 THE WEST: MANY TOURIST POTENTIALS
The West Province has many tourist potentials: natural sites, numerous traditional chief-dooms, a rapidly developing hotel infrastructure, and handicraft products.
From Douala, the climb to the West is a unique experience. From the River Nkam, the road, often on hillsides, gradually winds ump into a landscape of round-shaped mountains, contour farming, mixed wood - and pasture-lands, quickset hedges, houses scattered about as far as the eye can see, an undulating landscape that puts one in mind of Auvergne in France, as well as imposing mountain chains reminiscent of Switzerland.
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Once you reach the remarkable cliffs of the famous Batié col, you are in the West Province. From Bafoussam, the provincial capital, it is easy to go on excursions to different places at short distances.
First, there is Bandjoun, a tropical traditional Bamileke chiefdom whose secret societies constitute its soul and power. Here, the visit of the Royal Museum is usually a must for anyone visiting the region.
At Foumban, the chief-town of Bamum, it is most advisable to call at the Palace of the Sultan, whose history dates from the 18th century. Half a day can be set aside to discover the renovated royal palace and its museum, the Bamum Arts and Traditions Museum and the Handicrafts Centre.
Situated at an altitude of 1,400 m, Dschang is the shrine of Cameroon’s tourism, with its Health Resort (50 rooms in bungalows set in a flowered part with swimming pool, tennis ad horse-riding.
The resort was established in 1942 by Europeans who could not spend their vacations in Europe because if the war. Its calm atmosphere and pleasant climate are conducive to rest and relaxation.
After Dschang, the tourist can visit the Mami Wata Falls at Tongo or the magnification or the magnificent and picturesque Djuttitsa Tea Plantation at Ndziih.
However, there is only one wild life reserve in the province, at Santchou, but it is not well protected.
Lastly, the grandiose and colourful funeral ceremonies are a captivating spectacle. |
