WEST CAMEROON TOURISTIC ATTRACTIONS

WEST CAMEROON

Richly endowed by nature, the West has often been compared to the Auvergne region of France. It is a region of valleys through which fine rivers flow to be interrupted only by waterfalls. The West offers up a rise of round-topped mountains, the heritage left by extinct volcanoes. The climate here is temperate and certain health resorts, such as Dschang and Bangou, the average annual temperature recorded in 20­­­­C.

A land of culture and tradition, the Westis characterized by the richness of its craftsmanship which takes many varied forms: clay pipes, earthenware utensils, figurines, copper masks, stools decorated with beads and the Bamileke dancers in their picturesque costumes. Foumban is the heart of Cameroonian handicrafts.

The Division of La Menoua

FALL, CASCADES, LAKES AND BEACHES

The Mami-Wata Fall

In the subdivision of Dschang, the Fongo – Tongo group in the village of Apouh.

A 56m (170 foot) drop.

A valley shaped like a basin covered by asacred forest. Traditional native huts.

The Metche Falls

In the subdivision of Penka Michel, 4km (2.5 miles) from Bafoussam off the Bafoussam- Mbonda road.

These very spectacular falls 20m (60 ft) high flow off a basalt table. Upstream is a sacred place covered in forest, downstream a spawning ground. A popular destination with tourists.

The Kingang Cascades

In the subdivision of Dschang, 5km (3 miles) from the town of Dschang.

A well-frequented tourist site

The Municipal Lake of Dschang

Near the town of Dschang

A tourist sit well wort the visit.

A project to develop the lake into a leisure center is underway headed by the Mayor of Dschang.

PEAKS, MOUNTAINS AND GROTTOS

Neygang Peak

In the subdivision of Fokoue in the village of Fontsa Toula, 20km (12.5 miles) from the town of Dschang

A picturesque mountain from whose summit there is a panoramic view of the Mungo Mountains. Interesting tourist site

Mount Mete

In the subdivision of Fokoue

Large rock formation, from the peak of which a palm tree emerges. Interesting tourist site

Santchou Cliff

Off the road from Dschang to the plain ofMbo

A large cliff typical of the area, with luxurious plant growth and dwellings clinging to the hillsides. Very picturesque tourist site.

The Fongo – Tongo Rocks

15km (9.5 miles) from the town of Dschang

An imposing trachyte rock formation surrounded by a varied landscape of rolling hills and deep, narrow valleys. Site of natural beauty.

CHIEFTAINRIES, MONUMENTS AND PALACES

The Fotso Chieftainry

In the town of Dschang

A chieftainry with a courtyard made upof native huts.

Health Resort of Dschang

In the town of Dschang

A tourist complex spread over 10 ha (25acres)

A typical lodge with 50 bedrooms set at 1440m (4.200 feet), built in 1942 to house French officers who could not return home to Europe because of the Second World War. Agreable climate in an enchanting setting.

A very popular tourist site, the jewel in the crown of tourism in West Cameroon.

Bamileke Huts in Dschang Market

In the town of Dschang

The market place in Dschang is symbolized by three traditional huts with conic roofs which resemble mushrooms and reflect the traditions of the Bamileke people.

Dschang Craft Centre

Dschang market place

A wide range of regional craftsmanship.

OTHER SITES

The Djutitsa Tea Plantation

20km (12.5 miles) from the Dschang – Bafoussam road and 4km (2.5 miles) from the Dschang – Mbonda road

Very spectacular setting nestling in a gorge of the Western Mountains with panoramic views.

Interesting sit for agricultural tourism.

The Division of Upper Nkam

FALLS, CASCADES, LAKES, DAMS AND BEACHES

 The Mouanko Falls

1km (half a mile) from the town of Bafang close to the road to Douala

Very spectacular falls, height 40m (120 ft), surrounde by forests.

A very popular tourist attraction.

Bakondji Fall

In the division of upper Nkam

Interesting tourist site.

Tchanko Fall

In the division of Upper Nkam

Interesting tourist site.

Banka Fall

In the subdivision of Bafang

Interesting tourist site.

