Why this massive African rainforest remains one of the world's most pristine natural sanctuaries

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Encircled by the winding Dja River, this 5,260 square kilometer reserve in southeastern Cameroon serves as a vital stronghold for biodiversity. With 90 percent of its landscape untouched, it protects rare primates and ancient traditions, standing as a critical pillar for the survival of the vast Congo Basin rainforest ecosystem.

Established in 1950 and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Dja Faunal Reserve is a cornerstone of African conservation. Its geography is defined by the Dja River, which acts as a natural barrier, effectively isolating and shielding the interior from external encroachment. This isolation has allowed the reserve to maintain an extraordinary level of ecological integrity, with approximately 90 percent of its total area remaining undisturbed by human development.

The reserve is a biological powerhouse, housing over 1,500 plant species, 320 bird species, and more than 107 mammal species. It is particularly renowned for its primate population, which includes chimpanzees, western lowland gorillas, drills, mandrills, and white-collared mangabeys. Beyond these, the forest supports larger mammals such as leopards, African forest buffalo, and forest elephants. These species rely on the reserve as part of the larger TRIDOM area, a transboundary conservation zone that connects Dja with the Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of the Congo and the Minkébé National Park in Gabon.

Human presence within the reserve is deeply intertwined with the landscape. About 40,000 people reside within its borders, including Bantu farmers and Baka hunter-gatherers. The Baka people, who maintain a semi-nomadic lifestyle, hold a unique status; they are permitted to hunt using traditional, sustainable methods that have been passed down through generations of songs, rituals, and oral history. While professional hunting and large-scale agriculture are strictly prohibited to protect the habitat, the Baka’s traditional practices are recognized for their cultural value and their role in maintaining the forest’s sacred status. Managed by the Dja Conservation Services, the reserve continues to benefit from international partnerships, ensuring that this dense rainforest remains a protected sanctuary for both its diverse wildlife and the traditional communities that call it home.

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