Gashaka-Gumti National Park

Gashaka-Gumti National Park is a protected area in Cameroon.

Gashaka-Gumti National Park at a Glance

Location
Northern Savanna & Bénoué Basin, Cameroon, West Africa
Coordinates
7.509889, 11.684041
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
November to February (dry season) for wildlife viewing in the north. Year-round for rainforest primates.

Getting to Gashaka-Gumti National Park

Nearest airport: Jalingo Airport (DNJA), 161 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aéroport International de Garoua (GOU), 275 km away.

Weather & Climate in Gashaka-Gumti National Park

The warmest temperatures in Gashaka-Gumti National Park occur in March, averaging 23.0°C (up to 27.8°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 18.3°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in February with average rainfall of 0.0mm. Average humidity: 27.4%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 20.8°C (rainfall: 0.1mm)
  • February: 22.1°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)
  • March: 23.0°C (rainfall: 36.0mm)
  • April: 22.3°C (rainfall: 92.5mm)
  • May: 21.1°C (rainfall: 222.9mm)
  • June: 19.3°C (rainfall: 316.5mm)
  • July: 18.3°C (rainfall: 381.5mm)
  • August: 18.4°C (rainfall: 330.5mm)
  • September: 18.5°C (rainfall: 418.4mm)
  • October: 19.9°C (rainfall: 239.7mm)
  • November: 21.1°C (rainfall: 30.7mm)
  • December: 21.1°C (rainfall: 0.0mm)

Best Time to Visit Gashaka-Gumti National Park

The best months to visit Gashaka-Gumti National Park are January, February, December, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 20.82°C, rainfall 0.1mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 31.4%
  • February: Great, temperature 22.12°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 27.4%
  • March: Great, temperature 23.02°C, rainfall 36mm, sunshine 9.9 hrs, humidity 49.1%
  • April: Great, temperature 22.33°C, rainfall 92.5mm, sunshine 9.4 hrs, humidity 67.4%
  • May: Good, temperature 21.14°C, rainfall 222.9mm, sunshine 9.6 hrs, humidity 80.5%
  • June: Poor, temperature 19.31°C, rainfall 316.5mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs, humidity 87.4%
  • July: Poor, temperature 18.34°C, rainfall 381.5mm, sunshine 8 hrs, humidity 90.7%
  • August: Poor, temperature 18.36°C, rainfall 330.5mm, sunshine 7.4 hrs, humidity 89.9%
  • September: Poor, temperature 18.5°C, rainfall 418.4mm, sunshine 8 hrs, humidity 90.1%
  • October: Good, temperature 19.85°C, rainfall 239.7mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 80%
  • November: Great, temperature 21.05°C, rainfall 30.7mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 54.8%
  • December: Great, temperature 21.07°C, rainfall 0mm, sunshine 11.1 hrs, humidity 35.8%

Wildlife in Gashaka-Gumti National Park

Home to 5 recorded species including 2 birds of prey, 1 primates, 1 small mammals, 1 reptiles.

Recommended Packing List for Gashaka-Gumti National Park

Based on average temperature of 20.5°C, typical conditions, humidity 65%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 20°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Similar Parks in Northern Savanna & Bénoué Basin

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Cameroon

Travel advisory for Cameroon

Gashaka-Gumti National Park FAQs

When is the optimal time to visit Gashaka-Gumti National Park for wildlife viewing and comfortable travel conditions?

The dry season, typically from November to March, offers the best conditions for exploring Gashaka-Gumti. During these months, rainfall is minimal, making roads more accessible and vegetation less dense, which improves wildlife visibility.

What unique wildlife encounters can I expect at Gashaka-Gumti, and how does it differ from more popular African safari destinations?

Gashaka-Gumti is renowned for its significant chimpanzee population and is a stronghold for the rare giant eland, alongside various other primates and a rich diversity of birdlife. Unlike crowded parks, its low visitor numbers promise an exceptionally wild and intimate encounter with nature, often requiring more active tracking.

Given its remote nature within Cameroon, what are the primary challenges and recommended logistics for reaching Gashaka-Gumti National Park?

Accessing Gashaka-Gumti typically involves flying into major Cameroonian cities like Ngaoundéré or Garoua, followed by a substantial journey over rugged terrain requiring a robust 4x4 vehicle. Due to limited infrastructure, arranging travel through a specialized tour operator with experienced local guides is highly recommended for navigation and safety.

Beyond the moderate malaria risk, what specific safety considerations and guidance are important for visitors exploring Gashaka-Gumti National Park?

Given its vast, undeveloped wilderness and low crowding, personal safety relies heavily on hiring experienced local guides who are familiar with the terrain and wildlife. Visitors should also ensure reliable communication methods, carry sufficient supplies, and be prepared for self-sufficiency in a truly remote environment.

What is the typical cost range for a safari experience in Gashaka-Gumti, and what makes it a unique value proposition compared to more commercial parks?

While specific costs vary, expect higher expenses for Gashaka-Gumti due to the logistical challenges of transport, specialized guides, and limited accommodation options in such a remote area. The unique value lies in experiencing one of Africa's least-visited and most pristine wildernesses, offering an unparalleled sense of discovery and an authentic, uncommercialized safari adventure.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Lonely Planet West Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers Ghana, Senegal, Gambia, Nigeria, Cameroon, and more. Includes national parks, wildlife reserves, and practical overland travel advice across the region.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.