About Us

Our Story in Takamanda National Park

Takamanda National Park is a vital conservation area located in the Southwest Region of Cameroon. Officially established on November 21, 2008, the park spans 67,599 hectares and is home to a remarkable diversity of wildlife, including the critically endangered Cross River Gorilla.Our mission is to protect and preserve this unique ecosystem while promoting sustainable development and community engagement.

The origins of Takamanda National Park date back to August 23, 1934, when it was first designated as a Forest Reserve by the British colonial administration. Over the decades, the area has undergone several reclassifications, reflecting its growing ecological importance. The park’s current status as a National Park was solidified in 2008, marking a significant milestone in its conservation journey.

Excellent

☆☆☆☆☆ 4.5/5

4.5 out of 5

Base on 13,098 reviews

Our Vision

Takamanda National Park aspires to be a globally recognized model of conservation, where biodiversity thrives, endangered species are protected, and local communities prosper through sustainable practices. We aim to:

Protect and Restore: Safeguard endangered species and restore habitats.
Engage and Empower: Partner with local communities for education and sustainable livelihoods.
Innovate and Inspire: Implement cutting-edge conservation techniques.
Educate and Advocate: Raise awareness and inspire global environmental action.
Sustain and Support: Develop sustainable eco-tourism that supports conservation and benefits local communities.

Our Mission

Our mission is to protect and preserve the unique biodiversity of Takamanda National Park while fostering sustainable development and community engagement. We aim to:

  • Protect critically endangered species like the Cross River Gorilla.
  • Restore and maintain natural habitats.
  • Support local communities through sustainable resource management and vocational training.
  • Promote eco-tourism and environmental education
Our Wildlife

Takamanda National Park is a sanctuary for numerous species,including:

  • Cross River Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli): The most endangered gorilla subspecies with only 200-250 individuals remaining.
  • Nigeria-Cameroon Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes ellioti): An endangered primate vital to our ecosystem.
  • Forest Elephant (Loxodonta africana cyclotis): Majestic giants of the forest.
  • Unique Primates: Including the Drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus), Preuss’s Guenon (Cercopithecus preussi), and Red-Eared Guenon (Cercopithecus erythrotis).
  • Other Mammals: Such as the Red River Hog (Potamochoerus porcus porcus), Blue Duiker (Cephalophus monticola), Forest Buffalo (Syncerus caffer nanus), Yellow-Backed Duiker (Cephalophus silvicultor), White and Black-Bellied Pangolins, and Crown Guenon (Cercopithecus pogonias).

We invite you to join us in our mission to protect and preserve Takamanda National Park.

Whether you are a visitor, a volunteer, or a supporter, your involvement makes a difference. For more information or to get involved, please contact us at:

Get Started

Conservation Efforts

With the support of the Programme for the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources in the Southwest Region (PSMNR-SWR), we have made significant strides in conservation and community development. Our key initiatives include:

  • Participatory Resource Mapping: Engaging local communities in sustainable land use planning.
  • Community-Based Agroforestry Projects: Establishing nurseries and promoting sustainable agriculture.
  • Vocational Training for Former Poachers: Providing alternative livelihoods and reducing hunting pressures.
  • Infrastructure Development: Constructing ranger posts, health centers, and essential facilities to support conservation efforts.

Achievements

Our collaborative efforts with PSMNR-SWR have led to numerous accomplishments:

  • Conducted comprehensive land management surveys.
  • Built headquarters at Kajifu and 64 km of motorbike earth roads linking communities.
  • Established ranger posts at Obonyi 1, Mbilishi, Kekpani, and Kalumo, and storage facilities at Takamanda and Nfakwe.
  • Developed an integrated health center at Matene.
  • Supplied cassava processing units, rice hulling machines, and multipurpose nurseries to local communities.
  • Provided scholarships for students to attend forestry schools and universities.
  • Collected and repurposed firearms from former poachers, integrating them into sustainable livelihood projects.
Our Experts

Pioneering Sustainability for Takamanda National Park

gGC

Expert Farmer

Mellisa Smith

Expert Farmer

John Grover

CEO Agroponix