West Africa

Background information; by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com.

This narrow country (43,483 Sq. miles / 112,621 Sq. km) in West Africa extends from the Gulf of Guinea 420 mi (675 km) north to the Niger River.

• SOUTHERN BENIN

The shoreline on the Gulf of Guinea is backed by beaches, a sandy coastal plain, and coastal lagoons and marshes. Cotonou, the largest city, and nearby Porto – Novo, the capital, have average highs of 90 - 95⁰F (32 - 35⁰C) and receive 52” (1,300 mm) of rain annually. Remnants of lowland rain forest survive in the east, but none is well protected. Palm plantations and man – made savanna now blanket most of the area. Inland the land rises gradually to a fertile plateau at 660 – 1,000” (200 – 300 m).

• NORTHERN BENIN

The Atakora Mountains run northeastward from neighboring Togo, peaking at 2,100’ (640 m). This is a scenic area with deep gorges, towering quartzite cliffs, forests, and waterfalls. Natitingou, at 1,450’ (440 m) elevation, is the chief town and the base for visits to the Tanagou waterfall and the parks. The land slopes downhill to the Pendjari River, a tributary of the Volta, at 500” (150 m), and down to the plains along the Niger River.  The annual rainfall of 40” (1,000 mm) falls from June through October, but its volume is declining. Average highs hover at 100⁰F (38⁰C) late in the dry season.  The two national parks in Benin, along with reserves in neighboring countries, protect the largest remaining expanse of West African savanna ecosystems and contain the most important concentrations of wildlife in Benin. Boucle de la Pendjari National Park (679,300 acres / 275,000 ha) has lodging, a road network, and hippo lakes. To the northeast, W du Benin National Park (1,403,300 acres / 568,000 ha), operated cooperatively by Benin, Niger, and Burkina Faso, is named for a W – shaped series of bends in the Niger River; it is less developed. Both parks contain savanna woodlands (with many acacias), wide grassy plains, gallery forests, rivers (with multi – trunked borassus palms), and seasonal marshes. The parks have similar animal populations, including warthogs, hippos, three types of duikers, red – fronted gazelles, reedbucks, kobs, roans, hartebeests, topis, bushbucks, buffalos, elephants, spotted hyenas, lions, leopards, cheetahs, baboons, and patas monkeys. Among the birds and reptiles are many seasonal waterbirds, hawks, scissor – tailed kites, secretary birds, crowned cranes, ground – hornbills, crocodiles, and pythons

Background information; by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com

This long narrow country (4,003 Sq. miles / 10,367 Sq. km) lines the Gambia River for 195 mi (315 km). Its western border is on the Atlantic Ocean:  otherwise it is surrounded by Senegal. Annual rainfall ranges from 40” (1,000 mm) on the coast to 30” (750 mm) inland. The rainy period (June through October) is followed by a long dry season. Average highs are 91 - 106⁰F (33 - 44⁰C).

• THE COAST

Banjul, the capital, is located just northeast of a string of Atlantic beach hotels. Abuko Nature Reserve (153 acres / 62 ha), located 12 mi (20 km) south of Banjul, protects a small area of tall forest, savanna, and ponds. It is home to sitatungas, bushbucks, red colobus monkeys, vervet and patas monkeys, green mambas, and pythons, plus more than 200 species of birds, including the hammerkop, palm – nut vulture, and violet and green turacos. Chimpanzees are raised here before their release on islands upriver. Gambia Saloum (Niumi / Sine) National Park (12,200 acres / 4,940 ha) on the north bank of the mouth of the Gambia River, adjacent to the Senegal border, protects coastal wetlands where many waterbirds breed.

• UPRIVER

Much of the countryside is devoted to peanut and rice crops, while most villages have tall mango and baobab trees. The rest of the land is wooded savanna and bush. Birds are abundant everywhere, and such waterbirds as herons, hammerkops, and yellow – billed storks are common until the dry season progresses (they are best seen before January). Organized boat trips on the Gambia River visit the Fort James Island ruins, 22 mi (35 km) from Banjul, which are opposite Juffure village, of Roots fame. The river is lined with mudflats and vast mangrove forests in many areas. Kiangs West National Park (27,200 acres / 11,000 ha) is located on the south bank of the river, 45 mi (75 km) east of Banjul  and just west of Tendaba, which has lodging. Gambia River National Park (6,200 acres / 2,500 ha), west of Georgetown, shelters hippos, baboons, and many birds. Several islands in the river are home to chimpanzees being reintroduced into the wild.

Background information; by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com

Ghana (92,100 Sq. miles / 238,539 Sq. km) is one of a string of countries on the Gulf of Guinea with a wetter green south merging into drier northern wooded savanna.

• THE SOUTH

Accra, the capital, is on the coast, where it is washed by a relatively cool current. It receives 28” (700 mm) of rain annually, chiefly in two rainy seasons (a greater one April through June and a lesser one September through November). Average highs are 81 - 88⁰F (27 - 31⁰C). Ghana’s coast has extensive lagoons, mangrove swamps, mudflats, and beaches (important wintering grounds for Eurasian waders), backed by scrub dotted with tall termite mounds. The inland southwestern third of the country once was covered by humid, closed – canopy forest, with a yearly rainfall of up to 86’’ (2,150 mm). Today there are 100 scattered forest reserves, chiefly south and west of the city of Kumasi. The only extensive virgin rain forest is located in Bia National Park / Biosphere Reserve on the Ivory Coast border. It and an adjacent hunting reserve cover 75,300 acres (30,500 ha) that harbor forest elephants, bongos, buffalos, giant forest hogs, duikers, leopards, chimpanzees, diana and mona monkeys, collared mangabeys, black, red, and olive colobus monkeys, crowned eagles, and  black – and yellow – casqued hornbills.