Batcha Cascades

In the division of Upper Nkam

Interesting tourist site.

PASSES

T he Bana Pass

In the subdivision of Bana, 5km(3 miles) from the town of Bana on the Bangangte road

A site of outstanding natural beauty at a height of 1.800m (5.400 ft)

Fotouni Pass

In the subdivision of Bandja

Interesting tourist site.

Batcha Pass

Part of the magnificient Bangou, Batchingou, Batcha mountain range to the east of the Bangangte – Bafang route that culminates in the Bana Pass.

MOUNTS AND GROTTOS

The Banwa Grottos

Interesting tourist site.

The Mboeto Grottos

The Division of the Bamboutos

FALLS AND CASCADES

The Sincoa Falls

In the didvision of the Bamboutos

Interesting tourist site.

MOUNTAINS

The Bamboutos Mountains

In the subdivision of Babadjou

A mountainous range culminating at a height of 2.740m (8.220 ft).  A panoramic view over the Western region. Often used for climbing competitions. Possibility for ecotourism development.

The Division of Mifi

FALLS, LAKES AND CASCADES

The Bakelac Falls

In the sub division of Baleng

Interesting tourist site

All of these sites are exploited by the rural community of Lafe in the sub division of Baleng.

Lake Baleng

In the sub division of Baleng

Crater Lake of interest to tourists, with a large duck population.

Lake Doupe

In the subdivision of Baleng

Crater Lake of interest to tourists.

Lake Ghanka

In the subdivision of Baleng

Crater Lake of interest to tourists.

Lake Takouche

In the subdivision of Baleng

Crater Lake of interest to tourists.

MOUNTS, ROCKS AND GROTTOS

The Ndessi Nekang Grottos

10km (6 miles) from Bafoussam in the subdivision of Bamongoum

Refuge for the river for the river peoples during the tribal wars.  15m (45 feet) up in a gallery forest, with a sheet of water falling like a curtain. Place highly steeped in tradition.

CHIEFTAINRIES AND MONUMENTS

The Baleng Chieftainry

In the subdivision of Baleng

The first Bamileke chieftainry set up in the region.

The Bafoussam Chieftainry

In the subdivision of Bafoussam

 Cradle of this subdivision’s culture. Popular with visitors.

The Division of Koung-Khi

FALLS AND LAKES

Lake Bugam

In the subdivision of Bandjoun

A picturesque Lake.

The Source of Mefo Meku

In the subdivision of Bandjoun

A miraculous spring used by Queen Meku to cure the sick.

MOUNTAINS

The Kala Mountains

In the subdivision of Bayangam

A very picturesque ancient mountain range containing freshwater springs and small crater Lakes.

The Ngang Batoufam Rock

In the subdivision of Bandjoun

A picturesque rock of interest to tourists.

The Kafu Hills

In the subdivision of Bandjoun

Very picturesque hills overlooking the plain of Noun.

CHIEFTAINRIES

The Bandjoun Chieftainry

In the subdivision of Bandjoun

Very important chieftainry, renown for its richly doted royal museum, its development and the organization of this tourist site. Very popular with visitors who are confronted here with a mixture of traditional culture and modern civilization.

The Division of Nde

FALLS, LAKES AND CASCADES

The Batoum Falls, The Pendou Falls and the Nde Falls

are all of interests to tourists.

 The Ntaveu Falls

Magnificient falls 24m (72 feet) high separated in 9 fringes surrounded by a forest gallery.

The Chehanzewe Falls

In the subdivision of Bangangte, 15km (10 miles) from the town of Bangangte and 2km (1.25 miles) from the main road between Bangangte and Bafoussam in the village of Bangoua

Very impressive falls which form a very picturesque site with the Loukik rock. A place that used to terrify young girls who disobeyed.

CHIEFTAINRIES

The Bangoua Chieftainry

In the village of Bangoua 15km (10 miles) from Bangangte on the Main Bangangte – Bafoussam road, rich cultural treasures. An important royal museum containing the Queen’s mask of international repute.

