Day 3: Ngaoundere to Banda, Gouna and Poli (B/L/D)

Arrival in Ngaoundéré. After a brief stop, departure for Poli. We descend into the Benoue valley and enter a different world – modern villages disappear to be replaced by traditional adobe constructions. Along the way we will meet different tribes including the Mboum tribe. The Mboum are considered the first inhabitants of Ngaoundéré and are polygamous like most tribes in this region of Cameroon. Although some are Christians and Muslims, others still practice animism. We will also meet the Duru and Fulani tribe along the way. They live in the area between Ngaoundéré and Garoua. A diversity of local tribes can be found in the village of Banda – headquarters of the Benoué National Park. Banda is also known as the village of the 12 tribes. We will arrive in Poli, the capital of Faro Division, at 2:00 p.m. Transfer to Seckseba, the village of the Mbororo tribe. The Mbororo are nomadic Fulani, migrating with their cattle in search of green pastures. While officially Muslim, they still practice certain animist beliefs that make their culture unique. They are one of the most traditional groups in West Africa and have a way of life based on cattle herding and transhumance. They still practice the custom of facial tattooing as a sign of beauty and lead a semi-nomadic life, following their cattle to pasture. Sometimes in November they organize their famous Guerewol – beauty contest for men where a female jury chooses the most handsome among the young men. Female beauty is characterized by elaborate facial tattoos and scarification of very original and unique patterns. These tattoos and scarification are applied to girls from 8 years old. We take the time to learn more about their culture. We will install our tents next to their camp for the night.