• THE NORTH

Most of interior Ghana is in the drainage area of the Volta River. The Akwapim – Togo ranges start near Accra and rise to 2, 900’’ (885 m) on the Togo border. West of the mountains a huge dam has formed massive Lake Volta, which rises and falls with the rainfall cycles. Digya National Park (772,110 acres / 312,595 ha) occupies a peninsula on the western side of the lake. It contains savanna woodland and gallery forest with elephants, hippos, buffalos, bushbucks, reedbucks, Kobs, and black colobus and patas monkeys. Bui National Park (511,900 acres/ 207,250 ha), on the Black Volta River in the west, has hippos, roans, and other savanna wildlife. The finest wildlife viewing in the north can be had at Mole National Park (1,213, 860 acres / 491,440 ha), northwest of the town of Larabanga, which contains several lodges, miles of tracks, water holes, and a range of habitats from forest to grassland. It receives 48’’ (1,200 mm) of rain in its June through September wet season.  Wildlife is most visible late in the dry season. Mammals include the elephant, buffalo, roan, Kob, waterbuck, bushbuck, hartebeest, oribi, red – flanked duiker, black colobus, baboon, lion, leopard, side – striped jackal, wild dog, and spotted hyena. More than 315 species of birds occur here, including the stone partridge, violet turaco, red – throated bee – eater, and double – toothed barbet.

Background information; by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com

Guinea, with an area of 94,925 Sq. miles (245,856 Sq. km), borders the Atlantic Ocean and has extensive mountains in the interior.  Conakry, the capital, is located on the coast, opposite the Los Islands, home to the blue – breasted kingfisher. The city receives 165” (4,125 mm) of rain yearly, chiefly from May through November. Average highs are 82 - 90⁰F (28 - 32⁰C). The coast is quite indented, with many estuaries and mangrove swamps important to wintering wading birds. Inland, the mountains of the Fouta Djallon rise steeply, culminating at Mount Laura at 4,970’’ (1,515 m).  Some 20 percent of Guinea is above 3,300’’ (1,000 m) and was once covered with moist forest. As the headwater region for the Gambia, Senegal, and Niger rivers, the Fouta Djallon has many waterfalls.  Its northwestern and northeastern slopes, in the rain shadow, are covered with dry Sudan savanna habitats dotted with baobab trees. Badiar National Park (94,400 acres / 38,200 ha), adjacent to Senegal’s Niokola – Koba National Park, is home to elephants, roans, kobs, leopards, spotted hyenas, and baboons. The mountainous spine runs southeastward into a forested region around the highland town of N’Zere’ kore.  Biosphere reserves have been declared at two strict nature reserves. Massif du Ziama (286,940 acres / 116,170 ha) and Mount Nimba (42,311 acres / 17,130 ha).  The latter, which has a sister park in Ivory Coast, has primary montane forest and high – elevation grassland. Its wildlife highlights include chimpanzees and other primates, pygmy hippos, buffalos, duikers, dwarf otter - shrews, and montane birds.

Background information; by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com

This relatively small country (13, 948 Sq. miles / 36,125 Sq. km) is wedged between Senegal, Guinea, and the Atlantic Ocean. About 96’’ (2,400 mm) of rain falls between June and November, followed by a long dry season that is very hot from March onward.  Bissau, the capital, is on a wide estuary lined with mangrove forests and rice paddies. Inland there is a mosaic of forest and wooded savanna. In the southeast elevations rise to 660” (200 m) in the foothills of Guinea’s Fouta Djallon. There may soon be several reserves in selected forests, but the elephants, giraffes, and lions were eliminated by hunting long ago. The beautiful Bijagos Archipelago, 103 islands scattered southwest of Bissau, are lightly populated; some forests are home to the gray parrot. Sea turtles nest on the beaches, while vast numbers of wading birds winter on the islands. Many of these islands may become part of a proposed biosphere reserve.

Background information; by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com

This country, which faces the western end of the Gulf of the Guinea, has three (3) major regions; the rain forests of the south, with two rainy seasons; the western highlands; and the drier savanna woodland of the north, with a single summer rainy season. The center of the country is a transitional mosaic of the three. The total area of Ivory Coast is 124, 503 Sq. miles (322, 463 Sq. km).

• THE SOUTHERN RAIN FORESTS

Abidjan, the capital, is located in a coastal plain among vast lagoons that lie behind a series of long sand bars. Its 77” (1,925 mm) of annual rain is heaviest between April and July and in October and November. Average highs are 82 - 90⁰F (28 - 32⁰C).  Banco National Park (7,400 acres / 3,000 ha) is a small patch of rain forest just northeast of Abidjan. Bird - watching is good along its forest tracks, but most of the primates and antelopes have been poached. Azagny National Park (46,900 acres / 19,000 ha), located on the coast near Grand – Lahou (west of Abidjan), has savanna and swamp forest with manatees, chimpanzees, elephants, and buffalos. The largest remaining tract of lowland rain forest in western Africa is protected in Tai National Park / World Heritage Site / Biosphere Reserve (864,500 acres / 350,000 ha), near the Liberia border. Massive towering trees rise above a rich ground flora. The wildlife here, much of it endangered, is often shy, nocturnal, or hard to see in the canopy. Tai has the last viable population of pygmy hippopotamuses, and is home to six duikers – banded, bay, black, Jentick’s, Ogilby’s , and yellow – backed – and such primates as the collared mangabey, diana monkey, chimpanzee, and three colobus species. Other mammals in residence include the tiny royal antelope, the water chevrotain, the bongo, the elephant, three pangolin species, and the golden cat. Among the birds of note are the white – breasted guineafowl and white – necked rock fowl.

