ERuDeF regularly accepts volunteers onto its programmes. Currently, we offer paid volunteering opportunities to both national and internationals in the International Volunteering program on Cross River gorilla tracking. Volunteering opportunities are also available for those interested in chimpanzees, birds and plants. You could visit the project on two basis; Academics (including research) and Tourism.
Project site description:
The Cross River Gorilla conservation project is located in the Lebialem Mone Forest Landscape about 30km from the Dschang. The Lebialem Mone Forest Landscape is one of the ecosystems in the Western Cameroon Highlands Region that has a high potential for biodiversity species. The site harbors the Cross River gorilla-CRG which is one of the world’s 25 most endangered wildlife species with just about 300 of them remaining in the wild. They are located in 11 fragmented forest patches between the Cameroon and Nigerian boarder. The Lebialem Mone Forest Landscape stands as a unique landscape in Cameroon with a high potential for these gorillas, notwithstanding the threat factors on these apes. Major threats identified to be responsible for the reduction in the CRG population are hunting, forest encroachment and ignorance of the legislation protecting these species of apes. The vegetation of this landscape varies from savannah to sub-mountain type thus presenting it with a wide variety of flora and Fauna species. The topographical features of this area gives it a type of Low Land relief and mountainous ranges which favours fertile soils.
Site location:
The project site is located in the Lebialem, Momo and part of Manyu divisions both under the North and South West regions of Cameroon. There are three main sites that host the program each of which is located in one of the regions stated above. Getting to these area requires a 4 to 5 hours drive from Buea (headquarters) to Dschang and 2 hours to Bechati village. The other site in Momo requires a 4 to 5 hours drive from Buea to Dschang and 2.5 hours drive to widikum-Manyu area. The other site in Manyu (next to the Takamanda ) requires a 4 hours drive to Mamfe via Kumba and 1.5 hours drive to Etoko mile 22.
Weather:
Dry season is from November to May during which temperatures are very high and it gets very humid. From June to October, it rains a lot and the temperatures go down slightly.
Clothes:
While in the forest the volunteer will have to wear solid sponged shoes to prevent blisters and discomfort given the very rough and rocky nature of the terrain. Light t-shirts, long sleeve shirts, and Long tracksuits or trousers.
Things to bring:
mosquito repellent, a hat or ace cap, bag pads, walkman or IPods .....
Health Status:
Please consult a physician to ensure u are in good health conditions. The nature of the terrain is not the best and should in case u fall sick or get injured due to poor health, we could only provide you with some basic first aid or medications. If you will need a particular treatment while in the field (dietary specifications), please notify well ahead of time prior to your arrival so arrangements could be made immediately.
Getting to Buea and subsequently to the project site: The nearest airport to Buea is in the city of Douala and the road to this area is fairly motorable but the distance is close to about 25km form Dschang.,/p>
Visa:
Please contact the Cameroonian Embassy in your country for details about applying and obtaining a tourist visa. You need to request for an invitation letter from us once you have made up your mind to attend the program. This will normally facilitate the process.
Accommodation:
Volunteers will be provided accommodation in and out of the project site and will also be provided with breakfast and one meal daily while in Buea. While in the field u will need to bath in streams most of the time.
Food: Local food cost less than 1 euro; however there are also restaurants selling more western style food should in case the volunteer prefers. We would only be able to subsidise in this case. This is strictly when you are out of the field. The volunteer will be expected to feed on the food prepared for the entire team. In case of dietary complications please notify us well ahead of time.
Foreign currency: it is preferable that you bring along your foreign currency given that exchange in Cameroon is possible and could be made at the banks or in the local black market.
For further details on how to volunteer with us,