The Division of the Highlands

PASSES AND GROTTOS

The Batie Pass

One of Cameroon’s most famous passes. At the highest point 1.600m (4.800 feet), there is a tourist centre which has wonderful panoramic views over the whole region.

The Fovu Grottos

In the sub-division of Baham

Rock with grottos of interest to the public.

A sacred place for the Baham

CHIEFTAINRIES

The Bangou Chieftainry

In the sub-division of Bangou

Remains of the first car bought and driven by the Bamileke chieftain.

The Division of Noun

FALLS, LAKES AND CASCADES

Lake Nfou

8km (5miles) from the town of Foumbot. A crater lake at an altitude of 1.990m (5.970 feet)

Deeply ensconced, its sides with sharp peaks up to 200m (600feet) high. Very picturesque setting in an enchanting landscape.

Lake Petponou

30km (20miles) from the main foumbot – Foumban road

An enchanting crater lake of easy access with a total surface of 100 ha (250 acres) Tourist development is underway with accommodation including 8 rooms, riding facilities, water sports and fishing.

Lake Ngouendam

In the subdivision of Kouoptamo. Crater lake of interest to tourists.

Lake Forouogain

In the subdivision of  Magba

Crater Lake of interest to tourists.

Matapit and kip Lakes

In the subdivision of Foumban

Crater Lake of interest to tourists.

MOUNTAINS

Mount Mbapit

In the subdivision of Foumbot

Mountainous range which runs down to the plain of Noun. A very picturesque and attractive area.

CHIEFTAINRIES

The Sultan’s Palace

In the town of Foumban

Built by the Sultan Njoya in 1917, a veritable work of art of international renown. Besides its particularly splendid architecture, it contains a richly doted museum reflecting the history of the Bamoun people. Besides the Sultan’s Palace, the town of Foumban can also boast of a craftsmen’s alley where Bamoun craftsmanship based on bronze sculptures and public museum are to be found.

 

 

 

CAMEROON SOUTH REGION

SOUTH CAMEROON

A mirror image of Cameroon itself, the region of the South is an all-inclusive destination. Like an enormous green mantle, the tropical forest, a zone particularly suited to agricultural and ecotourism, provides its visitors with the chance to meet Pygmies – the first inhabitants of the forest.

Numerous waterways increase the humid climate of the region, with here and there, spectacular waterfalls and cascades, such as Lobe and Memve’ele. The South opens directly on to the Atlantic Ocean with approximately 150km (100 miles) of coastline and fine sandy beaches ideal for the development of seaside resorts for tourists.

By choosing to visit the South, you unlock the door to discovering monuments and ancient reminders of the first missionaries and the history of the colonization of this country, notably at Kribi and Campo. You will also be able to admire the splendours of the natural forest in the Dja reserve, a Unesco World Heritage site.

The Ocean Division

WATERFALLS AND BEACHES

The Lobe Falls

7 km (5 miles) from the town of Kribi

The River Lobe throws itself into the sea in a whirl of spectacular waterfalls and cascades.

 The only example of its kind in the world.

The Beaches at Londji

14km (10 miles) from Kribi on the road to Edea.

The deepest point inland of Th Gulf ofGuinea where the sea encounters the land.

The Beaches at Eboudja

The Beaches at Ebodje

In the subdivision of Campo

Here you can find a fishermen’s village actively involved in ecotourism whose main objective is the protection of sea turtles.

They are supervised by volunteers from the SNV (Netherlands Development Organization) as part of the Campo/Ma’an project.

The Beaches at Kribi

Fine, white, sandy beaches, like all the other beaches in the South of Cameroon.

Campo Beach

In the subdivision of Campo.

Located at the mouth of the River Ntem, a beach for spectacular sunsets.

WILDLIFE RESERVES

The Gorilla Sanctuary

A wide variety of wildlife species.

OTHER SITES

The Bidjouka Tourist Centre

In the subdivision of Lolodorf

One of the natural resources of this centre is a 100m (300 ft) waterfall.