• THE WESTERN HIGHLANDS

Man, the chief highland town, is located in an area of beautiful forested mountains; it is a center of the Dan people, famous for their masks and stilt dances. A road climbs up 3,900” (1,190 – m) Mount Tonkoui past forests and waterfalls.  Forest mammals and birds may be seen in Mount Peko National Park (84, 000 acres / 34,000 ha) to the south and Mount Sangbe National Park (234,700 acres / 95,000 ha) to the northeast. The Odienne highlands continue north in ever – drier country. The Mount Nimba Strict  Nature Reserve / World Heritage Site (12,400 acres / 5,000 ha), on the border with Guinea and Liberia, is a massive granitic inselberg 25 mi (40 km) long and rich in iron ore. From 2,600” (800 m) to its peak at 6,069” (1,850 m), an area of mist forest and natural highland grassland, there is often heavy cloud. The reserve is most interesting for its endemic plants and smaller animals, but also has chimpanzees, bongos, and forest buffalos.

• THE NORTHERN SAVANNAS

In the southern portions of the country’s savannas, Marahoue National Park (249,500 acres / 101,000 ha), northwest of the town of Bouafl’e , has dome – like hills bordering the Bandama River. Wildlife includes the elephant, hippo, buffalo, red river hog, warthog, waterbuck, hartebeest, kob, reedbuck, and chimpanzee. Ivory Coast’s major savanna park is Comoe National Park / Biosphere Reserve / World Heritage Site (2,840,500 acres / 1,150,000 ha), in the northeast, with lodging and a fine network of tracks. It is well forested in the south, with drier savanna woodland to the north and grassy floodplains and gallery forests by the Comoe River. Annual rainfall reaches 44” (1,100 mm), followed by a long dry season in winter and spring. The park contains primates such as the black – and – white colobus, patas monkey, and baboon: many antelopes, including the roan, oribi, Kob, hartebeest, waterbuck, and bushbuck; and elephants, hippos, buffalos, spotted hyenas, and lions. As for birds, 445 species have been recorded, and secretary birds, bustards, and ground – hornbills walk the grasslands. Among the park’s reptiles are all three African crocodile species, as well as monitor lizards and snakes.

Background information; by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com

This inland country, formerly called Upper Volta, lies to the south of the bi, bend in the Niger River, which does not enter Burkina Faso’s borders, and occupies an area of 105,869 Sq. miles (274,200 Sq. km). Most of the land is on the southward – tilting Mossi Plateau at 660 – 1,650” (200 – 500 m) elevation.

• THE SOOTHWEST BURKINA FASO

The most pleasant area is the hill country in the far west, which reaches 2,405” (733 m) in elevation. There are a number of waterfalls hereabouts during the rainy season (June through September). Lake Tangrela, just west of Banfora, has hippos. The Black Volta River area in the far south gets 40” (1,000 mm) of rain each summer; its open forests are taller and have more species of trees than areas to the north. Along the river, Deux Bales Classified Forest (139,800 acres / 56,600 ha) and Bontioli Total Faunal Reserve (60,500 acres / 24,500 ha) have been subject to heavy poaching and have few larger animals remaining.

• THE CENTER

Ouagadougou, the capital, receives 35” (875 mm) of rain each year, mainly in the summer. Temperatures are high year – round, with average highs over 100⁰F (38⁰C) from March through May. The vegetation in the central region is of the dry Sudan savanna type, with open grassland and deciduous trees. Sahel Partial Faunal Reserve (2,865,200 acres / 1,160,000 ha) in the northeast is now degraded due to the influx of poor nomads and their domestic animals, but the Seno – Mango area to the west has intact Sahel vegetation. Kabore – Tambi National Park (599,500 acres / 242,700 ha), south of the capital, is not developed for tourism. Visitors are allowed at the nearby private Nazinga Game Ranch, west of Po. Wooded savanna and grassland in the region support elephants, lions, buffalos, waterbucks, Kobs, reedbucks, roans, oribis, bushbucks, baboons, and patas and vervet monkeys.

• THE SOUTHEASTERN PARKS

Located where Burkina Faso meets Benin and Niger.  W du Burkina Faso National Park (469,300 acres / 190,000 ha) was named for a series of bends in the nearby Niger River. Not developed for tourism, it protects open and wooded savanna that is home to many large mammals. Arly (Arli)Partial Faunal Reserve ( 187,700 acres / 76,000 ha), on the north bank of the Pendjari River, and a series of flanking faunal reserves offer some protection for animals and have facilities for visitors. There are permanent ponds along the Pendjari, as well as temporary ponds in the wet season. These parks have crocodiles, lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, hippos, buffalos, waterbucks, Kobs, roans, hartebeests, topis, bushbucks, and red – flanked duikers.

Background information; by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com

Cameroon (183,591 Sq. miles / 475,500 Sq. km), on the Gulf of Guinea, extends from 2⁰ to 12⁰ north of the equator. It has bands of most West African ecological zones, from rain forest in the south to near – desert in the north, as well as spectacular mountain scenery. It has the best park and reserve system in West Africa, but the montane forests and lowland rain forests need more protection.

