Africa is famous for many things but mountains are surely not one of them. But what people forget is the charm and majesty that the few mountains that the Africa does have possess. Mt. Kilimanjaro is one mountain that most tourists are familiar of but it is hardly the only mountain that’s worth visiting in the continent. The Mt. Cameroon which measures around 4,040 meters and is the highest peak in the western Africa is another mountain that can provide the tourists with an awesome hiking and climbing experience. It’s an active volcano with the last eruption occurring in the year 2000 and this fact increases the romance attached to the mountain even more. The locals call it the Mountain of Greatness and upon taking a look at the majesty of the mountain you will clearly understand why.
A tour to the Mt. Cameroon is not just for the hiking and climbing enthusiasts, but the gorgeous black coastline of Cameroon along the mountain is also a great place for boating and swimming. The wildlife center of Limbe just a few miles from the mountain can be a great place to explore the wildlife of the region. If you are flying in from abroad then you will have to take a cheap flight to Douala the capital of Cameroon from which you can hire a car for making the rest of the journey. There are quite a few lodges and resorts in the area that can provide you with a decent accommodation facility.
If your main reason for arrival on Mt. Cameroon is climbing and hiking, then there are plenty of trails on the mountain from which you can choose one according to your physical condition and budget. The short trails that explore the base area of the mountain are perfect for the tourists that don’t think that they are physically fit enough for reaching the summit of the mountain.
The longest trail is the Guinness Trail which will take you to the top of the mountain and will require 2 to 3 days of hiking. If you are planning to go on the Guinness Trail then you will have to hire the services of at least two guides and porters according to the regulations of the authorities at Mt. Cameroon. Along the way to the summit of the mountain you will see the evidence of active volcano with the effects of the 2000’s eruption still visible. There are quite a few crater lakes and waterfalls on the mountain giving it even more scenic beauty.
Yet another aspect of a tour to Mt. Cameroon is the memorable cultural experience that a visit to one of its many villages can provide. The indigenous Bakaweri people are considered to be some of the friendliest in Africa. Bakaweri are famous for their folk dance and rituals, the most famous being the mystical elephant dance which will surely amaze you. Just across the Bakaweri settlements is the colonial era town of Buea which is a great place for observing the colonial architecture in the region.
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