station (2945m). Approximately 30min are needed to reach the area below this telecommunication station, which lies at the hill northwards from the Ecotourism path. From this place the trail leads you for about 1h further in the picturesque savannah region to the next highlight today - craters of 1999 eruption.

The Ecotourism trail leads directly at the edge of the first site of craters '99, which actually chain of smaller and bigger craters. Some of them are still smoking and emit warmth you can feel. Walk along the path by the craters takes about 30 min, but it is good to get here not too late in order you can really enjoy this unusual surrounding. If you have already taken your pictures you can continue the hike to Mann Spring, a final point of the day 2. About 1h more is needed to reach the camp, where you can relax after a long and extraordinary day in the kingdom of EFASA MOTO, the God of Mount Cameroon.

Mann Spring, which is your final point today, is located at the altitude of 2440m at the SW slopes of the Cameroon Mountain. It took its name from the German Geographer Gustav Mann, who claimed to discover this water source, used already for ages by locals. The water source has been always used by large numbers of birds and at times antelopes, which used to come here for drinking especially mornings and evenings. For a long time the spring had been used in dry seasons also by elephants, but since the lava flow '1982 blocked the passage from NW, they don't reach it anymore.

Dinner and overnight at Mann Spring.

The camping place has really nice location at the boarder of the forest and savannah and especially early in the morning and in the evening you may hear a concert of birds singing and other nature sounds. Evening campfire and chat with the guides and porters can be a nice summary for the past days of the tour.

Trekking on the roof of Africa, an active volcanic mountain (mt Cameroon 4095m)

Day 8: Mann Spring (2440m) - Bokwaongo Buea (900m)-Limbe. (relaxation at the beach)

-Breakfast at Mann Spring.

-Start off continue descending to Bokwaongo Buea.

-Lunch in . Buea, a rest .

-Visit of Tole Tea plantation and descend to Limbe by bus where a beautiful grey sandy beach is awaiting for you.

-Arrival in Limbe, if time permits Swimming and relaxation at the beach.

-Installation, dinner and overnight at Seme new beach Hotel.

Swimming, sunbathing and relaxation at Seme new beach

DAY 9: LIMBE

- Breakfast,

- Visit the Limbe Botanical Garden, a historic biodiversity conservation centre for research, relaxation and education with over 5000 plants specimens found in the herbarium from different species and families created in 1892 by the Germans colonial government under the leadership of Dr.Paul Preus for the introduction and acclimatisation of some exotic plants species that has both economical and medicinal potentials. Some of these plants are presently helpful to our Country today like the Bananas Rubber, Oil palm, Tea etc. now found in the CDC and Delmonte plantations.

- Continue to visit the Limbe rescue centre. A centre for rehabilitation of endangered animal mostly primates. Such animal includes Chimpanzees,Gorillas,Monkeys,Pythons,Crocodiles etc.

Lunch, free afternoon relaxation at the beach,

- Dinner and nights.

DAY 10 : LIMBE-DOUALA

-Breakfast, visite the result of the 1999 volcanic eruption at Bakingili, continuation to the fishermen village in Limbe to witness and discover the different traditional method of traping and smoking fish,

-Lunch, departure to Douala, arrival in Douala, city tour, transfer at the Douala international airport for departure.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN YAOUNDE CAMEROON

Arrival at the Yaounde Nsimalen airport, welcome by Aeto team, transfer to Hotel, installation, 07:00pm dinner, discussion of the program and overnight.

DAY 2: YAOUNDE-KRIBI (296km)

7:00 am, Breakfast, 7:30 briefing, 8:00am, departure to Kribi, arrival, installation at Hotel, lunch, swimming and relaxation at the beach, return to the hotel,07:00 dinner,

DAY 3: KRIBI-KRIBI

07:00am breakfast, 7:30, briefing, 08:00am departure to Lobe river for boat ride to pygmies camp, arrival at the camp, visit and watching of traditional dance offered by the pygmies, return to Kribi and visit to the Lobe waterfalls, Snacks near the waterfalls, swimming and relaxation at the beach.

