REGIONAL ENDOWMENTS OF CAMEROON
It is a mountainous region which marks the border between the Forest zone of south Cameroon and the savannah zone of north Cameroon. It is bordered to the west by Nigeria, east by Central African Republic, south by the West, Centre and East regions.
The headquarter of the Adamawa Region is Ngaoundere, having a surface area of 64 000 km2 and a population of 1 015 622 inhabitants (2010 estimates)
The Adamawa Region is made up of five divisions:
The Adamawa Region is also considered as one of the main tourist destination in Cameroon. It is situated on a plateau with an average altitude of 1 000 meters. It numerous and marvellous lakes (such as the Mballang and Tison) and waterfalls (such as the Tello and Vina) makes the Adamawa Region to be highly appreciated by tourists.
It is fondly referred to as the water catchment of Cameroon, because all the main rivers of the country take their source from this region.
The Adamawa Region is also a hunting region that is highly appreciated by sport hunting lovers, who often find good conditions to be emerged in their favourite pass – time activities. It has abundance games and comfortable camping and ranches.
Ngaoundere is the head quarter of the Adamawa Region and is the train terminal linking the south of Cameroon to the north.
Ngaoundere is a picturesque city with its Baladji quarter market that is always animated, ancestral mosques, the palace of the Lamido with its majestic wall decorations, illustrating the characteristic traditional architectures of the region and its museum.
WATERFALLS AND LAKES
It is found at 25 km from Ngaoundere towards the Bélel road, at 2 km to the principal road, precisely at the Vela Ndiam Village. The Vina Waterfalls is very spectacular, and falls from an altitude of about 40 meters, forming a cave in the form of an arc with the rocks. This is where the TELLO River takes it rise, as from the Vina Waterfalls.
It is a very picturesque waterfall with altitudes of about 50 meters. It is found at the Djohong sub-division, around the border with the Central African Republic.
It waters of a fall height of about 40 meters falls on a rock basement of about 50 meter of diameters. One can also visit the MAMI – WATA falls in the Bélel Sub – division and the BEKA waterfalls found some 65 km away from Ngaoundal.
It is situated at 28 km from Ngaoundere on the road to Bélel. The Mballang Lake is a beautiful crater lake in the middle of which is found a small forested island.
It is found at 8 km from the city of Ngaoundere, on the road to Meiganga. It is a small crater lake that is bordered by trees and is a favourable place for relaxation. The legend says the waters of the lake change colour in the course of the day.
Access to the lake is easy and it is an appropriate attraction for walking and strolling.
MOUNTAINS, CAVES AND ROCKS
It is found in the city of Ngaoundere. The name Ngaoundere is of the Mboum origin which signifies an obelic mountain, and it city got its name from this centre mountain.
Here, there exist several caves where arts objects can be found. The Ngan – Ha Mount is a veritable sanctuary of the Mboum population of Ngan – Ha. It serves as a refuge for the Mboum people during the colonial period.
It offers a panoramic view to the town of Banyo and served as refuge to the local populations during the German colonial wars.
This is a relaxation site that is situated on an attitude that permit one to have a panoramic view of the Mbé plain. Several monkeys are found in this escapement.
It is found in the Vina division, some 55 km from Ngaoundere. It is a combination of a cave and a waterfall of about 30 meters of attitude.
This cave is surrounded by trees and giving it the shape of a Boukarou. It is found in the Ngan – Ha Sub – division.
It is situated 20 km away from Tignére, on the main road to Ngaoundere. This cave has an intricate history that is linked to the culture and traditions of the Koutine people.
FESTIVALS
This is a touristico-cultural manifestation which seeks to commemorate the victory of the Nyem-Nyem people over the German colonisers through the ascension to the Djim Mountain and cultural exhibitions (traditional danses, sketches, fantasia, and exposition of arts objects).
This is a touristico-cultural manifestation of Ngan – Ha during which the Bélaka or the High chief of the Mboum enter into communion with his people and remember their glorious past while celebrating ancestral worship through activities such as the display of royal objects, the solemn outing of the Bélaka, and diverse activities.
As its name indicates, is situated at the centre of the country.it is limited to the north by the Adamawa Region, the south, by the South Region, the east, by the East Region and the west by the Littoral and West regions
The regional capital of the Centre region is Yaounde. It has a surface area of 69 000 km2 and a population of 3 525 664 inhabitants (2010 estimates)
It is made up of ten divisions:
UPPER SANAGA (NANGA EBOKO)
LEKIE (MONATELE)
MBAM AND INOUBOU (BAFIA)
MBAM AND KIM (NTUI)
MEFOU AND AFAMBA (MFOU)
MEFOU AND AKONO (NGOUMOU)
MFOUNDI (YAOUNDE)
NYONG AND KELLE (ESEKA)
NYONG AND MFOUMOU (AKONOLINGA)
NYONG AND SO’O (MBALMAYO)
The Centre Region is remarkable by its wet climate, luxuriant vegetation, rich and diversified folklore and customs of its inhabitants. It is a hilly region, mostly covered by the equatorial rainforest and crisscrossed by many long rivers. It is suitable for excursions, picnics, ecotourism, agrotourism and adventure travel. Except for the rainy season (from July till October), the region offers throughout the rest of the year, a convenient climate for travel and leisure, with its soft and fresh climate and temperatures hovering around 22°C.
Yaounde, the administrative centre of the region, is also the political capital of the country, and the seat of the institutions of the Republic. With its world-class hotel infrastructures, Yaounde is one of the preferred destinations for tourists, businessmen, diplomats, congress participants and academics. Built on several hills, Yaounde is offered described as “the city of seven hills”. It topography make its boast of a picturesque landscape and relatively mild climate compared to the Littoral Region. Temperature ranges between a maximum of 30°C to 33°C and a minimum of around 15°C.
YAOUNDE, THE TOURISTIC CITY
Yaounde, the administrative centre of the region and political capital of Cameroon is home to several places of interest for cultural, historical, ecological and religious tourists. Here, one can visit:
The Cross of Lorraine or the General Leclerc Monument, which symbolises the call for unity by the Gaullists, after the Second World War;
The National Museum or the former Presidential Palace, which was also formerly the Residence of the French Governors, build to its current architecture by Governor Marchand (1923 – 1933;
The ALCAM Building (Seat of the former Assemblée Legislative du Cameroun Orientale), where Andre Marie Mbida, first Prime Minister of East Cameroun celebrated the autonomy of East Cameroun on the 10th of May 1957;
The Statue of Charles Atangana, the last Chief of the Ewondo and Bene people, appointed by the German Kaiser in the 1940s;
The Reunification Monument, built in 1972, in memory of the reunification of the English-speaking and French-speaking Cameroons in 1961.