• SOUTHERN CAMEROON

Douala is Cameroon’s largest city and port, and has the main airport. It is one of the world’s rainiest cities, receiving 154” (3,850 mm) a year; the drier season is December through February. Average highs are in the high 80s and low 90s F (low 30s C) year – round. The 360 – mi (590 – km) coastline is highly indented and encompasses rocky areas, beaches, rivers, and mangrove and swamp forests. Limbe, a beach resort on the Gulf of Guinea below Mount Cameroon, has a good botanical garden. Douala – Edea Faunal Reserve (395,200 acres / 160,000 ha) protects lagoons and rain forest near the mouth of the Sanaga River, 54 mi (90 km) south of Douala. Its wildlife includes the elephant, hippo, manatee, sitatunga, blue duiker, and giant pangolin, and such primates as De Brazza’s and greater spot – nosed monkeys, black and red colobus monkeys, white – collared and gray – cheeked mangabeys, mandrills, and chimpanzees. Campo Faunal Reserve (74,100 acres / 30,000 ha), south of the beach – resort town of Kribi near Equatorial Guinea, is also rich in primates, but both reserves have suffered from poaching. Inland the country is a hilly plateau that was once heavily forested.  Yaounde, the capital; at 2,500” (770 m) elevation, receives 61” (1,525 mm) of rain annually. Dja Forest and Faunal Reserve / World Heritage Site / Biosphere Reserve (1,299, 200 acres / 526,000 ha), to the southeast, is home to traditional Pygmy peoples and rain – forest wildlife. There is a plan to create a three – nation rain – forest park in the southeastern corner of Cameroon near the Sangha River, linking the area with existing parks in Congo and Central African Republic.

• THE MOUNTAINS

West of Douala, West Africa’s only active volcano and tallest mountain rises above the sea: Mount Cameroon (13,353” / 4,070 m) is one of the wettest places in the world, with 400” (10,000 mm) of rain a year. Buea is a town on its southeastern flank, 3,000” (900 m) above the beach resort of Limbe. Visitors must hire guides to explore the montane forest or to do the three – day climb to the peak. The forest gives way to high grassland at 9,000” (2,700 m). The Mount Cameroon francolin is found only here, and other birds with small ranges, such as the gray – necked rock fowl and green – breasted bush – shrike, also occur. There are 22 species of birds restricted to the Cameroon montane forest, with several dozen more shared only with the Gulf of Guinea islands. Korup National Park (311,000 acres / 125,900 ha), located to the north of Mount Cameroon on the border with Nigeria, has a great variety of endangered primates and birds in a pristine area of exceptionally diverse rain forest. Bamenda is a hill town in the center of the southern end of the largest arc of mountains in West Africa. These cool, formerly forested highlands with many lakes, gorges, and steep escarpments have been turned into grazing lands. Mount Oku (9,900” / 3,000 m high), north of Bamenda, has tall Podocarpus forest and is home to such rarities as Bannermann’s turaco, the banded wattle – eye, and Preuss’s monkey. Small Kimbi River Faunal Reserve (13,894 acres / 5,625 ha) is home to the mona monkey, buffalo, Kob, and waterbuck. The center of the country is a plateau with a mosaic of farms, secondary grassland, and patches of forest. Just north of the town of Ngaoundere’, the Amadawa Mountains run east – west, topping elevations of 6,600” (2,000 m), with volcanic craters, lakes, and lava flows.

• NORTHERN CAMEROON

North of the Adamawa Mountains the climate is much drier, with a single wet season from April through September. Rainfall decreases northward, ranging from 70” to 40” (1,750 – 1,000 mm) annually. Most parks are open only from mid – November through mid – May or June due to flooded areas and muddy roads in the wet season. South of the town of Garoua, site of a wildlife institute, the Benue River drains west to the Niger River. There are three (3) national parks here that were established for the protection of the black rhino and the Derby eland. Faro National Park (815,100 acres / 330,000 ha), Be’noue’ National Park (Biosphere Reserve (444,600 acres / 180,000 ha), and Bouba Ndjidah National Park (543,400 acres / 220,000 ha) are located in wet Guinea savanna with rocky outcrops, plains, woodlands, and hills inhabited by elephants, hippos, red – flanked duikers, oribis, kobs, lelwel hartebeests, waterbucks, reedbucks, roans, bushbucks, topis, warthogs, lions, leopards, cheetahs, caracals, and spotted hyenas. Farther north the woodlands are drier, and there are areas of dry Sahel acacia savanna. The rivers overflow in the wet season and pour into Lake Chad. Waza National Park (419,900 acres/ 170,000 ha) has lodging, tracks, and blinds at water holes. Animals feed in western woodlands until mid – March, then move out into the grassy plains until the rains come. This is one of the last places in West Africa to see giraffes. The park’s other highlights are plentiful of antelopes – chiefly kobs, reedbucks, roans, and topis – and a fewer numbers of elephants, striped hyenas, sand foxes, cats, and red – fronted gazelles. Birds include the ostrich, bateleur, crowned – crane, and Arabian bustard. Walking is permitted in Kalamaloue National Park (11,100 acres / 4,500 ha) on the Logone River near N’Djamena, Chad. Within the Park are hippos, elephants, and many antelopes, as well as Abyssinian roller and nesting colonies of carmine and red – throated bee – eaters.

Background information: by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com

This small, three – part country was formerly called Spanish Guinea. The mainland section (10,040 Sq. miles / 26,000 Sq. km), situated between Cameroon and Gabon, and is called Mbini (formerly Rio Muni). The main city, Bata, is on the Gulf of Guinea. The coastal plain rises up in steps to an interior marked by granitic inselbergs and mountains rising to 3,900’ (1,200 m). The Spanish has established several good parks, but these have been abandoned. There are proposals to set up a number of reserves south of the Uolo River to protect gorillas, chimpanzees, buffalos, hippos, and gray – necked rock fowl. Bioko (formerly Fernando Poo), a rugged island (779 Sq. miles / 2,018 Sq. km) 20 mi (35 km) off Cameroon with three 10,000” (3,000 – m) volcanoes, is also part of Equatorial Guinea. The island’s lowlands are covered with plantations and some lush rain forest. Higher up montane forest, tree ferns, and alpine meadows prevail. Many interesting birds and primates reside on Bioko. Reserves are proposed on Basile volcano, in the southern part of the Island, and at beaches where sea turtles are known to breed. Rainfall reaches an astounding 456” (1,400 mm) annually in places (giving the island claim to some of the wettest land on earth); Malabo, the capital, receives 68’’ (1,700 mm). The third part of Equatorial Guinea lies 325 mi (525 km) southwest of Mbini; the island of Annobon (or Pagalu; 7 Sq. miles / 18 Sq. km), a jumble of volcanic peaks that is the only home of two birds, the Annobon white - eye and a race of rufous – bellied paradise – flycatcher.

