Waza National Park, Cameroon

Waza National park

The mesmerizing Waza National Park is located in the Logone-et-Chari Division of the Far North Region in Cameroon. Originally established as a hunting reserve in 1934, it gained national park status in 1968 and was designated as a UNESCO biosphere reserve in 1979. Encompassing a sprawling land area of approximately 1,700 square kilometers, this park is a true testament to the country's commitment to preserving its natural heritage.

In 1997, an innovative management Master Plan was formulated to ensure the protection and conservation of the park's rich biodiversity. This groundbreaking plan stands as the first of its kind in Cameroon, setting a precedent for future conservation efforts.

Adjacent to the Chingurmi-Duguma sector of Nigeria's Chad Basin National Park, Waza National Park offers a diverse range of habitats and ecosystems. Prior to its establishment, the park was inhabited by forest dwellers who were subsequently resettled on the park's borders. Today, the park is home to a remarkable array of wildlife, including majestic lions, magnificent elephants, cunning hyenas, graceful hartebeests, elegant giraffes, and many more. The avifauna is equally impressive, boasting a vibrant collection of geese, egrets, ostriches, herons, pelicans, and ibises, to name just a few.

Bordered by the village of Waza to the west, near the Nigerian border, and Chad just 10 kilometers away, the park is conveniently accessible via the Maroua-Kousseri road. Located 120 kilometers north of Maroua and 135 kilometers from Kousseri, the park offers a captivating journey into the heart of nature. However, it's important to note that the park is only open to the public from November 15th to June 15th, and a knowledgeable guide is essential to fully experience the wonders of the wildlife while adhering to the park's regulations.

The topography of Waza National Park is predominantly flat, with sand dunes in the western region serving as a testament to past desert conditions. The primary habitat is known as the "Chad depression," characterized by an average elevation ranging from 300 to 320 meters. The park's land classification consists of vast shrublands and grasslands, creating a captivating backdrop for the diverse flora and fauna.

The climate in Waza National Park is classified as semi-arid, with irregular rainfall occurring from June to October and a dry season lasting from November to May. The park showcases a variety of vegetation types, including open combretaceous shrub savanna, anogeissus leiocarpus woodland, lannea humilis open grass savanna, acacia seyal tree savanna, and Yaéré floodplains adorned with perennial grasses. Despite the arid conditions, the park boasts patches of trees and stands of Mitragyna inermis on small islands near temporary water bodies.

As one of the largest populations of mammals in central West Africa, Waza National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. With over 30 species calling the park home, visitors can encounter red-fronted gazelles, Korrigum antelopes, Kordofan giraffes, and an impressive range of other captivating mammals. The park is also a sanctuary for an extraordinary variety of bird species, including the Marbled Duck, Ferruginous Duck, Greater Spotted Eagle, Scissor-tailed Kite, and Abyssinian roller.

Collaborating closely with international NGOs such as BirdLife International, Waza National Park is dedicated to the preservation of biodiversity. These partnerships have identified numerous unique species within the park, such as Garganey, Great White Pelican, Fox Kestrel, and African Collared-dove. However, the preservation of water supply remains a significant concern in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the park's diverse ecosystem.

Managed by the Conservation Service of the Waza National Park and the Cameroon Ministry of Environment and the Protection of Nature, the park operates in conjunction with the IUCN Waza-Logone project. Through these collaborative efforts, Waza National Park continues to thrive as a symbol of Cameroon's commitment to conservation and the protection of its natural treasures.