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
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 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.
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