G'day guys,

I'm just seeking any information in regards to self guided hunts in Cameroon and if anyone here has done so? I know of a fellow Aussie that did so a few years ago and the story was published in the African Hunting Gazette a few issues ago now.

I like the sound of a little adventure in this type of hunt...


Cheers,

AK.

Cam Greg arranged these hunts and he died last year while hunting in Congo. No one has stepped in to fill the void. I did this hunt in 2014. It was far and away the toughest and most satisfying hunt I have ever made. Unfortunately you have waited too long to do this....

I also hunted self guided with Cam's outfit. I agree with Jerry that Cam's hunts were unique and truly outstanding.

I do think that you can do a self guided hunt in Cameroon without an outfit like Cam's but it will be pretty difficult. There are a lot of paperwork and logistics issues to overcome. Cam had things set-up so that you pay him a fee and he took care of all of that stuff.

With Cam's death an entire segment of African hunting died. I don't think the same can be said for any other man who ever lived. RIP Cam!

And unless you speak fluent French, don't even think of attempting it on your own.

It was such a grand satisfying adventure ...

I have travelled a fair amount and in many different countries and I'm not really concerned with a little 'heartache' ... its all part of the course of an adventure I'd be seeking.

I done this hunt too, you may of left it too late, try and contact Daniel Sodea in Doula who was Cams right-hand man

AR's Faisal did one recently and negotiated the deal through an existing operator.

Done on foot with porters but you run the risk that you can not be extracted if injured or in danger.

quote:

Originally posted by RickyClark:
I done this hunt too, you may of left it too late, try and contact Daniel Sodea in Doula who was Cams right-hand man

Are you sure that is a good idea?

Al Kidner,

This is my first time posting to AR, but I feel my knowledge in Cameroon and chase libre could be of some assistance to you.

I've spent years living in Cameroon and months in the southern forests on solo safaris. I arrange the hunts myself and use local baka porters to get far away roads. In my opinion, an unguided, foot safari in Cameroon is one of the last great adventures left to hunters.

Cam Greig was a dear friend and though I never used his services they were irreplaceable to foreign hunters, but hopefully my advice can at least get you pointed in the right direction.

There are 3 main hurdles you'll encounter as you put together a self guided safari. Firstly, it is very difficult to acquire the necessary permits for your safari. The process can take weeks or months and requires the use of a local Cameroonian to physically go to the government office to insure that your application is moving forward. Secondly is time. It will take a week just to purchase supplies, travel to the hunting area, hire porters, and hike to decent hunting grounds. I would set a side a minimum of 21 days. And the last major hurdle is the culture and language barrier. Corrupt government officials, local chiefs, and porters have the power to ruin your safari. It's essential to understand the language and culture to correctly handle the numerous confrontations you'll run into.

I recommend reading Buffalo Elephant, & Bongo by Reinald von Meurers. Reinald is the living expert on hunting Cameroon and a great storyteller. I've sat up through the night listening to him tell stories of hunting Cameroon during the "golden years."

A self guided Cameroon safari is possible and more than worth the effort. Best of luck!

quote:

Originally posted by fairgame:

quote:

Originally posted by RickyClark:
I done this hunt too, you may of left it too late, try and contact Daniel Sodea in Doula who was Cams right-hand man

Are you sure that is a good idea?

Daniel did all/most of the in county logistics for Cam's hunters(Cam resided here in the US). Daniel could absolutely handle the necessary paperwork and such as he made his living doing that for Cam's hunters.

Cam did set up the framework and owned the equipment(landcruisers, camps, rifles, etc.) but Daniel did most all of the actual footwork on the ground in Cameroon.

He is a very trustworthy fellow and has a lot of experience in this area(heck of a hunter too).

quote:

Originally posted by Carson W:

There are 3 main hurdles you'll encounter as you put together a self guided safari. Firstly, it is very difficult to acquire the necessary permits for your safari. The process can take weeks or months and requires the use of a local Cameroonian to physically go to the government office to insure that your application is moving forward. Secondly is time. It will take a week just to purchase supplies, travel to the hunting area, hire porters, and hike to decent hunting grounds. I would set a side a minimum of 21 days. And the last major hurdle is the culture and language barrier. Corrupt government officials, local chiefs, and porters have the power to ruin your safari. It's essential to understand the language and culture to correctly handle the numerous confrontations you'll run into.

I recommend reading Buffalo Elephant, & Bongo by Reinald von Meurers. Reinald is the living expert on hunting Cameroon and a great storyteller. I've sat up through the night listening to him tell stories of hunting Cameroon during the "golden years."

A self guided Cameroon safari is possible and more than worth the effort. Best of luck

Welcome to AR and great first post!

I agree with you and all counts. Daniel Sodea could take care of all of the hurdles you mention. Cameroon is worth the effort.

I also agree that Von Meurers' book is required reading for anyone looking for such a hunt. It is one of the most enjoyable modern African hunting books.

quote:

Daniel did all/most of the in county logistics for Cam's hunters(Cam resided here in the US). Daniel could absolutely handle the necessary paperwork and such as he made his living doing that for Cam's hunters.

Cam did set up the framework and owned the equipment(landcruisers, camps, rifles, etc.) but Daniel did most all of the actual footwork on the ground in Cameroon.

He is a very trustworthy fellow and has a lot of experience in this area(heck of a hunter too).

Al . Cam trusted Daniel. So I would think you can too.
One thing that may be an issue is getting permits for weapons etc.
Cam always suggested using his camp guns to avoid the problems. He had a bunch of Winchesters there

Cam also said that while his hunters were good, when it came to forest Ele and Buffalo that they would not stand their ground, you will be alone when things go south. So make sure you plan around that.

You can also contact Hanke Hudson. He spends a lot of time there. He may have some info for you. www.african-hunting.com

Good luck Mate, send me some photos!

Carson, welcome to AR Forum
Hi Carson.
Yes, this was an great first post.
Please write more and specialy about the self guided hunts, this is very interessting.
(I did this also in the past, an great adventure.)

Von Meurers Books about Hunting in Central Africa
Yes, he is a great guy.
A friend of my.
I had made an 20 page article about him and his hunts in the last 10 years (his storys after the book).
I hade the luck to handle and shoot his special, shorted 460 Weat. Mag., an very extrem rifle.