Lake Ossa

Lake Ossa is a complex of connected lakes west of Edea, linked to the Sanaga river, and it is one of the more important sites in Africa for the African manatee, a large aquatic mammal that is difficult to see and poorly known, studied here by a long-running research and conservation project. Fishing communities live around the shore and the lake supports them. In recent years the water has been invaded by Salvinia molesta, a floating fern that spread across large parts of the surface, blocking light and fishing routes; a biological control programme using a specialised weevil was introduced and has reduced the cover. Boats take visitors out to look for manatees and birds.

The landscape

• African manatees - one of the better-studied populations.
• Connected lake channels - the linked water bodies west of the Sanaga.
• The Salvinia invasion and its control - the floating fern and the weevil programme.
• Fishing communities on the shore - the villages the lake supports.

When to go

December to February in the drier months. A day. Boats are hired at the lakeside and guides from the conservation project can be arranged in advance.

What to expect

Manatees surface briefly and sightings are uncommon; do not travel expecting one. Boats are small and basic. Mosquitoes are heavy. Salvinia cover varies and can still block sections of the lake.

Nearby

Edea is east; Douala-Edea national park lies south.

Key facts