 THE SOUTHWEST: THE SEA AND THE MOUNTAIN
At present, tourism in the South-West Province is centred on two main poles of attraction: Mount Cameroon (4,095 m) and the sea, despite the existence of numerous other sites.
Mount Cameroon is the highest mountain in the West African coastal region and has always been a reference point for navigators. Nicknamed in the 16th century B.C. “Chariots of the goods” by the Carthaginian navigator Hannon, all the inhabitants of the region a sacred place consider this mountain. In fact, it is locally referred to as “Mongo ma Loba”, which means “God’s Mountain”
It is possible for amateurs to climb the mountain but guides must accompany them. The South-West Provincial Delegation could supply the guides for Tourism. Three huts with a number of facilities have been built to ease the climbing. Tourists may spend the night in the huts. Hut 1 is at a an altitude of 1 830 m, hut 2 at 2,780 m and hut 3 at 3,590 m.
| For a while now, the climbing of the mountain has become popular international competition, which brings together the world’s best mountaineers every two years. The competition, which sponsored by Guinness and a number of other companies, attracts thousands of visitors to Buea.
For amateurs and professionals alike, completing the Mount Cameroon race remains a daring expedition and a wonderful experience. At the end of the race, the participants are exhausted but they are also delighted with their accomplishment.
When the race is all over, Atlantic Beach Hotel at Limbe is the ideal place for recuperation. It is also the take-off point for other excursions to:
Mike Six Beach: The most visited site in the South-West Province is 13.5 kilometres form Limbe on the road to Idenau. If is a very beautiful beach with grey volcanic sans. The snack-bar is open during weekends and public holidays
Jungle Village: a natural 4000 seats amphitheatre within the rich Limbe botanical garden. Here, traditional dances are a sublime spectacle.
The Korup National Park: a living museum especially recommended for scientists. It has 400 species of trees, 300 types of birds and many rare animal species, most of which do not exist anywhere else in the world. Furthermore, research has already shown that the park 90 natural chemical substances which could be used in medicine and industries. Thirty-eight of them are new discoveries in science.
The Limbe zoo: where visitors can have an idea of Cameroon fauna.
Lava flows – following eruptions of Mount Cameroon: 1 km Ekono on the Limbe-Kumba road in 1959 and 6 km from Limbe via Bokwang village in 1982;
The Muanenguba twin lakes at Bangem;
The Barombi Kotto lake at Kumba;
The Ejaghamtectonic lake at Eyumodjock, Manyu Division;
The German cemetery and the Bismarch fountain at Buea |