Background information; By edgardowelelo@yahoo.com

Formerly part of French Equatorial Africa, Gabon lies on the equator where the Atlantic Ocean meets rain forest. The climate is hot, wet, and humid all year, but somewhat drier and cooler from June through August. Rainfall varies by locality from 50” to 100” (1,250 – 2,500 mm), while average high temperatures are 82 - 90⁰F (28 - 32⁰C). Rain forest, a third of it very pristine, covers 85 percent of the country’s 103,089 Sq. miles (268, 031 Sq. km).

• THE COAST

Northwest of Libreville, the capital, is Cap Esterias, a peninsula with nice beaches and roadside swamp forest that is home to birds such as the rosy bee – eater. Ferries and flights connect the capital with Port – Gentil, a major port to the south. The north – flowing currents offshore host humpback and sperm whales, tarpons, and swordfish. The vast Wonga – Wongue National Park (938,600 acres/380,000 ha), between the two cities, is well protected from poachers, but is open only to presidential parties hunting elephants, buffalos, sitatungas, and bongos. Gabon has a coastal plain ranging from 30 mi to 90 mi (50 – 150 km) wide that has relict and man – made savannas, rain forest, lagoons, mangroves, and fine beaches. Recently enlarged Petit Loango National Park (1,185,600 acres / 480,000 ha) is the only place in Africa where gorillas might be seen along a beach; it also harbors chimpanzees (among a dozen primates), forest elephants, manatees, various antelopes, and nesting leatherback sea turtles. There are a number of faunal and hunting reserves southward on the coast and inland, including Moukalaba – Dougoula Faunal Reserve (197,600 acres / 80,000 ha) and the Mont Fouari area on the Congo border.

• THE INTERIOR

The Ogoou’e River and its tributaries drain most of the country. Lambarene is a river island city, reachable by air and road from Libreville.  Albert Schweitzer’s hospital, home, office, and library are still open on the north bank nearby. Pirogue (a canoe – like boat) trips of a few hours upriver to Lac Zile as well as overnight water safaris allow visitors to see hippos, forest – edge birds, and sandbank birds such as the white – crowned lapwing and gray pratincole. Lope Faunal Reserve (1,235,000 acres / 500,000 ha) and adjacent Lope – Okanda Hunting Reserve extend from the river south to Mount Iboundji, Gabon’s highest peak  at 5,167’’ (1,575 m). The parks have road and air access, as well as lodging. Buffalos, elephants, and mandrills inhabit the heavy forest and savanna. The wildest rain forests and swamp forests are in the northeast, where some mountaintops are covered with elfin (stunted) woodland. Gorillas, chimpanzees, numerous other primates, elephants, more than 400 bird species, and Gabon adders are widespread. Ipassa – Makokou Strict Nature Reserve (37,100 acres / 15,000 ha), located in rain forest, has hosted a rich fauna but suffers from hunting and logging.

Background information; by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com

West of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Congo River, and east of Cameroon and Gabon, Congo (formerly the Moyen – Congo sector of French Equatorial Africa) has 10 percent of the remaining rain forest in Africa, but only 4 percent of the country’s total area (132,000 Sq. miles / 342,000 Sq. km) is protected in parks and reserves.

• THE SOUTH

Brazzaville, the capital, is located on the west bank of the Congo River below Stanley Pool and above the Congo Rapids. It receives 58’’ (1,450 mm) of rain annually, chiefly between September and May. Average highs are 90 - 99⁰F (32 - 37⁰C). The environs west into the Niari Valley and north onto the Bateke Plateau (1,600 – 2,100” / 500 – 650 m) feature cultivated land, secondary grassland, and patches of forest.  Lefini Faunal Reserve (1,556,100 acres / 630,000 ha), 90 mi (150 km) north of Brazzaville, has buffalos and waterbucks. The port / resort of Pointe Noire, on the Atlantic, has a cool and dry climate for its latitude. Conkouari Fauna Reserve (741,000 acres / 300,000 ha), to the north of Pointe – Noire, has fine white – sand beaches, several lagoons with manatees, grassland with waterbucks, and steep forested hills with elephants, gorillas, and chimpanzees. The jagged Mayombe Mountains, which reach 3,050” (930 m) on the Gabon border, are home to several small reserves. Mont Fouari Faunal Reserve (38,500 acres / 15,600 ha) is home to buffalos, waterbucks, bushbucks, bush pigs, gorillas, and chimpanzees. Nearby Nyanga Nord Faunal Reserve (19,000 acres / 7,700 ha) protects forest remnants and a river with hippos.

• THE NORTH

Reachable chiefly by air and boat, this region’s vast areas of rain forest are home to Ba Aka Pygmies. It receives 72’’ (1,800 mm) of rain annually, and is somewhat drier in January and from June through August. On the remote lakes and rivers, and in the swamp forests of Likouala province, between the Sangha and Ubangi rivers, there have been numerous reported sightings of a long – necked swamp dinosaur, the Mokele – Mbembe.  Nouabale - Ndoki National Park, northeast of the town of Ouesso, is located in an area of forest and clearings on the Central African Republic border that shelters thousands of relatively tame elephants and swamp – dwelling lowland gorillas, as well as bongos, forest buffalos, and leopards. Odzala National Park / Biosphere Reserve (311,220 acres / 126,000 ha), southwest of Ouesso, adjoins Lekoli – Pandaka Faunal Reserve (168,500 acres / 68,200 ha). Habitats include rain forest, marshes, Lake Moba, man – made savanna (poor grassland), and natural salt pans. Among the wildlife are isolated lions and spotted hyenas in the savanna, and elephants, forest buffalos, giant forest hogs, bongos, sitatungas, duikers, and many primates, including gorillas and chimpanzees, elsewhere.