EXCURSIONS AROUND YAOUNDE
THE EBOGO ECOTOURISM SITE
It is one of the major tourist attractions of the Centre Region. Situated approximately 35 km from Yaounde, on the road to Mbalmayo, the Ebogo Ecotourism Site is on the bank of the River Nyong, fitted out for forest strolling and canoeing to contemplate nature, especially the many species of butterflies. On the road leading to the Ebogo Village, one can visit the basket craftwork and traditional musical instruments workshops, made of pieces of sticks mounted on calabashes.
THE MEFOU NATIONAL PARK
This park is situated approximately one-hour drive by road from Yaounde. There are several species of monkeys (such as the baboons, hocheurs, mandrills, white-collared cercocebes, and talapoins, the tiniest monkeys of Africa), gorillas, and chimpanzees there.
OTHER SITES
WATERFALLS AND RIVERS
Besides Yaounde and its neighbourhood, the Centre Region abounds with several other places of interest, including waterfalls, caves, cascades, rivers, etc.
THE NACHTIGAL WATERFALLS
It is an attractive and very famous waterfall in the district of Batchenga, named after Nachtigal, the famous explorer.
One can also visit the NDOKOM, NINOUM, POPOUMA, MBAM, MPOUME, MBILA AND NGO-NJOCK LIPOO FALLS.
THE SANAGA WATERFALL
These are spectacular rapids at the edge of which is built the Presidential Residence of Ndjore, in the district of Batchenga.
THE MBEGA MANGROVE SWAMPS BAY
Situated some 25 km from the City of Mbalmayo and about 10 km from Mbalmayo-Sangmelima road section, it is an easily flooded bank of the River Nyong, with undergrowth of mangrove swamps. In the dry seasons, the River Nyong recedes to deliver its fine white sand beaches.
THE SO’O BRIDGE
The bridge and colonial buildings at the edge of the River So’o are of great touristic value.
THE AKOK BEKOE CAVES
These are rocks made up of a multitude of very specular caves, situated in the Village of Bikoe, on the road from Mbalmayo to Akono.
It is one of the vastest regions of country. It is bordered to the north by the Adamawa Region, to the east by the Central African Republic, to the south by the Republic of Congo and to the west by South and Centre regions. It is populated among other tribes, by the pygmies, the first inhabitants of the region who collect all their living needs in their environment through picking, fishing and hunting.
Bertoua is the head quarter of the East Region. It has a surface area of 109 011 km2 and a population of 801 968 inhabitants (2010 estimates).
The East Region is made up of four divisions:
THE BOUMBA AND NGOKO (YOKADOUMA)
THE UPPER – NYONG (ABONG – MBANG)
KADEY (BATOURI)
LOM AND DJÉREM (BERTOUA)
Also known as the “Land of the rising sun”, the East Region is an ecological zone dominated by a dense equatorial forest where some 1 500 vegetal species and more than 500 animal species are completely or partially protected, especially those in the Dja Natural Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The average annual temperature is about 24°C. Rainfall is relatively high, reaching on average 1 500 – 2 000 mm of rains per year.
The pygmies (short people) who live from hunting and gathering in the forest have preserved their thousand – year – old lifestyle. These pleasant and welcoming people transformed their environment into a hospitable place visited by thousands of tourists every year.
ECOTOURISM
This region of dense forest stands out as one of the key ecotourism destination in Cameroon. The Cameroonian government and numerous NGOs have been working hard to preserve and protect the fragile ecosystem and natural heritage from an urban influence and pollution, especially in the Dja Natural Reserve and the Boumba – Bek and Nki game reserves.
THE DJA NATURAL RESERVE
It is almost entirely surrounded by the Dja River, which forms its natural boundaries. The Dja Reserve is especially remarkable for its biodiversity and the huge variety of primates (western plain gorillas, chimpanzees), forest elephants and other mammals. It forms an integral part of the wet dense forests of the Congo basin. About 90% of its surface area remains unexploited.
THE LOBEKE NATIONAL PARK
It is the kingdom of numerous birds, gorillas and other mammals such as elephants, buffaloes, antelopes and many other animals that can be observed from the observatories (towers) built in the clearings at Bolo, Djangui, Ndagaye, Ngoa, Djaloumbe and the Small Savannah. The fishes in its rivers and the BAKA pygmies’ traditional festivals (dances) are some of the many attractions of the region.
OTHER RESERVES AND SITES
The Boumba – Bek Reserve in the district of Mouloundou;
The Mbam and Djerem Reserve at the junction between the east, Center and Adamawa regions;
The Madouma wood, sheltering the ancient residence of Dr. Jamot;
The Nki Reserve, in the district of Ngoîla.
ADVENTURE TOURISM
PHOTO SAFARI
The game reserves in the East Region are characterised by clearings and observation towers from where tourists can observe animals and birds while taking photos. Visitors have the opportunity to photograph and take exceptional shots in the small and large savannahs, especially in the Lobeke National Park.
WATERFALLS AND LAKES
The Boden Falls in the district of Ketté;
The Ndong Waterfalls in the district of Ndélélé, Yota town;
The Batouri Lake, especially fitted out for angling and canoeing;
The Mokounounou Lakes, formed by a deed leg of the River Ngoko;
The Boumba Falls, in the district of Yokadouma;
The Falls of Mali, Limboka and Monaî, in the district of Betare – Oya;
The banks of the Sanaga River, in the district of Belabo;
The Nki Falls, in the district of Ngoîla.
MOUNTS, CAVES AND PEAKS
The Pandi Mounts formed by three rocks with a dense shrub on the summits, abode of a rich fauna. The biggest is identified as male and the smaller ones are identified as females;
The Marian Sanctuary, fitted out by the catholic missionaries, as pilgrimage and meditation retreat during the Assumption week;
The Mbartoua Caves, where the Baya leader, Mbartoua and his people took refuge fleeing the colonial penetration and the Islamic invasions;
The Bindia Rock;
The Mvanda and Esseng Caves, in the district of Nguélémendouka;
The Timbé Cave, in the district of Doumé.
OTHER SITES
The Ndélélé pond, with its impressive herd of hippopotamus, used to the presence of humans in their natural habitat;
The Lala hippopotamus pond in the district of Kette;
The gold mines dug by the villagers with rudimentary tools;
The Nika Lodges, built in 1952, to serve as stopover for the French servicemen from Central African Republic;
The Mayo pygmy’s camp, a village designed and built to settle pygmies. It is an experimental village that integrates the typical pygmies housing, modern habitat and typical forest habitat (clay);
The German Fortress, a colonial vestige presently used as a Gendarmerie office.