DAY 4: KRIBI-DOUALA (177km)

7:30am Breakfast, 8:30am departure to Douala, arrival and installation at Hotel, lunch, departure for sightseeing, return to hotel.

DAY 5: DOUALA-MAROUA-MAGA (flight 1646km plus 90km by road)

06:00am breakfast, 06:30 briefing and transfer to the Douala international airport, 08:30am flight to Maroua by ELYSIANS AIRLINES, 11:00 am arrival at Maroua Salak airport, welcome by Aeto guide, continuation to Maga -pouss, arrival at Maga and visit lake Maga and the blunted Mousgoum huts at Pouss.

DAY 6: MAGA-MAROUA-WAZA

05:30 am breakfast, 06:00briefing and departure to Waza via Maroua, arrival at Waza, installation at Waza Camp, visit to the park, return from the park for lunch, continuation of visit to the park, 06:00pm return to Waza camp.

DAY 7: WAZA-KOZA-RHUMSIKI (about 210km)

6:30am breakfast and departure to Rhumsiki via Koza, stop at Mora to visit Mora market that usually holds on Sundays, continuation to Koza with stop for panoramic view and photographs, continuation, Lunch at Mokolo, continuation to Rhumsiki, arrival, sightseeing, (crab sorcerer, weavers...), installation at Rhumsiki Camp***, 07:00pm dinner, discussion of the following day program and night. Possibility to visit the chief palace at Oudjilla situated just 15km from Mora or Koza. A chief with over 50 wives and 115 children. Also observation of traditional dance offered by the chief wives

DAY 8: RHUMSIKI-GUIDER-GAROUA-FIGNOLE

05:00am wake up to view sunrise, return to hotel for breakfast, departure to Garoua via Dourbeye, stop at Kola village to visit Kola cayon, continuation to Garoua, arrival at Garoua and lunch, continuation, arrival at Fignole, installation of tents.

DAY 9: FIGNOLE-WANGAI-BILMEROU LE BAS-NAGAMALOU (mount Atlantika)

05:30am breakfast, 06:00am departure to Wangai, arrival and trekking to Komas villages on mount Atlantika, arrival at Bilmerou le bas, pause continuation, arrival at Nagamalou, installation of tents, watching traditional dance offered by the Komas, 07:00pm dinner and night in tents.

DAY 10: NAGAMALOU-WANGAI (12km)

06:30am breakfast; briefing and descend to Wangai, snacks on the way, arrival at Wangai, installation at the chief palace, 07:00pm dinner, briefing of the following day program and night in tents.

DAY 11: WANGAI-NGAOUNDERE-YAOUNDE (189km by road and 868km by night train)

06:30am breakfast, 7:30am briefing and departure to Yaounde, arrival in Ngaoundere, reservation of train and lunch, if time permits, sightseeing, 6:20: departure to Yaounde by night train, 07:30pm dinner and night in train.

DAY 12: YAOUNDE

Arrival in Yaounde, transfer to Hotel, installation, lunch and pause, 03:00pm Sightseeing of the capital of Cameroon, return to Hotel .

DAY 13: YAOUNDE-BAFOUSSAM (283km)

07:00am breakfast, briefing and departure to Bafoussam, stop at Bandjoun and visit to the chief palace, continuation to Bafoussam, arrival.

DAY 14: BAFOUSSAM-FOUMBAN-BAFOUSSAM (160km)

07:30am Breakfast,

08:30am briefing and departure to Foumban, stop at foumbot market and visit, continuation to Foumban, arrival, visit to the sultan palace, lunch and continuation of visit to Foumban museum and craftsmen quarters, return to Bafoussam.

DAY 15: BAFOUSSAM-LIMBE (286km)

07:00am Breakfast,

07:30am Briefing and Departure to Limbe via Dschang, Stop at Metche waterfalls and visit, continuation, Stop at Dschang for sightseeing, Arrival in Limbe.