CAMEROON RELIFE: "Africa in miniature", Panasonic view of Africa

The central and western parts of Cameroon are dominated by high mountains and Plateaus respectively. The high western range has peaks that vary in elevation; 4100 m (mount Cameroon), 2250 (Mt. Manengouba), 2070m (Mt. Kupe), 2740 m (Mt Bamboutos), 2263 m Mt. Nkogam, 2119 m Mt. Oku and Mbot, and the Mandara with certain peaks higher than 2000m. The Adamawa or Central High plateau has an altitude of between 1000 to 1500m. Both the western range and the Central high plateau are affected by volcanic and tectonic activities giving rise to faults, volcanic cones, and volcanic lakes. These two sectors constitute the main watersheds of Cameroon’s drainage systems through the Sanage, the Benue, the Wouri, Mongo-Cross or Manyu, and Donga-Mantung, towards the Atlantic Ocean.

   The southern section of the country is dominated by a plateau (500 to 900m) which gently slopes to the east (Congo basin) but falls by steps to the Atlantic coast. Volcanic and tectonic activity affected this area too. While the far North is dominated by the lake Chad Basin, its southern fringe is strongly characterized by the River Benue Basin both of which present a monotonous relief. The narrow coastal zone is marked by unstable mangrove swamps, especially from the Wouri-Mount Basins to the Ndian-Akpa-Ya,fe Basins. The southern coastline and the amebas Bay region are rocky, cliffy and strewn with relic rocky islets, dating from the early volcanic period.

See link to map of relief…..

Tourism in Cameroon is a growing but relatively minor industry. Since the 1970s, the government of Cameroon has cultivated the industry by creating a ministry of tourism and by encouraging investment by airlines, hotels, and travel agencies. The government describes the country as "Africa in miniature", promoting its diversity of climate, culture, and geography. Cameroon's wildlife draws both safari-goers and big-game hunters, as Cameroon is home to many of Africa's iconic animals: cheetahs, chimpanzees, elephants, giraffes, gorillas, hippopotami, and rhinoceroses. Impediments to further growth of the tourism sector include poor transport infrastructure and corrupt officials who may harass visitors for bribes.

THE MYSTERIES OF THE LAKES, CAMEROON
APRIL 18, 2011 | FRI ANA NGU

The touristic attraction to Cameroon lakes over many years has been phenomenal. People are attracted to their eerie appearance and bizarre stories. Most of these lakes are found in the Northwest region in Cameroon, spread across different tribes. They are believed to harbor ancestors and spirits which are worshipped as gods. However, the entire experience of visiting the lake is completely fascinating.

LAKE AWING (THE LAKE THAT TRAVELS)

Lake Awing is the most sacred place in the Northwest village Awing. The lake is exceptionally still during the day and glitters under bright sunlight. Only certain areas are open for swimming but the lake is generally kept sacred for yearly sacrifices to the gods of the village.

Myths have it that the water travels at night and anyone passing by it at a certain hour in the night will see lighted houses in the place of the water. These houses are reputed to be the residence of the ancestral spirits. However, curiosity is not advised. The lake is easily accessible by road given that it is found in the heart of Awing, which is a village with car roads.

LAKE OKU

Lake Oku is an extraordinary crater lake in the Northwest region, surrounded by lush forest. Many tourists hike there and back, or take a motorbike there and hike the return part of the trip. Some tourists may choose to swim in the lake, which is free. You will have to pass through the Fulani lands to get to the Oku area, where you will be marveled by the magnificent scenery of the lake and crops growing in the region such as cocoyams, coffee, and corn. Trekking uphill from Belo takes around 5 hours. If you choose to go by bike taxi the journey time is 1 – 1.5 hrs. Returning from the lake, the walk takes approximately 4 hours and takes you through the village of Anyajua.

Stories have it that this lake has supernatural and healing powers due to the spirits of the ancestors of the land. It is highly respected and kept clean regularly.