As its name indicates is the most northern region of the country. It is bordered to the north by Lake Chad, to the south by the North Region, to the east by the Republic of Chad and to the west by Nigeria. Culturally, it is a much diversified region with more than 50 ethnic groups, including the Kanuri, Fulanis, Matakam, Kapsiki, Guiziga, Moundang, Kotoko, Shua Arabs, etc.
The head quarter of the Far North Region is Maroua, having a surface area of 34 263 km2 and a population of 3 711 792 inhabitants (2011 estimates).
The Far North Region is made up of six divisions:
DIAMARÉ (MAROUA)
LOGONE AND CHARI (KOUSSÉRI)
MAYO – DANAY (YAGOUA)
MAYO – KANI (KAÉLÉ)
MAYO – SAVA (MORA)
MAYO – TSANAGA (MOKOLO)
The Far North Region, situated at the northern end of the country and bathed by the waters of the Lake Chad is endowed with several tourist marvels. The climate here is hot and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 26°C to as high as 32.4°C in January.
Various forms of tourism can be practiced in this region.
TREKKING
The western part of the region is characterised by mountainous highlands with enormous lava peaks of more than 1 000 meters. The most famous peak is the Mchigué, culminating at a height of 1 224 meters. Hiking is practiced on the Mandara Mountains, around Mora and the areas around Mogodé, Mindif and Kaélé to the South of Maroua.
CULTURAL TOURISM
Here, one can visit chiefdoms, kingdoms and lamidat:
The Oudjilla Kingdom: The Oudjilla chieftainship is a very typical local family structure. It is headed by a patriarch polygamous king who is married to 48 wives and have several hundreds of children. It is possible to organise a traditional dance executed by the chief’s spouses, if they are informed well in advance.
Pouss is a typical Mousgoum town famous for its spectacular Mousgoum traditional architectural style;
Other beautiful landscapes include the Kapsiki terraced plantations, enriched by the local blacksmith artists, tanners and potters of the region.
The Koza pass is a very picturesque landscape that reminds of the Texas pass.
The Djingliya handicraft center is rich in artworks and souvenirs to be taken home.
Rhumsiki is a lunar landscape constituted by a multitude of hill peaks where the sunrise and sunset are of an unbelievable beauty, attracting tourists from home and abroad. According to Andre Gide, a famous French playwright, the Rhumsiki lunar landscape is probably one of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet Earth.
THE KOTOKO SULTANATES
In the Logone and Chari division, one can visit the sultanates of Kousseri, Logone Birni, Goulfey, Afadé and Woulki, depositories of a rich collection of Sao civilisation. Legend had it that the sultanate of Logone Birni was the cradle of Hanibal Abraham, the ancestor of Vladimir Putin, the Russian Statesman.
THE LAMIDATS;
These are Fulani chiefdoms and the famous lamidats in the region include those of Maroua, Mokolo and Yagoua.
SAFARI
The Waza National Park is one of the most famous natural game reserves of Cameroon and the most spectacular in French – speaking Africa, with a surface area of 170 000 hectares.
There is also the Kalamaloué National Park, where tourists can discover a variety of wild animals with the most symbolic being the lions, the elephants, the hyenas, buffalos, buffons, gazelles, giraffes and many others.
The Mozoko Gokoro National Park is another famous reserve rich in vegetation in a rather barren and dry area.
It is situated in the southwest of the country. It is the domain of the Sawa people (the coastal people). The region is limited to the north by the West Region, east, by the Centre Region, south by the South Region and the Gulf of Guinea, and west by the South West Region.
Douala is the head-quarter of the Littoral Region. It covers a surface area of 20 248 km2 and has a population of 2 865 795 inhabitants (2010 estimates)
It is made up of five divisions:
In respect to tourism, the Littoral Region has several tourist endowments. The coaster zone, favourable to beach tourism, has picturesque bays, beautiful fine sand beaches which extend as far as your eyes can see, notably the Yoyo and Manoka beaches.
It has an equatorial climate with two variants, the variant with the Guinean type of climate is characterised by a fairly abundant rainfall; the variant with the Cameroonian type of climate is characterised by a very strong rainfall.
The region is found very close to the sea, on the left shore of the River Wouri. The city of Douala, the Littoral Regional capital and economic capital of Cameroon is the main entry port of the country. It is a city that is full of activities thanks to its port (one of the most important in the West African coast) and its international airport, served by several air companies.
The principal rivers of the region are the Wouri, Sanaga, and Dibamba. They have abundant species of animals and plants and also serve as transportation means of goods and persons, and for the production of electrical energy.
Business and congress tourism is well developed in Douala. Each year, it receives hundreds of tourists each year who come generally for seminars and conferences.
The Littoral Region is a zone that is endowed with several natural sites which are favourable for ecotourism.
Found between Melong and Nkongsamba, at an altitude of 80 meters, the Ekom – Nkam waterfalls featured a spectacular magnificent and impressive fall. It served as the background where some scenes of the “Greystoke, the legend of Tarzan” film, interpreted by Christopher Lambert was shot.
It flows from the Dibombe River which cross the town of Manjo at 100 meter at the upper section of the Wouri Bridge.
It is found at 80 km from Edea. This cave has 800 meter of altitude on a hill of 1 500 meter with a natural vegetation cover anchored on a rock.
It is very rich in forest resources. Together with the Yoyo beaches, they constitute the natural resources which Cameroon seeks to conserve. It has a variety of animal species such as elephants, antelopes, phacocheres, pythons, crocodiles, iguanes, and endemic species such as Manatees.
The Littoral Region is endowed with beautiful fine sand beaches such as the Yoyo and Manoka beaches as well as the Lake Ossa beaches at the Sanaga Maritime Division.
The Manenguba Mountains in the locality of Melong offer very interesting trekking and walking possibilities all along the slopes of these mountains. At the summit of these mountains, we have the Male and Female lakes. The Female Lake, with its blue waters presents itself in the form of an inverted African map, and it is more accessible since it is situated on top of a hill. On the other hand, the Male Lake, with its green colour waters, is found embedded in between two hills, making its access a little bit difficult.
Agritourism is well developed in this region thanks to the presence of large agro-industrial exploitations of pineapples, bananas, oil palms, etc., found in Douala and Edea.