The Division of Mvila

GROTTOS, MOUNTAINS AND PEAKS

The Nkolandom Grottos

20km (12.5 miles) from Ebolowa on the road to Ambam

Grotto of many different shapes and sizes. One of the natural resources of the Nkolandom Tourist Centre.

Mbilbekon

22km (15miles) from Ebolowa on the road to Enongal.

Underground galleries fed by a small stream.

Mount Ebolow’o

Near the town of Ebolowa

This mountain dominates the town of the same name.

Akok Beniat

Near Mvangane about 50km (30 miles) from Ebolowa.

In ancient times this rock attracted buffalos.

The Rock of Ako’okas

In the subdivision of Ebolowa.

Attractive rock formation.

WILDLIFE RESERVES

The Gorilla Sanctuary

In the subdivision of Oven

Nature and wildlife reserve with a large colony of gorillas.

Under development by the Ministry of Economy and Finance with the cooperation of a local forester.

The Division of the Ntem Valley

WATERFALLS

The Memve’ele Falls

In the Nyabizan village in the subdivisionof Ma’an.

A series of three spectacular waterfalls, the largest of which possesses a magnetic field.

OTHER SITES

Market towns on the border

Abang Minto and Kyeossi

Very colorful markets which allow the exchange of local produce with the Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

Colonial Remains

Ambam

The Prefet (French administrators) residence and administrative buildings. Colonial architecture.

The Division of Dja and Lobo

WATERFALLS

The Nkoumou Falls

In the village of Nkoumasjap, 12km (7.5miles) from Zoetele on the road between Yaounde and Sangmelima.

On the River Lobo, the waterfalls come tumbling down in cascades to form a pool the size of a lake.

MOUNTAINS, PEAKS, ROCKS AND GROTTOS

The Mezesse Rock

25km (15 mile) from Sangmelima.

Rock of interest to tourists

The Pineapple Rock

Near oveng, 18km (11 miles) from Sangmelima.

The summit of the rock is covered with pineapples.

Rock of interest to tourists.

The Rock of Abamina II

15km (10 miles) from Zoetele.

Rock of interest to Tourists.

The Rock of Aka’afan

40km (25 miles) from Djoum.

Rock of interest to tourists.

The Meyo Madjon Grottos

In the subdivision of Sangmelima in the village of Messak via Meyo Madjon 36km (22.5 miles) from Sangmelima.

The rock is 30m (90 ft) high with a circumstance of 2km (1.25 miles) and overlooks the equatorial forest.

The Bounou Source at Njikom

Towards Mezesse, 40km (25 miles) from Sangmelima.

Mineral water spring.

OTHER SITES

The Dja Reserve

Stretching across the two provinces of Djaand Lobo in the south and Upper Nyoung in the east. A world Heritage Wildlife and Nature reserve.

CAMEROON SOUTH WEST TOURISTIC ATTRACTIONS

 

CAMEROON SOUTH WEST

The region of the southwest is one of the two English-speaking regions of Cameroon. It is characterized by a rich evergreen blanket, the result of abundant rainfall, and is thus ideally suited to the farming industry.

The region has numerous tourist attractions some of which are:

-The colonial architecture of the

Palace of the German Governor Von Puttkamer, built at the beginning of the 20^th century;

-Mount Cameroon, 4.095m (13,453 ft) high, a volcano stll in activity;

-The Korup National, a living natural history museum, over 300 million years old where a rare and varied diversity of flora and fauna can be seen;

-The Botanical Gardens at Limbe, created in 1892 by German horticulturalists;

-The Limbe Zoo, open to tourists all year round;

-Lake Barombi in Kumba in a lush setting;

The southweat also has beautiful beaches of fine, grey sand at the edge of the Atlantic ocean.

The Division of Meme

WATERFALLS, CASCADES, LAKES AND DAMS.

The Mobome Waterfall

In the subdivision of Konye

Site of interest to tourists.

The Nyarue Waterfall

In the subdivision of Konye

Site of interest to tourists. In accessible.

The Ekumbe Waterfalls

In the subdivision of Bonge, 15km (9.5miles) from the town of Bonge.

