Mount Kupe

Mount Kupe rises to a little over two thousand metres above the village of Nyasoso in the south-west, covered in forest from the farmland at its base to the summit, and it has a reputation among birdwatchers out of proportion to its size. The Mount Kupe bushshrike, described in the 1950s and then not seen for decades, was refound here in 1989, and the mountain holds a list of species restricted to the Cameroon highlands along with a great many forest birds that are difficult to find elsewhere. The forest is also sacred to the Bakossi, with traditions attached to the upper slopes. Trails run from the village up through the forest with community guides.

What you actually see

• The Mount Kupe bushshrike - the bird refound here in 1989.
• Cameroon highland endemics - species restricted to these mountains.
• Forest from farmland to summit - the unbroken cover on the slopes.
• Bakossi traditions on the mountain - the sacred status of the upper forest.

When to go

November to February for the drier weather; birding is best at dawn. A day or two. Community guides are arranged in Nyasoso and are required for the trails.

Honest expectations

The climb is steep, muddy and slippery, and rain is frequent even in the dry season. Birds are difficult and a guide who knows the calls makes the difference. Accommodation is village-level. Check with local contacts about the situation before you set off.

Nearby

Bakossi park is west; Mount Manengouba lies north.