It is manifested through artisanal, folklore, habitat, dressing modes, and culinary arts. Social and musical organisations are numerous in quarters such as New-Bell, Bassa, Akwa, Deido, Mbamewondo or Haoussa. Douala is the head-quarter of the Ngondo culture, the great Sawa traditional festival. The secondary towns organised colourful events such as the Mpo’o festival of Edea, and the Mbo’o folkloric dance of Nkongsamba.
It is bounded to the north by the Far North Region, to the east by the Republic of Chad and the Central African Republic, to the south by the Adamawa Region and to the west by the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
It is a melting pot populations consisting of several ethno-cultural communities, which practice agriculture and animal husbandry in their overwhelming majority (more than 90%). Thanks to its international airport, the regional capital, Garoua is connected with Douala and Yaounde, one of the main front doors into Cameroon.
The North Region covers a surface area of 66 090 km2 and has a population of 2 050 229 inhabitants (2010 estimates).
It is made up of the following divisions;
BÉNOUÉ (GAROUA)
FARO (POLI)
MAYO – LOUTI (GUIDER)
MAYO – REY (TCHOLLIRÉ)
The North Region has a typically hot and semi – dry tropical climate. Temperatures are generally very variable in the dry season, ranging from a maximum of 48°C in March to a minimum of about 20°C in December.
The three national game reserves, namely Bénoué, Bouba Ndjidda and Faro, with a combined surface area of 730 000 hectares have made the North Region of Cameroon an archetypal zone where most representative species of the African fauna are concentrated; the big mammals, the primates, the reptiles and the birds.
The North Region is endowed with countless resources, allowing for almost all kinds of tourism activities.
PHOTO SAFARI – CYNEGETIC TOURISM
With more than 600 km of tracks opened every year, the area offers immense opportunities for photo safari and sport tourism (hunting, fishing) in 28 zones specially fitted out and distributed around the national parks.
THE BOUBA NDJIDDA NATIONAL PARK (220 000 HECTARES)
Located some 150 km southeast of Garoua, this game reserve is home to almost all species of animals often found in the Central African Region and offers the best conditions for watching the Giant Eland, the biggest, most majestic but also the wildest of the African antelope species. Other animals found in the game reserve include elephants, giraffes, lions, panthers, buffaloes, hyenas, duikers, warthogs, aardvark, bush bugs, cobs, etc.
THE BENOUE NATIONAL PARK (180 000 HECTARES)
Accessible on road via Mayo Alim, Buffle Noire and Bel Eland, this reserve is located some 175 km to the south of Garoua and about 150 km to the north of Ngaoundere. Almost the same animal species are found here as in the Bouba Ndjidda National Park (lions, giant elands, cobs, defassa waterbucks and elephants). Four camps have been erected in the park to host visitors: Buffle Noir, Bel Eland, Grand Capitaine and Kobas.
THE FARO NATIONAL PARK (330 000 HECTARES)
In addition to most of the animal species found in the Bouba Ndjidda and Benoue national parks, the Faro National Park is also home to a diversified fauna including turtledoves, the grey hornbill, the blackbirds, the roller of Abyssinia, the common guinea fowls, the big hornbills of Abyssinia, the rocks hens, sand grouses, etc. The hippopotamus’s camp is fitted within the park for the convenience of tourists. The vegetation alternates between the savannas and the densely wooded areas, and some of the vegetal species include combretum spp, isoberlinia doka, burkea Africana, anogeissus leicarpus, afzelia Africana, cassia ssp, etc.
CULTURAL TOURISM IN THE NORTH REGION OF CAMEROON
The cultural diversity of the populations of the North Region of Cameroon is observed through the Fantasia; the cuisine, a varied and very authentic habitat, a unique clothing style represented by the Djellabah worn by men and the women adorning basin and colourful cotton loincloths. The North Region is home to a multitude of traditional chiefdoms (lamidat), with the most prestigious being the lamidat of Rey Bouba, built at the beginning of the 19th century under the reign of Bouba Ndjidda, who came from Mali with his Fulani warriors and settled near Mayo Rey. The legend had it that the Lamido Bouba Ndjidda laid there a white banner, a silver drum, a sword and a basket containing the royal secrets. This lamidat is a UNESCO world heritage site since April 18th 2006. Other important lamidats are those of Garoua and Demsa, renowned for their cultural wealth.
THE GOUMA DANCE
The Gouman dance or topless dance is an internationally renowned dance. It was originally performed to celebrate the birth of twins (an exceptional event) in the Guidar tradition. The Gidar people are reputed for their dexterity, cunningness and very appreciated for their traditional dances in October, after the harvest. Guider, the hometown of the Gidar people is a small industrial town with wide shaded avenues. It is located some 100 km from Garoua, in the Mayo Louti division. Its weekly market held every Friday, attracts many Guidar pottery amateurs.
TREKKING AND OTHER TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Cultural tourism is supplemented by trekking in the Atlantika Mountains, where tourists can discover the Koma people. These are people dressed scantily, often using tree leaves to cover their private parts. They live in a traditional way by hunting and practice agriculture for survival.
The Lagdo dam and the marvellous Damans Island are also reputed tourist attractions of the North Region.
The canyon within a rock some 5 km from Guider, forming a trench sometimes 20 metres deep and over 1 km long;
The Kala Kafinarou Lake, some 120 km from Garoua is a depression formed by the rivers Mayo Louti and Mayo Kebbi;
Toro town, some 4 km from Garoua in the lamidat of Demsa is a picturesque Falis Goutchoumi village where the population has remained refractory to any form of modernisation;
The Mount Tinguelin, a very picturesque mountain dominating the city of Garoua, some 10 km on the National Highway N1 on the way to Maroua;
The Pitoa market, picturesque and colourful;
The Garoua Handicraft center, shopping centre for art works, souvenirs and cultural items;
The dinosaur tracks in Manaya town in the Lamidat of Rey Bouba. Here, are found about fifty imprints left by the dinosaurs more than 120 million years ago. These imprints have very high touristic and scientific value.
It is a region of high plateaux dominated by a mountain range peaking with Mount Oku at more than 3 000 meters. It has an average altitude of 1 550 meters over sea level. These mountain ranges are covered by luxuriant vegetation made up of grass-fields, offering a fascinating landscape. The North West Region is characterised by the panoramic contrast of plains surrounded by mountain ranges holding crater lakes and deep valleys through which flow streams and rivers often cut through by majestic waterfalls.
Bamenda is the capital of the North West Region. The region has a surface area of 34 263 km2 and a population of 1 804 695 inhabitants (2011 estimates)
The North West Region is made up of seven divisions:
Except for the rainy season (from July till October), the region offers a convenient climate for tourism and travel all year round.