Site of interest to tourists

Lake Barombi Kotto

Behind the Divisional officer of Meme’s residence in Kumba

A vastly splendid crater lake.

Southern Bakundu Forest Reserve

In the subdivision of Mbonge.

Site of interest to tourists.

Bomboko Forest Reserve

In the subdivision of Mbonge.

Site of interest to tourists.

The Division of Manyu

LAKES AND CASCADES

The Inner Salt Lake

In the subdivision of Mamfe

Site of interest to tourists.

Ejagham Lake

In the subdivision of Ayumojock.

Crayer lake of interest to tourists.

John Holf Beach

Near the town of Mamfe

Beach on the banks of the Cross River.

RESERVES

Ejagham Forest Reserve

In the subdivision of Eyumojock

Forest reserve with a rich array of wildlife.

Takamanda Forest Reserve

Akwaya

Site of interest to tourists.

OTHER SITES

Suspension Bridge

Near the town of Mamfe

A suspension bridge which spans across the Manyu river attracting the more brave and curious amongst the young people of the area. An example of colonial heritage.

The Okoyong Caves

Near the town of Mamfe

Site of interest to tourists.

The German Water Pump

In the town ofMamfe

Site of interest to tourist

The Division of Ndian

WATERFALLS AND CASCADES

The Mundemba Waterfall

In the sibdivision of Mundemba

Site of interest to tourists.

The Mana Waterfall

 In the sibdivision of Mundemba

Site of interest to tourists.

The Metta Waterfall

In the sibdivision of Mundemba

Site of interest to tourists.

MOUNTAINS

Rumpi Hills Rata

 In the subdivision of Dikoume Balue

Site of interest to tourists.

Konwe

In the subdivision of Mundemba

Site of interest to tourists.

NATIONAL PARKS

The Korup National Park

In the subdivision of Mundemba

Forest reserve covering 125.600 ha (310.360 acres), renowed Worldwide for its rare and endemic species. This forest survived the Ice Age hundreds of million of years ago.

The Division of Fako

MOUNTAINS

Mount Cameroon

Near the town of Buea.

Mountain range which includes the highest summit in Western Africa: 4.095 m (13,453 ft). A reputed climb and part of the pilot ecotourism project.

MONUMENTS

The Old Secretary Building

The Governor’s Palace

The Statue of Alfred Saker

The Bismarck Fountain

The German Cemetery

In the towns of Buea and Limbe

Part of the German colonial heritage.

RESERVES

The Botanical Gardens

In the town of Limbe

Very attractive centre for research, relaxation and leisure.

The Limbe Zoo

In the town of Limbe

Very popular with tourists because of the many primates there.

BEACHES

Six Mile, Eight Mile, and Eleven Mile Beach

On the southwest coast

Beaches whose characteristic is to have fine black sand.

The Division of Koupe Manengouba

LAKES

Twin Lakes

In the subdivision of Bagem

Twin crater lakes considered to be male and female at the summit of Mount Manengouba in a splendid setting.

MOUNTAINS

Mount Koupe

In the subdivision of Bangem

The continuation of the mountain range which is the backbone of Cameroon. It offers us a magnificently rugged landscape.

 

Trekking Up Mount Cameroon: Feel the Rush!

Trekking Up Mount Cameroon: Feel the Rush!

If you’ve been hiking for some time now and you’ve always wanted to reward yourself with a paradisal trek that is challenging yet achievable, how does an invitation to take in the imposing view from the summit of Mount Cameroon sound? This is one of Global Bush’s most popular activities and it is easy to see why; most of us are so fully immersed in city life that we ignore our need to connect with Nature, to rise to new challenges and above all, to feel like we can pursue goals that lie outside the material/professional. The sensation of making it to the ‘top’ of something so ancient, vast and profound is unbeatable; it is a reminder that there is very little that is ‘natural’ about ignoring the importance of Mother Earth to our physical and mental well-being.

