Are you a hunter with a heart drawn to the call of Africa’s untamed wilderness? Do you dream of lands where the sun blazes across savannahs, and the deep rainforest hums with life?
Cameroon beckons, offering a hunting experience unlike any other. A journey here is not just a pursuit of rare trophies; it’s an immersion into the raw, unfiltered essence of Africa—a land of contrasts, challenges, and unparalleled beauty.
In this magnificent country, Montefeltro presents the ultimate hunting adventure. From the dense rainforests of the south, where the elusive Bongo moves like a ghost, to the northern savannahs, where the mighty Lord Derby Eland reigns supreme, Cameroon offers a world of possibilities for the adventurous hunter. It is a land where every step is a test of endurance, and every successful hunt is a testament to patience, skill, and respect for the wild.
The Allure of Cameroon: A Land of Diversity
Cameroon’s diversity is staggering. To the south lies the rainforest, a labyrinth of towering trees and thick undergrowth. Here, the air is heavy with the scent of earth and vegetation, and sunlight filters through the canopy in golden shafts. This is the realm of the Bongo, a creature as striking as the forest itself. Its coat is a deep chestnut, adorned with delicate white stripes that seem to mirror the dappled light of its habitat. Hunting a Bongo is no small feat. It requires navigating dense vegetation, listening for faint rustles in the undergrowth, and matching wits with one of Africa’s most elusive animals.
Further north, the landscape shifts dramatically to the shrub savannah, a vast expanse of golden grasses and scattered acacia trees. This is the domain of antelope species, buffalo, and, most notably, the Lord Derby Eland, also known as the Giant Eland. This massive antelope, larger than its eastern and southern cousins, is a symbol of the wild majesty of this region. Hunting it is considered the pinnacle of the Cameroonian experience, a challenge that tests a hunter’s resolve and stamina.
In the heart of this wilderness lies a 75,000-hectare reserve along the Faro River, a sanctuary teeming with life. Here, the adventure is as much about the journey as the destination. The land itself is alive—a patchwork of sounds, scents, and sights that awaken a primal connection to nature.
The Season of Dreams: Hunting from January to March
The hunting season in Cameroon runs from January to March, a period when the climate is dry, and the animals are most active. This is the time to embark on a safari tailored to your aspirations. Whether your goal is to pursue Plains Game, track the elusive Northwestern Buffalo, or experience the ultimate prize—a hunt for the Lord Derby Eland—Montefeltro crafts every detail to ensure a seamless and unforgettable journey.
The allure of Cameroon lies not only in its trophies but in the experiences it offers. Here, the pursuit of game is intertwined with the rhythm of the land, creating a narrative that unfolds with every step taken in its vast wilderness.
Luca’s Story: A Hunter’s Tale of Cameroon
Let me share with you the story of Luca, who embarked on this magical journey to Cameroon—a tale of resilience, discovery, and the enduring passion for the hunt.
The Journey to the North
It was April, a season when the dry heat begins to ease, and the land prepares itself for the rains. Luca and his hunting companion, Mario, set off on an adventure that would take them deep into Cameroon’s remote northern territories, bordering the Benué National Park. This area, famed for its dense wildlife populations, is the stronghold of the Lord Derby Eland, a creature so regal that it is often called the “King of the Savanna.”
After a grueling 16-hour train journey from Yaoundé, they arrived at the hunting camp. It was a stark contrast to the luxury many might associate with modern safaris. The accommodations were spartan, a scattering of basic huts in the wilderness. Yet, for Luca, the simplicity only heightened the authenticity of the experience. This was not a trip for comfort seekers; it was for those who craved immersion in the raw, unadulterated wilderness.
The First Day: A Small Beginning
The sun rose early in the African bush, painting the landscape in hues of gold and orange. Armed with their rifles and accompanied by expert pisteurs, Luca and Mario began their hunt. The dry ground cracked underfoot, the brittle leaves betraying their every step. Hunting here was no easy task. The land demanded respect, patience, and determination.
By mid-morning, the first success arrived in the form of a red-flanked duiker, one of the smallest antelopes in the region. Weighing just five kilos, it was a modest trophy but a meaningful start. Later that day, they tracked and harvested a magnificent Cob de Buffon, its striking horns a testament to its strength and resilience.
The King of the Savanna
As the days progressed, Luca’s focus turned to the ultimate prize: the Lord Derby Eland. Known for its keen senses and ability to traverse vast distances with ease, this antelope is the epitome of the hunter’s challenge.
Each attempt to approach was met with frustration. The dry leaves crackled underfoot, and the Eland, ever-alert, would disappear into the bush. Yet, Luca and his team pressed on, driven by a mix of determination and reverence for the animal they pursued.
Although the Eland eluded them this time, the journey itself became the reward. Every step taken under the blazing sun, every bead of sweat shed in the pursuit, and every fleeting glimpse of the King of the Savanna became part of a story that Luca would carry with him forever.
The Solace of the Brousse
In the solitude of the brousse, Luca found a new appreciation for the simplest of pleasures. The comforting smile of a pisteur after a long march, the familiar taste of pasta drizzled with olive oil, and the aroma of instant coffee at dawn—these small comforts became treasures in a land where luxury was redefined.
Luca reflected on the journey, not with disappointment at the elusiveness of the Eland but with gratitude for the experience. The harshness of the terrain, the challenges of the hunt, and the camaraderie forged in the wild all added to the richness of the adventure.
Why Hunt in Cameroon?
Cameroon offers more than just the opportunity to harvest extraordinary trophies. It offers a connection to a land that is both ancient and alive, a place where the hunter becomes part of the story of the wilderness. From the towering Bongo of the rainforest to the commanding Lord Derby Eland of the savanna, the diversity of game is matched only by the richness of the experience.
For those who seek adventure, who long to test their mettle against the challenges of the wild, Cameroon is a land of dreams. And with Montefeltro, every detail is taken care of, allowing you to focus on the essence of the hunt.
Your Journey Awaits
The call of Cameroon is not just the call of the hunt; it is the call of Africa itself. It is the whisper of the wind through the acacias, the rustle of leaves in the rainforest, and the distant roar of life echoing across the plains. For those ready to answer that call, a journey awaits—one of challenge, discovery, and the timeless allure of the wild.
Montefeltro Staff, Luca Bogarelli
“Luca Bogarelli loves hunting and nature, experiencing both in a comprehensive manner. Adding to this, his passion for travel has led him over the years to explore places, people, and unique wildlife around the world.
A self-described ‘traveler with a rifle’, Luca has gathered hunting experiences across nearly the entire African continent, as well as in Asia, America, and Europe, in all the countries of hunting interest.”