The climate here is soft and cool, with temperatures hovering around 22°C.
Bamenda, the main urban area and regional capital is a modern but also traditional city, and important commercial centre and a major road junction. A 350 km highway, also known as the Ring Road allows visitors to tour and admire the region in all its touristic diversity, traditional chiefdoms, landscapes, lakes, falls, games reserves, etc.
POPULATIONS OF THE REGION
Just like in the neighbouring West Region, the population here is mostly made up of Bamiléké, Bamoun and Tikar who migrated from the Adamawa region and settled around Bamenda in the 15th century, and other groups such as the Bakweris.
The local culture is close to that of the Bamiléke, their neighbours in the West Region. It is dominated by chiefdoms and museum. The North West Region blends its ancestral heritage with the influence of the British and German colonisation and shares with neighbouring Nigeria, an authentic lifestyle. The population of the North West Region are very attached to their cultural values and local customs are particularly respected with elaborate and singular clothing styles and cuisine.
The Mankon kingdom is in the Mezam division. It is one of the oldest monarchies of the Grass-fields people of the North West Region. The Royal palace and its museum, made up of a collection of local craft (made by the kings and local craftsmen) and other vestiges of the colonial era is a MUST SEE attraction in the region.
It was established at approximately some 500 years ago. Bafut is one of the most important kingdoms of the North West Region. Established by King Mfor Feurlu, who unified the villages of Bukari and Mbebili, the history of the kingdom is marked by the war against the Germans, resulting in the partial destruction of the chiefdom between 1901 and 1910. After the war, the chiefdom was reconstructed with the assistance of the Germans who maintained a very close links with the kingdom.
As a continuation of the western green plains and the volcanic high plateaux, the North West Region is endowed with still unexplored green spaces considered as sacred forests by the locals. These sacred forests are dotted within towns and villages and are swallowed up in the traditional agricultural universe, forming an extremely beautiful landscape. Know-hows are shared between the rich handicrafts and agricultural activities that form the main occupations of the population.
THE BAMESSING POTTERY
The North West Region is famous for its rich handicraft tradition, especially the Nsei – Bamessing pottery, commercialised throughout Cameroon. Most of those potteries are made by the Nsei (local ethnic group). The pottery artists also make roof tiles and other clay objects.
THE BAMENDA HANDICRAFT CENTER
The Bamenda handicraft cooperative was established in September 1964 to rescue and support the dying local handicraft skills and maintain the rich cultures and traditional values of the local people. It has become a center for the promotion of local handicraft know-how and breeding ground for artist to express their skills transforming wood and clay to create statuettes, jewels, vast, stools and other works of art for decoration.
THE LELA FSETIVALS IN BALI
It is a traditional festival organised in December in the Bali chiefdom, located some 20 km away from Bamenda. The Lela festival marks the enthronement of a new Fon and the celebration of initiation rites for the new members of the secret societies.
THE BAFUT ACHUM FESTIVAL
It is celebrated every year in December to show to the public the sacred rites of members of the secret societies and to commemorate the past victories of their ancient warriors.
Thanks to its rich volcanic soils that extends to the South West Region, the North West Region is home to vast industrial agricultural plantations that produce cash crops including tea, coffee, and cocoa as well as locally consumed foodstuffs such as potatoes, beans, vegetables, corns, rice and peanuts.
Lake Awing in the district of Santa, situated about 7 km on the road from Santa to Bamenda;
Lake Oku, which is a crater lake in the Oku district, is one of the resources of Kilum Reserve;
Mount Kilum (Oku), is the second highest peak of Cameroon and also West Africa, culminating at 3 000 meters of altitude. At the top of it is the Kilum Reserve;
The Menchum Waterfalls, on the Bamenda – Wum road (about 20 km from Wum) is a picturesque waterfall of about 30 meters, visible from the road;
Lake Wum, in the city of Wum, is a crater lake;
Lake Bambalang, in the Balikumbat District is a result of Bamendji dam.
Important chiefdoms include:
The Chiefdom of Bali (20 km from Bamenda), generally considered as the cradle of the local culture;
The Chiefdom of Bafut (about 20 km from Bamenda, on the road to Wum), with an architecture that blends traditional and colonial heritage;
The Babessi Chiefdom, with its rich antiques museum;
The Fundong Chiefdom;
The Laîkom Chiefdom;
Famous places to visit include:
The Lîkom Palace, home of the impressive Afo’ Akom statue;
The Bamenda Fortress;
The Up Station area;
Down town Bamenda, is home to many colonial vestiges, and now offices for the regional administrations.
The Oku Reserve is a forest reserve endowed with a number of endemic species. WWF and UICN are currently working to develop ecotourism in the reserve.
The Ring Road is an important road network that interconnects all the divisions in the region and offers a fantastic and panoramic view of the region.
The Ndu Tea Plantation are also worth visiting.
It is found in the south east of the country. It is bordered to the North West by the Littoral Region, the north by the Centre Region and the east by the East Region. The southern part of the region is delimited by 3 countries; Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Congo Republic.
Ebolowa is the head quarter of the South Region. It is made up of four divisions:
DJA AND LOBO (SANGMELIMA)
MVILA (EBOLOWA)
OCEAN (KRIBI)
NTEM VALLEY (AMBAM)
The South Region is a complete destination in relation to the image of Cameroon. Its immersed vegetal mantle, the tropical forest, makes this region an excellent agritourism and ecotourism haven, offering to visitors, a rendez – vous with the pygmies, the first forest habitant.
Numerous watercourses reinforce the humid climate of this region, with spectacular waterfalls and cascades at some places such as the Lobe Waterfalls and the Memve’ele Waterfalls. The opening to the Atlantic Ocean, with about 150 km of coastlines covered with grey fin sand, favour beach resort tourism.
You can visit the South region to discover the vestiges and monuments that marked the first installations of the missionaries and history of Cameroon colonisation, found notably in Kribi and Campo. You can also visit this region to admire the splendour of the natural forest of the Dja Reserve, declared World Humanity Heritage by UNESCO.
ECOTOURISM
This region is endowed with dense tropical forest and natural forest islands. It offers to tourists an appropriate relaxation framework at the sea shores of fine grey beaches, and strolling in the forest. The Cameroonian coastline is made up mainly of virgin forest. Visitors shall be seduced by the flora (mangroves) and the aquatic fauna of the South Region, which is favourable for beach tourism. The camping grounds at the Dja and Campo reserves as well as the Gorillas Sanctuary of Mengame are very rich ecotourism attractions in the region.