Why Mount Cameroon? The Legend, TheChallenge

Mount Cameroon is also called Mount Fako, but its most inspiring name is surely ‘The Chariot of the Gods’. In reality it is one of Africa’s largest volcanoes, rising to a vertiginous 4,095 metres above the west Cameroon coast. The volcano is steeped in tradition and mythology: it is believed that a God, Efasa-Moto, prevents the volcano from erupting, with occasional exceptions (for instance, in 1992, he chose to let the lava flow in order to unite him with his wife, Liengu la Mwanja, a sea mermaid). Efasa Moto plays an important role in modern-day legend as well; for instance, it is said that he refuses to let the same athlete win the famous Mount Cameroon Race of Hope if the athlete boasts about his victory or claims to have conquered the mountain. One runner who won the race three times was Reverend Walter Stifter, a humble man who was famed for handing his prize over to the first-runner-up. If you’ve never heard of this race before, you may be surprised to learn that it is revered by runners all over the world; some 2,000 participants sign up every year, in an effort to be the champion worthy of Efasa-Moto’s approval. One of the race’s most famous runners is Sarah Etanga. Known as the ‘Queen of the Mountain’, she is a mother of nine children who decided to give the race a go and ended up winning an amazing nine times!

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough

So what is Mount Cameroon actually like to climb? The day after you arrive from Europe or the US to Douala, the adventure will being early, with a journey to Buea and to Upper Farms (1,010m), where you will begin your hike. For around three to four hours, your body, mind and spirit will be embraced by a verdant rainforest, peppered with lush trees and leafy cocyam plants, mystified by romantic tufts of fog. After a three- to four-hour hike, you will arrive at the first of many Huts (Hut 1 is located at 1,800m), where you will tuck into a hearty lunch and drink fresh water from a bustling stream. Next up comes a rather steep five to six-hour walk through the Savannah to the second Hut (2,750m), where you will camp for the night. The following day, the trek to Hut 3 will take between 4 and 5 hours and after a little rest, you will make it to the summit, whose majesty you can enjoy for a few minutes, as you snap photos of the unbeatable views and capture your great achievement on camera. Next up comes the descent, comprising a pleasant six-hour walk to Mann’s Spring. On your way there, you will visit one of the most amazing treasures the mountain has to offer: craters, both old and new, a reminder of Efasa-Moto’s sometimes fickle temperament. After cooling down in the crystalline waters of Mann’s Spring, it’s back to the Savannah, where you will marvel at old lava flows and the welcoming rainforest.

 Expect the Unexpected

MountCameroon is a classic expedition for trekkers, but there are many things you will find along the way that you may not have read in the guide books or travel blogs. Some of the most marvelous treasures hidden in the mountain include medicinal plants (ginseng is said to be found here); gnarled, twisted trees seemingly taken from a Tim Burton film, a patent indication of the power of the sun and winds; bright, joyful flowers that bob up from beneath the grey yet surprisingly fertile lava fields; contrasting colours provided by the blackness of the lava, set against joyful yellow grasslands.

Mount Cameroon is a wealth of surprises, perhaps not the least because it has been known to occasionally snow here in the colder months, so much so that it is said that for a short time following the snowfall, the summit area offers some inviting winter sport activities such as skiing. Like intensive summer sports, checking that your equipment is well-suited to your adventure is essential, as well as verifying the weather conditions and other factors that could potentially present a challenge. Knowing your route, the nearest emergency outposts, and any prevalent problems with the terrain as well as being respectful of wildlife and their natural habitat is a vital recommendation. Particularly in winter, when conditions are easily changeable, make sure to check out the snow forecast before you head there; even if you don’t get to glide down the powdery snow, surprise weather conditions can make the ascent to the top even more of a challenge. In this case experienced guides are recommended unless you are an expert at climbing - however, you don't need to be an expert to reach the summit as long as you are prepared!

What Else Can I Do in Cameroon?

GlobalBush has an array of activities that will enrich your stay in Cameroon even further; tune in to your wild side at an adrenalin-filled safari, discover unique bird species whose dazzling colours and melodic chirping will appeal to the artist in you; and of course, don't forget to stimulate your mind, learning all about the rich history of Cameroon at the Sultan's Palace or private Royal Museum!