Background information; by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com

This nation of 240,376 Sq. miles (622,573 Sq. km) has wet rain forest in the southwest, wetter Guinea savanna in the center, and drier Sudan savanna in the north. From the sandstone Ubangi Plateau, waters flow south to the Congo and north to basins in Chad and to Lake Chad. Vast areas of the country are open to hunters. There are still large numbers of animals inside and outside parks, but the elephant, black rhino, lowland gorilla, and leopard have been hit hard by poachers.

• THE SOUTHWEST

Bangui, the capital, is located on the Ubangi River, which affords access via riverboats to Congo and DRC. It gets 60” (1,500 mm) of rain, chiefly from March through November. Average highs are 84 - 93°F (29 -34°C), with highest temperatures February through April. The south is a mosaic of farms, secondary grasslands, and rain forests. In the far southwest, on the Central African Republic border with Congo and Cameroon, there is rain forest and swamp forest along the Sangha River, where annual rainfall exceeds 80’’ (2,000 mm). Dzanga – Ndoki National Park (301,300 acres / 122,000 ha) and adjacent faunal reserves are part of a three (3) nation park project with Cameroon and Congo. Core areas are restricted to research and tourism, while buffer areas are managed for traditional hunting and gathering activities by resident Pygmies and other locals. Primates found here include the lowland gorilla, chimpanzee, mustached and greater spot – nosed monkeys, gray – cheeked mangabey, and red colobus. Among other wildlife are forest races of the elephant and buffalo, the bongo, sitatunga, giant forest hog, Gabon adder, python, and many birds.

• THE NORTHEAST

The Bongo Massif of the northeast culminates at 4,600’ (1,400 m), forming the divide between the Nile, Chad, and Congo River basins. Annual rainfall is about 40’’ (1,000 mm). The area has dense woodlands, vast grassy floodplains, tall termite mounds, and rich gallery forests along the many northwest – flowing rivers. There are three (3) major national parks, each surrounded by faunal reserves. Until recently these parks had the largest concentration of black rhinos anywhere. Manovo – Gounda – Saint Floris National Park / World Heritage Site (4,297,800 acres / 1,740,000 ha), on the Chad border, is home to the 265’’ (80 – m) Matakil waterfall, and is reachable by charter aircraft from Bangui; there are lodgings at Koumbala and Gounda and a good network of roads. The park is home to ten species of primates, such hoofed mammals as hippos, pigs, giraffes, giant elands, roans, oribis, red – fronted gazelles, reedbucks, topis, hartebeests, buffalos, and kobs, and the forest and savanna races of elephant. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, golden cats, spotted hyenas, and wild dogs represent the carnivores. Nile perch, tilapia, and catfish become trapped in the receding waters of the floodplains, attracting a spectacular variety of large wading birds, including shoebills. More than 400 species of birds have been recorded here. Bamingui – Bangoran National Park / World Heritage Site (2,642,900 acres / 1,070,000 ha) is to the west; to the east is Andre Felix National Park (419,900 acres / 170,000 ha). The dry season (November through May) is the best time to visit the three (3) parks.

Background information; by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com

Covering 43,000 Sq. miles (111,370 Sq. km), Liberia has a 300 – mi (500 – km) coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. Monrovia, the capital, on the western coast, gets 192’’ (4,800 mm) of rain annually, with a lull from January through March. Average highs are 81 - 88°F (27 - 31°C), accompanied by high humidity. A series of large rivers flow into the sea from the even wetter highlands. The Wologizi Mountains in the north, Mount Nimba in the northeast, and the Putu range in the south have elevations well over 3,300’’ (1,000 m).  Half the country is still covered with closed – canopy rain forest, 30 percent of which is protected in ten (10) national forests and one national park. Sapo National Park (322,945 acres / 130, 747 ha) in the southern interior has dense virgin rain forest populated by forest elephants, pygmy hippopotamuses, bongos, bushbucks, royal antelopes, duikers (Jentick’s , banded, black, and others ), chimpanzees, diana monkeys, and three colobines. More than 300 species of birds are known, including the white – breasted guineafowl and white – necked rock fowl.  Loffa – Mano National Park (568,100 acres / 230,000 ha), on the Sierra Leone border, has many rivers with rapids in heavy forest, supporting similar wildlife to that of Sapo. Other parks and reserves have been proposed along the Cavally and Cestos rivers, in the highlands, and around Cape Mount and Lake Piso.

Background information; by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com

Africa’s most heavily populated nation is located between the Gulf of Guinea and Lake Chad. The original vegetation of the south is wet rain forest merging northward into wooded savanna; there are some dry, Sahel – like, semi – arid areas in the northeast. The Niger River flows in from the northwest and is joined by the Benue River, which drains northeastern Nigeria. About 4.5 percent of the country’s 356,669 Sq. miles (923,773 Sq. km) is protected in reserves. Poaching, logging, and illegal grazing plague all areas, so the surviving mammals are shy of humans.