THE CAMPO MA’AN RESERVE
It is a forest reserve at the borders of Equatorial Guinea which is very rich in animal biodiversity (elephants and chimpanzees).
THE DJA RESERVE
It is midway between the Centre and South regions. It is a heritage with an exceptional flora and fauna. The Dja Reserve is a MUST SEE site in Cameroon.
THE EBODJE ECOTOURISM SITE
It is a village made up fishermen. This region is made up of large beaches of fine sand where two species of marine turtles (the luth and olivatre turtles) come and lay their eggs.
THE LOBE WATERFALLS
It has an escapement of about 30 meters and empties itself into the Atlantic Ocean in the form of an admirable cascade. It is unique in the world, as a result of the fact that the River Lobe empties itself directly into the ocean.
THE PYGMIES CAMPINGS
They are found at some few kilometers from Kribi. You can discover and share in the way of life of these ancient forest dwellers as from traditional songs, dances and secret forest expeditions.
SPORT TOURISM
Sport tourism is mostly practised in cities like Kribi where tournaments are regularly organised for amateurs at the Kribi Merina, giving rise to the capture of beautiful species such as the thons, marlins, barracudas, etc. Artisanal fishing is also widely practised by the riverside population. Canoe race is also included in the cultural manifestations such as the BATANGA FESTIVAL.
BEACH RESORT TOURISM
Kribi is the most important beach resort city in Cameroon and one of the very first in Equatorial Africa. Its marvellous fine sand beaches which border the ocean for several kilometers is opened to all those who dream of having a sea bath in a relaxing and paradise atmosphere, under the coconuts that bordered the coastline.
AGROTOURISM
Ebolowa, Sangmelima, and Ambam are areas which are essentially agricultural and forested, where a lot of forest exploitations take place. There are ideal for the discovery of wild nature. Tourism is favourable here during the dry season.
CULTURAL TOURISM
The South Region has diverse cultures, rites and traditions that the tourists shall have the pleasure to discover in different villages.
CAVES, MOUNTS AND PEAKS
The Caves of Nkolandom, at 20 km from Ebolowa, towards Ambam;
The Mount Ebolow’o, which overlooks the city of Ebolowa and gave it its name;
The Ako’okas Rocks, found at Mezesse, with its summit covered with pineapples;
The Abmina II and Aka’afan rocks;
The Meyo Madjom Caves, with a height of about 150 meters and a circumference of 2 000 meters, dominating the equatorial forest;
The Bounou mineral water catchment at Njikom.
WATERFALLS
The Memve’ele Waterfalls, made up of a series of three spectacular waterfalls, with the bigger one having a magnetic field;
The Nkoumouqui Waterfalls, which falls in the form of cascades and forms a water body which is considered as a lake.
OTHER SITES
The Abang Minlo Frontier Markets at Kyeossi, very rich and colourful markets, which permit exchanges between Cameroon, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
The colonial vestiges of Marienberge, the first catholic church built by the Palottins Fathers in the 19th Century, having a beautiful view to the River Sanaga.
The Lake Ossa, very rich in fish, notable the Manatees and marine turtles. It is alimented by waters from the death branch of the River Sanaga.
The Foulassi School, attended by Mikio Bamba Samuel and Nyatte Nko’o, two out of three Cameroonians who composed the Cameroon National Anthem.
It is one of the two Anglophone regions of Cameroon. It is characterised by a rich and always green vegetable cover, resulting from an abundant rainfall, favourable to the development of a prosperous agro-industrial activity. It is bordered on the west by the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to the east by the Littoral, West and North West regions, and opens to the Atlantic Oceans on the south.
Buea is the Regional head quarter. The South West Region is spread over a surface area of 25 410 km2 and has a population of 1 318 000 inhabitants (2010 estimates).
It is made up of six divisions:
FAKO (LIMBE)
KUPE MANENGUBA (BANGEM)
LIBIALEM (MENJI)
MANYU (MAMFE)
MEME (KUMBA)
NDIAN (MUNDEMBA)
The region is endowed with a wealth of tourism resources, including:
Colonial vestiges such as the former palace of the German Colonial Governor, Von Puttkamer, built at the beginning of the 20th century;
Mount Cameroon, towering at 4 100 meters and it is still an active volcano;
The Korup National Park, a true living museum of more than 300 million years and home to a rich flora and fauna of rare variety;
The Limbe Botanical Garden, created in 1892, by a German horticulturist;
The Limbe Zoo, open to tourists throughout the year;
The Barombi Lake in Kumba, nested in a luxuriant decoration, and many more.
The South West Region is also home to many beautiful black sandy beaches on the Atlantic Ocean.
It has an equatorial climate, with regular abundant rains and constantly high temperatures (on average around 26°C). A notable characteristic here is the Debunscha area, considered one of the areas with the highest rainfalls in the world with about 10 000mm of rain per year.
POPULATIONS OF THE SOUTH WEST REGION
The South West Region of Cameroon along with the Southeast of Nigeria is considered as the cradle of the Bantu people. Nowadays, the Tikar, the Bamoun and the Bamiléké are the main occupants of these high plateaux. Besides, there are also the Bororos (Fulanis cattle herdsmen) who have gradually become sedentary and live on these highlands, while preserving their religious beliefs and traditions.
TOURIST RESOURCES
It is naturally gifted with enormous natural tourism resources, namely the vast green forests, the diverse fauna and the rich cultural heritage of the local populations. It is the home of the famous Korup National Park, covering some 125 000 hectares of wet tropical forest.
ECOTOURISM
From the long beaches, to the lush green forests, the South West Region presents a multiple facetted landscape that offers visitors an opportunity to discover different natural environments. Villages along the coast are made up of extended families that live on fishing and related activities.
MOUNT CAMEROON
It is the highest mountain in West Africa, peaking at 4 100 meters above sea level. It is famous for the international racing competition organised every year to climb to its highest point. It is a volcanic mountain that is still active today. The latest eruption occurred in 1999, when its lava obstructed the road from Limbe to Idenau.
THE KORUP NATIONAL PARK
Unique of its kind, it covers 1260 km2 and is regarded as one of the oldest and most beautiful wet tropical forest of the world. Its rich fauna and flora are probably due to the fact that it survived the Ice Ages and today it resembles a living museum of more than 60 million years.
More than 400 species of plants of which of which many are medicinal were identified therein. It is also home to more than 300 species of birds, more than 174 reptiles and amphibians and 140 fish species that populate the many rivers crisscrossing the park. Earmarked as a natural game reserve, many animal species living there including elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, leopards or chimpanzees are protected.
