Cameroon, which is officially called the Republic of Cameroon, is located in the west of Central Africa. Its neighboring countries are Nigeria in the west, Congo to the south, Central African Republic to the east, and Chad to the northeast. It is also known as “Africa in miniature” due to its diverse culture and interesting geology. The natural wonders of Cameroon are diverse and unique and ready to welcome visitors.
Its land area is 183,568 square miles, a population of an estimated nineteen million in the year 2009, and has the capital city of Yaoundé. Despite its size, the country is very rich in natural resources like mountains, savannas, deserts, beaches, and rainforests. Its highest elevation occurs at Mt. Cameroon at 13,350 feet located near the coast with the main rivers of Sanaga, Benue, and Nyong.
Kribi Beach
Kribi Beach is located in Douala in the southern part of the country. Kribi is a coastal town that lies on the mouth of the Kienke River and Gulf of Guinea which is the reason why this town is blessed with magnificent beaches. Swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking are just some of the recreational activities to try while in Kribi Beach.
Accommodations are also abundant, and you have several options should you want to stay for a few days. This nature attraction is a refreshing natural wonder of Cameroon ready to rejuvenate and entertain you.
Korup National Park
Korup National Park is Africa’s most diverse and also the oldest rainforest. The whole park covers a vast area of 1260 square kilometers, and it is located between the provinces of Eyumojock and Mundemba. You will find over 480 species of climbers and herbs and 620 species of shrubs and trees.
When it comes to wildlife, there are over 400 bird species, 1,000 butterfly species, 82 reptile species, and 92 amphibian species. In addition to that, there are many more species of mammals and fish with sadly some now being extinct. If you love nature and animals, you will have a close encounter with monkeys, chimpanzees, drills, antelopes, and mangabeys.
Moving on, you will see thick mangroves, bodies of water like rivers and creeks, and some fishing villages along the riverbanks. Camping, hiking, boating, picnics, and bird watching are just some of the outdoor activities you can do here.
Limbe Wildlife Centre
Limbe Wildlife Center gives you a personal and rare encounter with wildlife. It is located in the southwest area of Cameroon established in 1993 by a foundation named Pandrillus in collaboration with the government. Some wildlife animals present are drill monkeys, different types of gorillas, reptiles, crocodiles, and bird species like parrots and chimpanzees.
It is open for visitors daily from 9 Am-5 PM, and a minimal fee is required to help with conservation expenses for wild animals. Reservation via email, over the phone, or post is encouraged.
Waza National Park
Waza National Park is founded in 1934 and proclaimed as a national park in 1968, covering a vast area of 1700 square kilometers. It is located in the province of Far North in Cameroon, and just beside the Nigerian Chad Basin National Park. For its wildlife, you will see big cats, ungulates like gazelles, roans and korrigums, elephants, lions, antelopes, and giraffes.
In addition, there are 379 bird species which include eagles, bustards, ducks, and kestrels. During your visit, it is required to have a tour guide due to some restrictions in the conservation of the place. Until now, it remains untouched which makes it an amazing wildlife reserve. The best time to visit is from November 15 until June 15.
Mount Cameroon
Mount Cameroon is considered an active volcano which is situated near the Gulf of Guinea. It is one of Africa’s largest volcanoes with a peak of 13,255 feet above the coast and can be reached by trekking in about four and a half hours. During your visit, you will be greeted with evergreen lowland forests, savanna, mangrove forest and mountain forest.
Though trekking is the top activity in Mt Cameroon, there are other things to do such as visiting the places like Bamboko Waterfalls, Limbe Zoo, Idenau Crater Lake, Nyango na Muna Rocky Twin Stone, and the eruption spot at Bakingili. If you are up for trekking, the best season is from November to December.
Conclusion
The natural wonders of Cameroon are abundant and diverse. If the country was not on your travel bucket list, it should be now. A visit to this tiny but significant country will not leave you disappointed. It is also imperative that you join forces with the global conservation efforts and help protect the national parks and natural wonders of Cameroon.