There are 11 protected forests in the North West province of Cameroon. None are yet developed for tourists, except one (Abuh) and then it is only possible to enter with a guide.
The trek itself begins in Abuh village with a steep climb up the side of the valley through the small farms of mangos, bananas, passion fruit, corn and coffee. Arrival at the top is a welcome relief but the hard earned views for miles around are spectacular. The views across the forest down to the Fon's (chief's) palace is beautiful. Entrance to the forest is well concealed and the guide produces a machette and goes to work leading the way. After pushing through the 7ft grass, shrubs and undergrowth a magic kingdom is revealed. A flat grassy plataeu in the middle of the forest with a lone Fulani herdsmans house in the corner, enclosed by a hedge of angel wing flowers (a bit like tall waterlillies).
Entering back into the forest again we passed through a few streams, a swamp, and a big pile of monkey poo, unfortunately no monkeys that day. Then we decended down through the thick under growth to visit a sacred cave containing thousands on fruitbats with a beautiful waterfall flowing over the top of it. From here it was a steep decsent back to Abuh village (often on my backside).
You need to arrange the trek at least 2 days before by getting in touch with BERUDEP in Belo, Njinikom or Fundong, to arrange the guide and get permission to enter the forest.
To get to Abuh village you need to first reach Fundong.
Fundong is located at the end of the tarmac Bamenda - Fundong road and shared taxis/minibuses run every 5-10 mins along this road.
Bamenda - Fundong, 1.30 hours - 1500cfa
Belo - Fundong, 30 mins - 600cfa
Njinikom - Fundong, 15 mins - 400cfa
From Fundong you have a choice of how to reach Abuh village. If you are a strong hiker and are feeling energetic you can walk the 2 hours up to Abuh village.
Alternatively you can take a motorbike taxi up to the village - 1500cfa and a very hairy 30 mins of revving up the bumpy dirt track.
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on Jun 2, 2006
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