THE LIMBE BOTANICAL GARDEN
It is specially dedicated to the reproduction of plant species. The Limbe Botanical Garden is a MUST SEE tourist site in the city. It was established in 1892 and offers a rare opportunity to discover a multitude of plant species often studied in pharmacology and agro-industry. It also showcases the rich equatorial and Cameroon’s botanical wealth.
THE LIMBE ZOOLOGICAL CENTER
This animal conservation centre was established in 1993 jointly by the government of Cameroon and the Pandrillus Foundation to collect and reintroduce domesticated wild animals and other animals seized from poachers into their natural habitat. Many exotic animals can be found there, including the pythons, primates, crocodiles, birds and tortoises.
THE MOUNT CAMEROON INTER – COMMUNAL BOARD OFFICE
It is a pioneer undertaking in Cameroon. It provides many tourism related services including mountain climbing, hiking, etc. It is under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Tourism and Leisure and is supported by the German Development Agency and the German Technical Cooperation Agency.
AGROTOURISM
The excellent soil conditions have helped the establishment of many agro-industries, Including the Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC), one of the main companies in Cameroon and the second recruiter of labour after the State. In its vast plantations throughout the region and beyond, the CDC produces and transforms tea, banana, pineapple, coffee, and many other agricultural produce. The South West Region is the home of the world’s famous Penja pepper, with its unique taste appreciated by the chefs the world over.
SEASIDE RESORT TOURISM
From the tree – covered hills to the vast beaches on the Atlantic Ocean, the South West Region also hosts the highest mountain in western Africa, the Mount Cameroon, peaking at 4 100 meters above sea level. Mount Cameroon is an active volcano.
LIMBE
The beautiful and black famous sand beaches resulting from the various Mount Cameroon eruptions are a preferred holiday destination for many Cameroonians and foreigners. Limbe is the second seaside resort of the country after Kribi. The refreshing permanent marine breeze combined with the warm and calm sea set excellent conditions for bathing all day. Many of the hotels are just by the seaside and offer ideal conditions for relaxing holiday.
BAKINGILI
It is a small fishing village that was transformed into a seaside resort over the years, thanks to its excellent beaches. It is located some 30 km away from Limbe and its proximity with the sea and diversity of the local flora has seduced many visitors who keep on coming to relax. There is a sizeable foreign population here, mostly Ghanaian and Nigerian fishermen living peacefully with their Cameroonian hosts, both locals and those from other regions of the country, including north westerners, Bakweris, Ewondos and others, engaging mostly in fishing activities.
IDENAU
This is a small town at the border between Cameroon and Nigeria. It has an important river port and is a melting pot of different communities from both countries and always bustling with business and the colourful dugouts that transports goods and persons between the two countries.
CULTURAL TOURISM
The cultural heritage of the South West Region is inseparably associated with the history of colonialism in Cameroon.
BIMBIA
On the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, not far from Limbe, lays the old slave trade port of Bimbia. The site, still well preserved by the thick forest, was discovered some 22 years ago, in 1987, when excavation works were being carried out in the area to build the Alfred Saker commemorative church. The site still carries indelible traces of the dreadful slave trade with the ruins of the buildings where the slaves were kept before being embarked, the locks and the other tools used by the traders to shackle them.
THE VON PUTTKAMER PALACE
Built in the year 1895 in Buea, this Bavarian style palace is a testimony of German colonial past in Cameroon. Former residence of Governor Von Puttkamer, it is nowadays closed to the public but is at the center of a legend according to which at night, the palace is haunted by the late wife of the Governor, who appear in the building playing piano.
THE GERMAN GRAVES
Buea was the political of Cameroon between 1901 and 1908, when it was a German colony. The city shelters tombs of former German soldiers and officials who lived here during that period.
Other historical monuments in the city of Buea include the Bismarck Fountain built in 1899 and other vestiges of its rich colonial past.
SPORTING TOURISM
The Mount Cameroon race also known as the “Race of Hope” held every year in Buea at the foot of the mountain is the main sport tourism event in the region. This international event is an opportunity for the region to showcase its rich natural and cultural resources and also to increase its visibility both at home and abroad.
HEALTH TOURISM
Apart from the conventional sporting activities and traditional medicine, Buea is also famous for its natural spring water SPA at the Seme Beach Hotel. It is the ideal place for a healthy massage.
WATERFALLS, LAKES AND DAMS
The many rivers in the region are often cut through by waterfalls and dams that create water reservoirs and lakes.
Picturesque and impressive waterfalls can be observed at the Mobombe and Nyarue waterfalls in Konye district, Ekumbe Waterfall in Mbonge district, at Mundemba, Mana and Meta waterfalls.
There are also many lakes here including the Barombi Kotto Lake, a vast and splendid crater lake, the Inner Salt Lake near Mamfe, the Ejaghem Lake in Eyumojock district and the Twin Lakes designated male and female, on top of Mount Manenguba with its splendid landscape.
Other places of interest include:
The John Holf Beach in Mamfe town, on the banks of the Cross Rivers;
The Takamanda and Southern Bakundu Forest Reserves with their rich fauna;
The Suspension Bridge in Mamfe over the River Manyu, a colonial heritage;
The Okoyong Caves;
The German water pump in Mamfe.
It is the home of the Bamiléké and Bamoun people. These two ethnic groups are famous for their cultural and traditional richness. It is bordered in the north by the North West and Adamawa Regions, east by the Center Region, south by the Littoral Region and the west by the South West Region.
Its head-quarter is Bafoussam and it has a surface area of 13 892km2 and a population of 1 785 285 inhabitants (2010 estimates).
It is subdivided into 8 divisions;
BAMBOUTOS (MBOUDA)
UPPER – NKAM (BAFANG)
HAUT – PLATEAUX (BAHAM)
KOUNG – KHI (BANDJOUN)
MENOUA (DSCHANG)
MIFI (BAFOUSSAM)
NDÉ (BANGANGTÉ)
NOUN (FOUMBAN)
The West Region of Cameroon is magnificently endowed by nature such that it has nothing to envy to the Auvergne Region of France. Generally, it has a hilly topography that is crisscrossed by beautiful rivers which are often sectioned by waterfalls. It has a series of rounded-up mountains which result from ancient volcanic activities.
The climate here is moderated by two main seasons; a dry season beginning from October – November till March – April and a rainy season beginning in March – April to end in October – November. The average annual temperature in certain localities such as Dschang and Bangou is just about 20°C.
The West Region of Cameroon is the land of traditions and culture. It is characterised by traditional and cultural wealth such as handicraft and arts expressed in different forms such as pipes, clay utensils, copper masks and figurines, stools decorated with pearls and the Bamiléké dancers in their picturesque costumes.
