I took a train to Ngaoundéré from Yaoundé which is about 832 km (516 miles), and then another 200 km (124 miles) by car or motorcycle to reach the offices of the Wildlife Conservation Society which runs the logistics for Mbam et Djerem Park. From there, we took a canoe on the Djerem river that takes six hours downstream and nine hours returning upstream against the current. While at camp, we often walk up to 20 km (12 miles) a day looking for wildlife.
Every month, I travel to Mbam et Djerem Park and the Dja Biospshere Reserve, which is about 1,000 km (621 miles) for each protected area, so about 2,000 km (1,242 miles) a month. We also walk a lot while in the forest! I started my research in January, so that is about 8,000 km (4,968 miles) so far.
There is a night train to get to the north and Mbam et Djerem which is quite easy and comfortable. The cars we hire to travel between towns can be uncomfortable as they fit 3 passengers in the front and 4 in the back of a small vehicle.