• THE WET SOUTH

Lagos, the former capital, in the southwest, receives 72” (1,800 mm) of annual rain, chiefly between March and November. Average highs of 82⁰ - 90⁰F (28 - 32⁰C) are accompanied by high humidity. Nearby are large lagoons and marshlands with many birds. Omo Strict Nature Reserve / Biosphere Reserve (1,140 acres / 460 ha), northeast of Lagos, protects elephants, duikers, and birds in a fragment of lowland rain forest near the Omo River. Okomu Game Reserve (305,800 acres / 123,800 ha), west of Benin City, 120 mi (200 km) east of Lagos, is home to the mona monkey and the white – throated guenon. The delta of the Niger River and coastal areas to the east are a maze of waterways, mangroves, and swamp forests with no parks. North of Calabar, along the border with Cameroon, is Cross River National Park (1,044, 039 acres / 422, 688 ha). The southern sector and nearby Boshi – Okwango Game Reserve protect lowland rain forest with many primates, including Nigeria’s last lowland gorillas, and birds, such as the gray – necked rock fowl. Annual rainfall exceeds 100” (2,500 mm), causing frequent mist in the mountains. The northern sector of Cross River Park in the Obudu plateau has grassland and rich montane forest on slopes populated by the emerald cuckoo, bar – tailed trogon, and many birds not found to the west. The Obudu Cattle Ranch has lodging in a scenic area south of Mount Sonkwala (6,200” / 1,890 m).

• THE INTERIOR

Stretching from the Niger River in the west to Lake Chad in the east, interior Nigeria dries out to the north. Central Nigerian localities may receive up to 60’’ (1,500 mm) of rain annually in two rainy seasons. In the far north, including the environs of the ancient city of Kano, there is a single summer rainy season that brings only 24’’ (600 mm). Average highs in Kano are 84°F (29°C) during the rains of August, and 100°F (38°C) late in the dry season in April. The main sector of Kainji Lake National Park (1,319, 183 acres / 534,082 ha) lies to the west of a huge reservoir on the Niger River near the Benin border. There is lodging, and many tracks cross the mosaic of wooded savanna, grassland, and riverine forest. The waters are home to manatees, hippos, and crocodiles. The park’s land mammals include elephants, buffalos, kobs, roans, hartebeests, bushbucks, oribis, lions, leopards, side – striped jackals, wild dogs, and patas monkeys. The park is also home to 360 species of savanna birds. The Jos Plateau, around the highland town of Jos, has the westernmost Klipspringers. Yankari Game Reserve (554,300 acres / 224,400 ha), 150 mi (240 km) east of Jos, has tracks crossing the swamp, woods, grassland. Lodging is available at Wikki Warm Springs. The park’s rivers have both Nile and long – snouted crocodiles as well as hippos. Among the park’s mammals are lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, roans, waterbucks, bushbucks, hartebeests, common duikers, warthogs, a few giraffes, and many baboons. There are more than 300 birds, including the white – headed vulture, bateleur, western gray plantain – eater, blue – breasted Kingfisher, and piapiac. Gashaka / Gumti National Park (1,571,700 acres / 636,300 ha) is located on the Cameroon border, with a mix of savanna and montane fauna on the slopes of Mount Gotel (7,933’’ 2,418m). Chad Bain National Park (112,869 acres / 45,696 ha) protects marshy habitats around Lake Chad. Drought and water – diversion schemes are shrinking this lake, which formerly was lined with mammals and home to millions of birds.

Background information: by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com

Located on the Atlantic Ocean at the western tip of Africa, Senegal surrounds Gambia. Generally flat or rolling country with hills in the southeast, Senegal has a total area of 76,124 Sq. miles (197,161 Sq. km). Most of it is covered with dry Sahel woodland, while the center and the southeast have taller deciduous woodlands, dotted with baobabs. The Casamance region in the south has some tall evergreen forest. Annual rainfall reaches only 12’’ (300 mm) in the north, but increases to 40’’ (1,000 mm) to the south, and even 60’’ (1,500 mm) locally in the Casamance. Rain falls chiefly between June and September, longer in the south. Temperatures are cooler on the coast.

• NORTHERN SENEGAL

Dakar, the capital, on the Cape Verde Peninsula, gets 21’’ (533 mm) of rain yearly and has average highs of 79 – 90°F (26 – 32 Degrees Centigrade’s). Iles de la Madeleine National Park (1,100 acres / 450 ha) is a group of three volcanic rocks 2.5 mi (4 km) offshore, with dwarf baobabs, red – billed tropic birds, cormorants, brown boobies, and bridled terns.  Many birds, including the splendid sunbird, live in the baobab forests northeast of Dakar. Saint – Louis, on Senegal’s northern coast, is an old city at the mouth of the Senegal River. The Senegal River’s floodwaters are decreasing, due to drought and upstream dams. Langue de Barbarie National Park (4,900 acres / 2,000 ha) is a long sand spit 11 mi (18 km) south of town, with boat access; it has nesting gulls, terns, and sea turtles. Djoudj National Park / World Heritage Site (39,500 acres / 16,000 ha), about 34 mi (55 km) northeast of Saint – Louis, has lodging and tracks and boats that offer access to seasonal  lakes, channels, grassland, and riverine woodland. It harbors a large – nesting colony of great white pelicans, and is a major wintering area for Eurasian ducks and waders. African ducks, geese, jacanas, and crowned cranes are among the 300 species that have been recorded. Mammals include the warthog, golden jackal, patas monkey, and reintroduced dorcas gazelle. Ndiael Bird Reserve (114,980 acres / 46,550 ha) lies to the east, on the west bank of Lake Ndiael, an important seasonal wetland. The adjacent Ferlo -  Nord  and Ferlo - Sud Faunal Reserve (total combined area 2,766,400 acres / 1,120,000 ha)in northeastern Senegal protect Sahelian wildlife.

