The African continent is home to a vast array of landscape and culture. Known as “Africa in Miniature”, the Central African country Cameroon demonstrates the diversity of geography, culture, and language of a continent in this singular country. Let’s look at five extraordinary places that are found in Cameroon.
Mount Cameroon
At 13,255 feet, Mount Cameroon is the highest mountain in West Africa. While most commonly called Mount Cameroon, it is also called Fako or Mongo Ma Ndemi (meaning “Mountain of Greatness”[1]) locally. Located along the Cameroon Volcanic Line, the mountain is actually a live volcano that erupts every 10-20 years or so! Surrounded by tropical rain forest, the bare summit rises majestically and is even occasionally capped with snow. In 2009 Mount Cameroon National Park was created, containing two pre-existing forest reserve, Etinde and Bomboko Forest Reserve.[2]
Want to Know More?
Check out Volcano Discovery!
Korup National Park
Cameroon actually has 19 national parks, including the aforementioned Mt Cameroon National Park. Another is Korup National Park, one of the most diverse ecosystems in all of Africa with over 1,100 species of trees and other vegetation beneath a dense canopy. Located along the Nigerian border in the southwest, it covers 490 square miles of luscious rainforest, streams, and mountains. In fact, the park varies wildly in elevation, from 3,540 feet atop Mount Yuhan to a mere 164 feet. Korup National Park is very welcoming to tourists and features a number of trails for those seeking to view the beauties of the African rain forest for a day as well as those looking for multi-day hiking excursions. Either way, you’ll have the opportunity to view some of the 14 different primate species making the park their home!
Want to Know More?
Read this National Parks article!
Ekom-Nkam Falls
Also in the thick of the jungle are the picturesque Ekom-Nkam Waterfalls – or, in French, Chutes d’Ekom Nkam. Located the city Douala, these twin falls are a sight to behold. The largest waterfall in Cameroon, water cascades over a cliff to fall a breathtaking 260 feet.[3] Local tour guides offer a range of hikes to view the falls, which are at their most impressive in the rainy season.
There are also several local legends surrounding the site, and the local Sawa people continue to hold traditional ceremonies at the falls.
Want to Know More?
Read this YENGAFRICA article!
Limbe Botanic Garden
If hiking through remote jungles is not your cup of tea, fear not, there are sites worth exploring in the cities, too! Limbe Botanic Garden brings nature to you with themed gardens in the lovely coastal city Limbe. Not only is this the principal botanic garden in Cameroon, it is one of the best in all of Africa. Visitors praise the beauty of the trails and the knowledgeable guides for hire. Also remember to take time to visit the nearby wildlife center when you visit!
Foumban Royal Palace
Located in the famed tourist city of Foumban in the West Region of Cameroon, Foumban Royal Palace was the seat of the Mfon, or Sultan, of the Bamoun Dynasty. Known as the Palais Royal, the palace was built in 1917 and today is a museum that presents regional history dating back to the first sultan in 1394. The museum houses a spectacular collection of tribal art, including a number of artifacts such as a feathered cloak worn for the initiation of each sultan and buffalo head masks worn by members of secret societies. There are even samples of the script invented by Sultan Ibrahim Njoya in the early 20th century.[4] Tours are available and highly recommended.
Bonus!
Where the forest meets the sea, Kribi is home to beautiful golden beaches and a thriving seaside life. If you’re traveling to Cameroon and love seafood, this is a must! Relax in the shade of the palms, play in the waves, and enjoy fresh seafood prepared right in front of you.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Cameroon
[2] https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/290571468007177234/pdf/E23260V30REPLA00Box391426B00PUBLIC0.pdf
[3] https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Ekom-Nkam_Waterfalls
[4] https://www.lonelyplanet.com/cameroon/western-cameroon/foumban/attractions/palais-royal/a/poi-sig/1300238/355114