Mefou Primate Sanctuary

The Mefou sanctuary occupies a block of forest south-east of Yaounde and cares for primates confiscated from the bushmeat and pet trades: western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, drills, mandrills, guenons and baboons, kept in large forested enclosures rather than cages, with groups formed and managed so the animals live socially. Most cannot be returned to the wild. Visits are guided along a forest circuit past the enclosures, with the reasons each animal is there explained, and the guiding is direct about the trade that put them in the sanctuary. It is the most accessible place in the country to see these species and the closest thing to a wildlife day trip from the capital.

What you actually see

• Gorillas and chimpanzees in forest enclosures - groups living socially.
• Drills and mandrills - species rarely seen elsewhere.
• A guided forest circuit - the walking route past the enclosures.
• The story behind each animal - the trade the sanctuary responds to.

When to go

December to February in the drier season; the forest circuit is muddy in the rains. A day from Yaounde. Visits are guided and it is worth calling ahead.

Honest expectations

These are rescued captive animals, not wild ones, and the enclosures are visible. The circuit is muddy and involves real walking. The road out is rough in the last stretch. It is a conservation charity and the visit is priced accordingly.

Nearby

Yaounde is north-west; Mbalmayo lies south.