Mount Cameroon located on the Coast in the South West Region of Cameroon, and its surrounding region is an area of sticking natural beauty. Rising to a height of 4,095m above sea level, Mount Cameroon is the highest mountain in the West and Central Africa. It is the principal and most interesting tourist attractions in Cameroon. Estimated at 2,500 Km² wide, the biodiversity of Mount Cameroon is both rich and rare. The mountain was identified as a national and international conservation priority site (biodiversity “Hotspot”) due to its high levels of endemism in plants and animals.
The range of habitats on Mount Cameroon includes mangroves, coastal vegetation, lowland evergreen rain-forest, submontane and montane forest, grassland and lava flow in varying stages. The high montane forests are often swathed in clouds and mist, providing the habitat for “cloud forests”, with trees richly covered with ferns, orchids and mosses.
Forty-nine plants, endemic to Mount Cameroon have been identified. Twenty nine of them are found in lowland forest. Of 28 bird species listed on the “Cameroon Mountain Endemic Bird List”, 20 are found on Mount Cameroon, and two (2) are strictly endemic to the mountain. Three primates are strictly endemic to the region -the drill, Preuss, Guenon, and the Red-eared guenon. Other species with high global conservation value, such as red-capped mangabey, forest elephant, chimpanzee, Ogilby’s and Bay Duiker are also found in significant numbers.
Mount Cameroon is also a unique eco-tourism site with a huge range of habitats to explore and wildlife to see. There are eco-tourism trails (tracks) as well as huts (Hut I, the Intermediate hut, Hut II and III) available to facilitate climbing for sporting, adventurers, scientific researchers or nature-loving tourists.
There are different interesting tours of different levels of difficulties. Depending on your physical fitness and state of training, it is possible to challenge “Mount Cameroon” in 1, 2, 3 or make a long 4 to 5 days stay around it or make short half or 1 day walking trip around Buea. Tourists will start hiking from upper farms (1,010m above sea level) to the summit (4,095m), passing through Mann Spring (2,050m) to Bokwango village and back to Buea.
It should be noted that since the beginning of the 20th Century, Mount Cameroon has erupted six times – 1909, 1922, 1954, 1982, 1990 and 1999. In the 1922 and 1999 eruptions, steam of lava rolled down the mountain side and eventually reached the Sea. That of March 1999 ended about 25m to the coast of the Atlantic Ocean can be visited passing through Limbe to Bakingili Village). In the process, forest trees, palm plantations and the dense forest were consumed by molten lava. The road to leading to various towns in the West Coast District was cut through by the advancing flow.
The path of 1959 eruption can still be seen from a point between Ekona Yard and Ekona Mbenge along the Kumba – Limbe road. That of the 1922 and 1999 could be seen along the road to Idenau – West Coast of Limbe. Also geologically, Mount Cameroon is of great interest to tourists. There are old and new Craters as well as lava flows, which can still be explored.
During this expedition, our well trained guides will take care of your safety and pleasure during your trip. Also, our experienced porters will carry your load (15Kgs) to make your climbing easy and to give you time to enjoy the treasures of the mountain, take pictures, while hiking up the Chariot of the gods. In addition, there are organized cultural manifestations like the “elephant dance”, motio and pala-pala (traditional wrestling) which comes up mostly during the dry season or in grand cultural ceremonies of the Bakweris.
The tourists attractions of the Mount Cameroon Region put together compose an outstanding tourist offer. When scheduling a trip or stay in the region it is recommended to combine leisure sea-side or beach tourism, adventure tourism, eco-tourism, agro-tourism, cultural or historical tourism. The wildlife watching, cultural evenings and village tours can be a good fulfill of the interesting visit to the area.
Apart from renowned attractions of the region, there are numerous small interesting attractions, which the tourists may be interested in visiting. They include; Bimbia mangroves and Rainforest Reserve (already described), Bomana falls, Old German Lighthouse on Cape Nachtigal in Debunscha, Waterfalls, Lava flows, Crater Lakes, Colonial historical buildings of Limbe and Buea, Palm Oil, Tea, Banana and Rubber plantations and factories, strings of Islands, Rapids in the Atlantic Ocean, Museums, Garri factories etc.
There are possibilities for observation of wild animals during tours into the rainforest or hikes on the Mount Cameroon. There are camping equipments on hire for your trip. The experience of visiting this mountain would be the most attractive reason for any visitor to come and discover Fako Division and the South West region in general.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Europe or US to Douala International Airport
Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to Park Hotel Miramare (78Km) in Limbe. Orientation session and then enjoy your first dinner at the hotel. If you wish to refresh yourself after a very long flight, treat yourself to a swim in the pool at the hotel. Limbe is a sea-side resort coastal city located in Fako Division, South West Region of Cameroon. The town hosts numerous attractions of different categories to encourage a longer stay in the destination.
Day 2: Limbe – Buea
Early morning departure to Buea (23Km), arrive at the office and drive to Upper farms (1,010m) to begin the hike. We start hiking for about 3-4 hours inside the rainforest and arrive at Hut 1 (1,800m). It is one of the largest Huts and a stream provides fresh drinking water. We shall have a brief stop at Hut 1 while having our lunch.
Start off and hike for 5-6 hours through the Savannah to Hut 2 (2,750m). Here is no water. From Hut 1 to Hut 2, the trail is continuously steep and rocky. We shall camp at this hut for our first night up Mount Cameroon.
Day 3: Hut 2 to Hut 3
Early in the morning after breakfast, we depart from Hut 2 to Hut 3. The climb is a little steep and could take about 4-5 hours hiking to arrive Hut 3 (3,800m) where we will have a rest. We shall continue till we get to the summit (4,095m). We shall stay at the summit for 10 minutes while take photographs. After we shall descend on the other trail until we arrive Mann’s spring on a gentle walk. This trail is almost level and less strenuous. This could take about 6 hours to arrive at Mann’s spring.
On the way, we shall visit the old and new Craters and continue trekking through the Savannah until we get to Mann’s Spring (2,260m). There is a spring with fresh water to cool down your body heat. We shall camp for the second night here.
Day 4: Mann’s spring – Bokwango – Buea – Limbe
Take off early in the morning from Mann’s spring passing through the Savannah, old lava flows and the rainforest before arriving Bokwango Village. The trek could take about 5 hours to complete our trip. From Bokwango, we drive to the office and then Limbe.
End of tour!!!
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
The Price Per Person:
- Single Occupancy: $734.00. (Three Days Tour)
- Double Occupancy: $1032.00. (Three Days Tour)
Price Includes:
- Transportation from the airport to Buea and Back;
- Lodging before and after your trip;
- Renting of equipments for the tour;
- Food and Water;
- Tour fees (Guide fee, stakeholders’ fee, porters, etc).
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
Cameroon
Nature & Wildlife
Volcano Tours
Ecotourism
Email it to a friend:
Click here to email this vacation to a friend
|
| Check out these similar vacation offers: |
|
|
