The floodplain that makes up much of the national park floods seasonally.  Although the primary park is fairly flat, the elevation does change from 980 feet (300 m) to 1,600 feet (500 m).  The Chad depression was originally a lake but now features 7% shrubland, 5% grassland, with the majority accounted for by terrestrial landscape.

There are five vegetation categories throughout the remainder of the park, including shrub savanna, open grass savanna, acacia tree savanna, perennial grasses, and floodplains.  The variation of vegetation attracts different species adding to the overall wilderness experience.

This park also has one of the best-preserved rainforest areas in Africa.  All of this collectively adds up to create one of the most diversified wilderness areas on the continent.  It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The wildlife of Waza features the favorite predators of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyena.  As a matter of fact, there are healthy prides of lions.  Other wildlife species include giraffes, waterbuck, roan, elephant, hartebeests, tsessebe, aardvarks, baboons, warthog, vervet monkeys, and hippopotamuses.  There are 30 species of mammals.

Birdwatchers can keep their eyes open for hornbills, kestrel, heron, Arabian bustards, Nubian bustard, spotted eagle fish stork, and ostrich, which are part of the 350 species of birds.

Highlights

A guide is required to experience the park.  This is true whether you are on a driving safari or walking safari.  The wildlife is the park’s highlight, with strong herds of elephant and healthy lion prides serving as the pinnacle sightings.

Waza National Park Trails:

This is a wildlife enriched national park that requires guided safari tours.  There are no trails for hiking through the park.  The only way to experience the park is with a professional guide and on a walking safari.

Wildlife

There basin area is known for large herds of the African elephants and lion prides. Some of the other mammals in the park include the hippos, giraffes, kob, olive baboons, vevert monkeys, leopards, cheeetahs, aardvarks, warthog, tsessebe and hartebeests among others.

Some of the regular birds in the park include the ostrich, Arabian bustards, heron, fish stork, hornbills, lesser kestrel, Nubian bustard, marbles duck, greater spotted eagle and Quail plover among others. There are more than 350 birds recorded in this park

Travel

The best time to visit Waza National Park is during the dry season of March to May when many animals congregate along water holes and pools while the rainy season is best for bird watching adventures. Nevertheless, the park is open November to June for tourists.

Access to the park is via the village of Waza in the north west of the park where ranger guides and the offices of the Waza National Park Conservation service.  Waza is just off the paved road to Chad, 75 miles (122 km) north of Maroua.

Accommodation

There is lodging and camping within the park although prior arrangements and bookings are important. Accommodation is also available in the village of Waza and Maroua.

A variety of lodging is available and guided trips can be arranged both at Maroua and, nearer the park, the village of Waza, which has camping as well. Some of the options include Waza Campement Hotel and Waza Park hotel.

Experience the famous peaks of Rhumsiki within the Mandara Mountains and much more over the next week. The tour involves plenty of driving that offers a great opportunity to take in the Cameroonian landscape. This week, you can look forward to spending quality time with locals in their villages and exploring the art of different handicrafts that many of them are experts in.

You will be welcomed at the Yaounde airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in and overnight.