Things to see and do Ngaoundéré

Around 60 km east of Ngaoundéré, on the Bélel track towards Mbalang, the Tello waterfalls are well worth a visit. At the edge of the track (which is best approached by 4x4, especially in the rainy season), access to the falls is indicated by a sign and a landscaped area with parking and boukarous. These spectacular falls feature a 45 m-high waterfall, behind which lies a vast cavern dug into a 15 m-thick rocky plateau, which can be accessed from the side of the waterfall!

Easily accessible, the Vina waterfalls, some fifteen kilometers from Ngaoundéré on the road to Meiganga, are less spectacular than those at Tello, but can still be the subject of a short excursion, to enjoy the panoramic view that opens up over the falls in the foreground, whose red waters rush below in an eternal broth resembling the cauldron of a mystical creature. All around the falls, lush vegetation and rolling valleys in the distance bring a little calm to the landscape.

Some 15 km from town nestles this tree-lined crater lake. A peaceful spot where the word tranquility takes on its full meaning, it is overlooked by a small refreshment bar which also serves as a toll booth, and the view from the terrace is magnificent. Legend has it that the lake's waters change color for mystical reasons. Walks are possible along the lake, but swimming is strongly discouraged, as the stagnant waters are conducive to the development of numerous bacteria. A magnificent site, but difficult to access in the rainy season.

The Adamaoua province is rich in interesting caves. These include the Hosseré de Tchoubal cave in the Tibati region, where it's possible to bivouac (coolness guaranteed); the Damougaré caves, former refuge of the Koutine people; and the Nyem Nyem caves, located on the summit of Mount Djim near Galim Tignéré, which served as a refuge for the Nyem Nyem people when they were fighting the Germans. Celebrations are now held every year to commemorate these events.

Also of note are the artisanal honey-producing areas of Bawoua and Ngaoundal, which are more easily accessible by train; the Damougaré caves, on the road 20 km from Tignère, a place of sacrifice for the Koutine people; and Lake Mbella Assom, a crater lake located one kilometer from the village of Assom. Served by a track laid out by the Ministry of Tourism, a pied-à-terre has been built here to accommodate water sports enthusiasts and hippo admirers.

And let's not forget the thermal spring on the Mayo-Baléo road. The water is very hot, flowing from the plateaus at a temperature of 70°C.

Finally, on the way to Garoua, you can stop off at the large Bénoué National Park, 124 km from Ngaoundéré, where you can still admire the many species of animal that inhabit the reserve. On the same route, you can discover the Faro reserve and the Bouba Ndjida park, which are more difficult to access.

For those who love waterfalls (and have enough time), you can go to Bougoui, on the Central African border, on the road from Meiganga to Bocaranga in the Central African Republic. It's a one-day drive from Ngaoundéré. Situated on the Ngou River, a tributary of the Mbéré River and a natural border with CAR, the deafening 100 m-high waterfall and the impressive influx of water immediately give you that feeling of being tiny that you get from the world's great natural sites. An unforgettable spectacle.

The Bini waterfall is located a few kilometers from Ndoktouto, on the road linking Ngaoundéré to Touboro. Just over 5 metres high, its powerful flow gives it all the characteristics of a waterfall, and means that the same precautions need to be taken once approaching the site. A natural excavation allows you to walk behind the thick wall of water, but this is only for the most intrepid, for although the experience is attractive, it remains somewhat risky. Nevertheless, the site allows you to get really close to the falls, which is very pleasant.

Located on the Garoua road, some ten kilometers from the town center and close to the university, it extends over several hectares. Although it is drying out, the Mboum and Sara people still fish there, with great difficulty, as the proliferation of water hyacinth prevents fish from circulating and developing in its waters. This problem threatens the activities of local fishermen. In the 1980s and 1990s, hippopotamuses would emerge from the water at around 12 and 5 p.m. to feed.

Located on the Vina Plateau, the lake of the same name (sometimes also known as Lake Mayam) is a crater lake on the classic tourist itinerary, making it easy to get to. From Nagaoundéré, it's a one-day round trip, taking your time to enjoy the site and spend some time there, but be warned, the program won't be a picnic day by the lake: hippos and crocodiles are the main residents, so don't bring your bathing suit.

Located some thirty kilometers west of the city, Lake Mballang is a pretty crater lake with a small wooded island in its midst. It's a peaceful and pleasant place where tourists come to admire the view and enjoy the peace and quiet. On the road to Maballang, a sign points the way to the site. Lake Mballang is an integral part of the incredible diversity of Cameroon's landscapes, which, although you might expect just a stretch of water, will captivate you with their absolute beauty.