• SOUTHERN SENEGAL

Delta du Saloum National Park (187, 700 acres / 76,000 ha), located on the coast just north of Gambia, has lodging at Keur Saloum near the mouths of the Sine and Saloum rivers. Its mangroves, mudflats, and sand spits (reachable by boat) have many waterbirds, a few manatees, and some nesting flamingos. Red colobus monkeys live in the upland Fathala forest sector. South of Gambia, the Casamance River is lined with mangroves and rice paddies. The port of Ziguinchor, on the Casamance, has storks, vultures, and pink – backed pelicans nesting in the city’s shade trees. Thirty – seven miles (59 km) southwest, en route to the beach resort of Cap Skiring, Basse – Casamance National Park (12,400 acres   / 5,000 ha ) has the last tall, moist tropical forest in Senegal, with mona and red colobus monkeys, duikers, bushbucks, buffalos, and a few sitatungas. There are many forest – undergrowth birds, as well as palm – nut vultures, crowned eagles, blue – bellied rollers and yellow – casqued hornbills.

• EASTERN SENEGAL

The best park for wildlife viewing in Senegal is Niokolo – Koba National Park / Biosphere Reserve / World Heritage Site (2,255,100 acres / 913,000 ha), on the Guinea border southeast of the town of Tambacounda. It has flat woodland, grassland, seasonally flooded wetlands, and gallery forest. The park receives 40” (1,000 mm) of rain yearly and is open from December to May, in the dry season. Facilities include an airstrip, tracks, open – air game viewing vehicles, and a river – bluff lodge at Simenti. The Gambia River, which passes through the park, is home to hippos, elephants, three crocodile species, the crocodilebird, and the Nile monitor lizard. The more common hoofed mammals in Niokolo – Koba are the Kob, waterbuck, reedbuck, hartebeest, bushbuck, roan, and buffalo. There are also a few elusive herds of Derby elands. Predators include wild dogs, lions, and leopards. Chimpanzees live on remote Mount Assirik (1,020” / 311 m) in the eastern part of the park. The 350 bird species include the goliath heron, bateleur, stone partridge, and violet turaco.

Background information: by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com

A humid country on the Atlantic Ocean, Sierra Leone (27,699 Sq. miles / 71,740 Sq. km) has a high – sun rainy season from April through November, with a peak in July and August. Freetown, the capital, gets 134” (3,345 mm) of annual rain; average highs vary from 82⁰F to 88⁰F (28 - 31⁰C). It sits at the northern end of the Freetown Peninsula, where 374 species of birds have been seen. Western Forest Reserve (43,689 acres / 17,688 ha), on the peninsula, protects the most westerly large area of tall rain forest in Africa, situated in a coastal mountain range almost 3,000” (900 m) high, with annual rainfall of 240” (6,000 mm). A paved road through forest up to Guma Dam provides access to such birds as the white – crested and yellow – casqued hornbills. The coast of Sierra Leone has fine beaches, with extensive stands of mangroves at river mouths. Outamba – Kilimi National Park (199,608 acres / 80,813 ha) sits on the Guinea border between the Little Scarcies and Great Scarcies  rivers in the far north. This inland hilly area is drier, receiving only 70” (1,750 mm) of rain annually. The park’s habitats –  wooded savanna, grassland, forest, and swamp – support chimpanzees, forest elephants, buffalos, waterbucks, hippos, and crocodiles. There are three (3) forest reserves in the northeast, including Loma Mountains Forest Reserve (82,006 acres / 33,201 ha), which is topped by Mount Bintimani (6,390” / 1,948 m) and home to the great blue turaco and the rare Cassin’s hawk – eagle. The far south gets 160” (4,000 mm) of rain a year, but only 5 percent of the original rain forest remains. Tiwai Island Wildlife Sanctuary is a proposed biosphere reserve in the Moa River, 11 mi (18 km) southeast of Potoru, with 11 species of primates, plus pygmy hippos. Gola Forest Reserve, on the Liberia border, shrinks yearly, as a refugee, logging, and hunting problems mount. It has had the banded duiker, three colobines, the diana monkey, the white – breasted guineafowl, and the white – necked rock fowl.

Backround information; by edgardowelelo@yahoo.com

Stretching 340 mi (550 km) from the Gulf of Guinea north to Burkina Faso, Togo averages only 60 mi (100 km) wide: its total area is 21,853 Sq. miles (56,599 Sq. km). The south has two wet seasons (April through July, and October and November), while the north has a single wet season, June through September. Lom’e , the capital, is on the coast. It gets only 24” (600 mm) of rain a year due to a cool current. Kpalime, 90 mi (147 km) northwest of Lom’e, gets 70” (1,750 mm) of rain annually. There is some forest around the nearby hill town of Kloto, where the white – crested hornbill, red - billed helmet – shrike, and black winged Oriole occur. Fazao – Malfakassa National Park (474,200 acres/ 192,000 ha) is located on the Ghana border, 38 mi (61 km) ssouthwest of the town of Sokod’e. It features lines of cliffs 1,640” (500 m) tall, gorges, tree savanna, and hill forest. There is good lodging, but illegal gold mining and poaching are rampant. It has the bongo, sitatunga, lion, golden cat, black colobus, and chimpanzee, as well as many of the mammals found in Togo’s best – protected park, Keran National Park (404,191 acres / 163,640 ha), 280 mi (450 km) north of Lom’e. There is lodging at Naboulgou, plus wildlife – viewing vehicles and artificial water holes. The 52” (1,300 mm) of annual rain supports floodplains on wooded Sudan savanna. Buffalos, hartebeests, kobs, roans, warthogs, waterbucks, reedbucks, and baboons are commonly seen. Less common are giraffes, elephants, topis, leopards, wild dogs, and patas monkeys. Black crowned cranes, secretary birds, bustards, and ground – horn bills walk the plains, while hippos, crocodiles, and waterbirds line the waterways. Fosse aux Lions Forest Reserve (4,075 acres / 1,650 ha), south of Dapaong in the northwest, has elephant herds, but no lions. Oti Mandouri Faunal Reserve (365, 165 acres / 147,840 ha) is an area of floodplains in the northeast; many hippos occur along the Oti River.