🌿 Field Excursion — Ape Action Africa / Mefou National Park
|
🦍 In keeping with the tradition of previous APS congresses, the 4th congress will offer a field excursion giving participants a first-hand encounter with primate conservation in Cameroon. The excursion will take participants to Ape Action Africa (AAA), the largest primate rescue and rehabilitation centre in Africa, located in Mefou National Park approximately 25 km south of Yaoundé. The sanctuary is home to more than 300 rescued primates, including western lowland gorillas, central chimpanzees, drills and mandrills.
📌 About Ape Action Africa
Founded in 1996, Ape Action Africa works to protect critically endangered great apes and other primates across Central Africa through:
🦧 Rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned and confiscated primates from the illegal bushmeat and pet trade
🏡 Long-term sanctuary care for individuals that cannot be returned to the wild
🌍 Community conservation work in villages adjacent to the park
📚 Education and awareness programmes for local communities and schools
🔬 Scientific research on great ape behaviour and welfare
⏱️ Provisional Excursion Schedule
📅 Field Excursion — 13 September 2026
(optional post-congress day)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 07:30 | Departure by bus from congress hotels |
| 08:30 | Arrival at Ape Action Africa / Mefou — Welcome briefing |
| 09:00 – 12:00 | Guided tour of the sanctuary — great apes, mandrills and other primates |
| 12:00 – 13:00 | Lunch on site |
| 13:00 – 15:00 | Conservation presentations by AAA staff; visit to the community education centre |
| 15:00 | Departure back to Yaoundé |
| ~16:30 | Arrival in Yaoundé |
💵 Excursion fee: Estimated at USD 40 to 60 per person (includes return transport, sanctuary entrance, guided tour and lunch). Separate registration — first-come, first-served (maximum 80 participants).
⚠️ Limited places
Register for the Excursion
📢 Excursion registration is now open!
Places limited to 80 participants. Register now to secure your spot.
Separate registration from the main congress is required.
📧 For enquiries: africanprimatesociety@gmail.com
For questions about the excursion, transport, accessibility or group bookings.
For questions about the excursion, transport, accessibility or group bookings.
🌟 Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience primate conservation in action at one of Africa's most renowned rescue and rehabilitation centres.