Cameroon has been one of the countries I had wanted to visit in 2017 and as life happened, I could not visit any more.
Cameroon has been one of the countries I had wanted to visit in 2017 and as life happened, I could not visit any more. Cameroon is often called “Little Africa” because it contains the diversity of all of Africa within its borders.
It’s got varied terrain — volcanoes, beaches, savannahs, rainforests and rocky mountain ranges — as well as diversity of culture, including Christians, Muslims, pygmies, ancient chiefdoms and modern cities. Not to mention the vast amount of animals, plants and bird. It is quite a unique country.
The best part about having to spend some time in Cameroon is that it is not clogged with tourists. So if you never had Cameroon on your list, here are 6 reasons that will make you include this Little Africa into your travel plans for 2018.
1. Mount Cameroon – This is highest point in sub-Saharan western and central Africa. It is also the he 31st most prominent in the world though it is the most active volcano in its chain with an eruption that occurs every 10 to 20 years, that doesn’t stop people from climbing it.
If you want to climb it, head to the cute colonial town of Buea and connect with a tour outfitter there — climbing takes three to four days total.
2. Korup National Park – This Park which shares boundary with the Cross River National Park is located in a steamy rainforest that is one of Africa’s oldest, and has astounding biodiversity: 400 species of trees, 300 species of birds, 174 reptiles and amphibians, and 140 types of fish.
Natural geographical attractions include Mana Waterfall, Rengo Rock, Bat Cave, and Big Boulder. What better way to spend time with nature.
3. The culture and music of Foumban – Foumban is a culturally unique town with German, French and Islamic influences. Visitors love the vibrant homegrown arts and music scenes, and sights such as the Grand Marche, the Grand Mosque, and the palace that houses the 19th Sultan of Bamoun.
It is said that a fun time to visit is usually around the Islamic holiday of Eid, when Muslim ceremonial customs and traditional Bamoun ceremonies take place side by side.
4. Limbe Botanic Garden – If you love spices, then it would be a good idea to see how cinnamon, nutmeg and other botanicals grow. The garden is also said to contain a mystery tree that locals call the “African Viagra.”
5. Tea Plantation – You can’t be a lover of tea without being curious to seeing how a tea plantation looks like. This is the perfect opportunity to see where your tea comes from.
The plantation is set amid acres of manicured tea bushes against a remarkable mountainous backdrop. You can watch as the tea leaves get sorted, ground and then dried. And at the end of the tour, you’re rewarded with a cup of tasty oolong and biscuits.
6. Mandara Mountains – Cameroon is home to a volcanic mountain chain called the Mandara in which the highest peak is Mt Oupay. If you visit the village of Maba, you can see into Nigeria. If you are Nigerian, it will be nice to take a peek at your country from the other side.
Be sure to keep an eye out for Kapsiki Peak, near Rhumsiki, as it is one of the most photographed parts of the Mandara Mountains. You can’t miss it as it juts out of the landscape.
Article by Titi Dokubo