Foumban is widely considered as the handicraft capital of Cameroon. The West Region presents striking tourism resources such as its rounded –up mountains, green landscapes along the plains and valleys and a very rich cultural diversity.
CULTURAL TOURISM IN THE WEST REGION OF CAMEROON
The main cultural attractions in the West Region of Cameroon is its multitude of traditional chiefdoms, museums and a testimony of the vitality and the importance of a still respected ancestral culture.
THE BANDJOUN CHIEFDOM
The architecture of the Bandjoun chiefdom is certainly the most monumental and the most majestic of the Bamiléké land. Its architectural buildings are made up of facades with bamboos bound with grass fibres and decorated for geometrical motives. The central building is covered by a heavy and thick conical thatch roof. The furniture inside is mainly made of bamboo. It hosts a rich museum where relics of former chiefs and the heritage of the dynasty are displayed.
THE FOUMBAN SULTANATE
It is also known as the “City of Arts”. Foumban is the capital of the Bamoun Kingdom. It is one of the oldest kingdoms in Black Africa. Its royal palace, a careful blend of baroque and local architectural styles is a MUST SEE attraction in the region. It was built in 1917 and is still very much alive till today. The palace is also the host of the famous Foumban museum. The Foumban museum regroups and displays more than 3 000 works of arts and historic items of the Bamoun culture.
THE BAFOUSSAM CHIEFDOM
It was founded around the year 1200 by the Bafoussam people originating from the Tikar plains. The entrance to the palace is lined with high eucalyptus and woody alleys and it leads to the main building, which is the Tchong (customary court) built with bamboos and decorated with colourful frescoes and encircled with sculptured pillars, illustrating the cultural life and revealing the architectural style. A rich collection of socio-cultural, religious and political objects, still used as an expression of the power of the current Chief are displayed in the palace museum.
THE BAMENDJOU CHIEFDOM
It is an architectural framework that was built following a traditional plan, with huts made up of crossed bamboos. The main building is known as Nemmoh and is decorated with sculptured wooden elements. It is a colonial style palace built by the artist, Oumbé Massah, at the beginning of the 20th century.
FESTIVALS IN THE WEST REGION OF CAMEROON
There are multitudes of festivals and traditional ceremonies in this region which have encouraged the local culture to use masks, costumes for dancing and to practice traditional rites. Life here is stepped up by traditional religious and burial ceremonies which take place mainly during the dry season.
THE “NGUON” FESTIVAL IN FOUMBAN
It is a famous biennial cultural festival of the Bamoun people which is at the origin of an agricultural show but most importantly a conference of the sovereign people vis-à-vis the Ku-mutngu, a real manifestation of active democracy. This festival has been celebrated since 1394 and carried on under the regency of all the monarchs who succeeded NCHARE YEN until date. It hinges around 3 major activities namely; a night procession of the Nguon brotherhood members (the “Fonaguon”) entering the main palace hall of the Kings, an exchange of medicines between the King and the members of the brotherhood, and a public scene during which the King is temporarily discharged of his duties for derelictions (failures) of duty recorded in the kingdom during the last two years. The King is then given the chance to justify his shortcomings with solid and convincing arguments before he is authorised to settle down once again on the throne.
THE “NYANG – NYANG” FESTIVAL IN BAFOUSSAM
The Nyang – Nyang festival, also known as the Nekang or Nkee festival takes place every two years. Nyang – Nyang means power or magic and it is a festival that is celebrated by the Baleng and Bafoussam peoples. It is an initiatory dance ceremony held every two years and coincides with the harvests period. It is also a symbol for economic wealth. Nyang – Nyang is the shout of the ravens, which is a way to assist women in the fields during the harvests.
THE NGOU NGUONG FESTIVAL OF BALENG
This is a biennial festival held for over several months and it is intended to initiate the youths into the habits and customs of the society. The ceremonies take place with parties dressed with mask decorations made up of plants stalks from the peace trees.
THE KAING CEREMONY IN BAHAM
Kaing means magic. It is a biennial rite that is centered about initiations, fertility worship, evocation and use of occult powers for the well-being of the populations.
AGROTOURISM IN THE WEST REGION OF CAMEROON
The West Region of Cameroon is commonly referred to as the “Grassfields” because of the vast agricultural plantations extending over the plains and valleys. It is major agricultural production zone in Cameroon. The fertile soil has favoured a large-scale production of coffee, cocoa or tea, which are complemented by subsistence crops such as vegetables, cabbages, potatoes, peanuts, corns, beans, carrots, etc. The West Region created its wealth on agro-pastoral production, in particular, the production of Arabica coffee in the high valleys around Bandjoun, Bafoussam, Bamendjou, Bamougoum, Bayangam, Bangou and Baham.
OUTDOOR TOURISM IN THE WEST REGION OF CAMEROON
This region is studded with mountains and hills that offer great opportunities for hiking and trekking among other outdoor activities.
WATERFALLS AND LAKES
Because of its hilly terrain, the West Region of Cameroon is studded with many lakes and falls, some of the most important include the falls at Mami – Wata, Métché, Kigang, Mouanko, Bakondji, Tchanko, Banka, Batcha, Bakelac, Sincoa, Batoum, Pendou, Ndé, Ntaveu, and Chehanzewe.
With the exception of the Dschang municipal lake, most of the lakes in this region are crater lakes. They are, Lake Baleng, famous for its huge wild duck population, Lake Doupé, Lake Ghanka, and Lake Takouche.
MOUNTAINS, PASS, CLIFF AND CAVES
Peak Neyang, Mount Mete, Cliff Santchou, Rocks of Fongo – Tongo (15 km from Dschang), Bana Pass, Batcha Pass and the most famous of all, the Batié Pass, with its tourism center fitted out at 1 600 meters of altitude and offering a beautiful panoramic view of the whole region.
The caves of Fovu, Banwa, Mboeto, and the Ndessi Nekang Caves (10 kms from Bafoussam) served refuge for the waterside populations during tribal wars.
The Bamboutos Mountains, culminating at 2 740 meters of altitudes offers a panoramic view of the entire West Region.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
The Dschang market: It is symbolised by its 3 traditional huts with conical roofs, which resemble mushrooms, and reflects the richness of the Bamiléké tradition.
The Dschang craft Center: It is very rich in art works produced in the West Region.
The Djutitsa Tea Plantation: It is found some 20km from Dschang.
The Vestige of the first car bought and driven by a Bamiléké chief: It is found at the Bangou chiefdom.
