About Bakossi National Park
Bakossi: Nature, Culture, and Conservation
The Bakossi National Park (BNP) was created on 28 November 2007 by Prime Ministerial Decree N° 2007/1459/PM. It is located in the Kupe-Muanenguba Division, South West Region of Cameroon between coordinates 564729, 568283 in the north; 568406, 549734 in the south; 580145, 558029 in the east and 558625, 556620 in the west. It covers a total surface area of 29,320 hectares enveloped in three Sub-Divisions – Tombel, Nguti and Bangem. The Park is mountainous in nature, with its highest peak, at Muandelengoe (1895 m asl), which occurs south of the River Mbwe valley very conspicuous from Bangem, the headquarter of the Park. It is closed to some important existing and proposed protected areas and Community Forests, including the Banyang-Mbo Wildlife Sanctuary, FMU 11-007A, FMU 11-007B, Bakossi Forest Reserve, Mungo Forest Reserve, the proposed Mounts Kupe and Muanenguba Integral Ecological Reserves, Muaku and Ndise-Ekeb Community Forests. A total of 36 villages make up the Park area, with their different activities affecting the integrity of the park directly and indirectly.
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Our Mission
To protect and conserve the rich biodiversity and cultural landscapes of the Bakossi Highlands while promoting sustainable ecotourism and improving the livelihoods of local communities.
We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Our Landscape & Biodiversity
- Altitude range: 300 m – 1,895 m above sea level.
- Vegetation types: Sub-Montane Forest, Atlantic NW Forest, Atlantic Biafran Forest.
- Flora: Over 2,440 vascular plant species, 82 endemic, 232 threatened (IUCN Red List).
- Fauna:
- Endangered primates: Drill, Chimpanzee, Preuss’s Monkey, Red Colobus, Red-capped Mangabey.
- Amphibians: Goliath frog (world’s largest frog), Leptodactylodon wildi, Conraua species.
- Elephants occasionally spotted along BNP–Banyang-Mbo corridor.
- Rich bat colonies in Muahunzum caves.
- Unique Feature: The park hosts the largest cloud forest in West and Central Africa.
Our Approach to Conservation
Bakossi National Park is co-managed with the Programme for the Sustainable Management of Natural Resources in the South West Region (PSMNR-SWR), supported by the Cameroon Government and the German Development Bank (KfW).
Key community-based initiatives include:
- Cluster Conservation & Development Agreements (CCDAs).
- Alternative livelihoods for former hunters (beekeeping, piggery, white pepper farms, vocational training).
- Wildlife surveillance with communities and ex-poachers.
- Environmental education and awareness programs.
Our People & Culture
The Bakossi people, numbering about 70,000, are the largest group in the Mbo linguistic family. They trace their origin to Ngoe (Leopard), their legendary ancestor and tribal hero. Sacred sites like the Kupe-Muanenguba twin lakes and Muandelengoh rocks are living symbols of the deep spiritual bond between people and nature.
Team Members
Our Conservators
Aleesha Brown
Senior Farmer
Kevin Martin
Senior Farmer
Sarah Albert
Senior Farmer
Our Testimonials
What They’re taking about agrion
Our Visiion
A future where Bakossi National Park thrives as a sanctuary for biodiversity, a symbol of cultural pride, and a beacon of sustainable development for the people of Cameroon and the world.