Hiking Mount Cameroon – A Journey to Africa’s Highest Volcano

🌍 Discover Mount Fako

Rising majestically at 4,095 meters (13,435 ft), Mount Cameroon—often called Mount Fako—is the highest peak in Cameroon and West Africa. This colossal volcano, still active with its last eruption in 2000, is a natural wonder that has always fascinated explorers, athletes, and hikers alike.

A Mount Cameroon hike is unforgettable because of the landscapes you cross. At the base, you walk through tropical rainforest. Mid-slopes bring open savannah and volcanic rock. Near the summit, you reach chilly alpine meadows.

📅 Best Time to Go Hiking in Cameroon

Although Mount Cameroon National Park is accessible almost all year, the most favorable trekking season runs from November to April. During these months, trails are drier, skies are clearer, and the mountain rewards hikers with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding landscapes.

🏞️ Starting Point: The Town of Buea

Your adventure begins in Buea, a vibrant university town nestled on the slopes of the volcano. Beyond being the official gateway to Mount Cameroon National Park, Buea offers accommodation, cultural encounters, and a relaxed atmosphere for hikers to rest and prepare before or after their trek.

Most tours start from Upper Farms, and certified guides—required by park regulations—take care of logistics, equipment, and even meals. By hiking with them, you’re also supporting the local community.

🌳 How to Choose Your Experience

🌿 The Rainforest Trail

If you’re short on time or new to high-altitude trekking, the rainforest trail is a great option. A hike of about three hours takes you to Hut 1, followed by another climb into the savannah zone around the Intermediate Hut. Even without reaching the summit, you’ll experience the magic of hiking in Cameroon—from dense forests alive with biodiversity to breathtaking views at over 2,200 meters above sea level.

🏔️ The Summit Challenge

For those craving the full day adventure, the summit tour is the ultimate test. Starting at 1,000 meters in Upper Farms, the route follows the same path used in the Race of Hope.

  • Day 1: Climb through forest and volcanic rock to Hut 2, where you can camp overnight in simple lodges or tents.

  • Day 2: Continue to Hut 3, then push to the summit at 4,095 m. The ascent is steep and demanding, but the reward is unmatched: panoramic views stretching from the ocean to the heart of Africa.

At the top, the air is thin, winds are cold, and the ground is scarred by ancient craters. Yet standing on the highest mountain in Cameroon is a moment every hiker treasures forever.

👉 Looking for less challenging hikes? Check out our article: 8 Must-Do Hikes in Cameroon that offer incredible experiences at lower altitudes.

⛺ The Multi-Day Trek

If you have more time, a 2-day hike or 3-day mount Cameroon hike allows you to dive deeper into the volcano’s mysteries. Beyond reaching the summit, you’ll explore lava flows, craters, and springs, and descend through Bokwango farmlands where it’s common to spot wildlife like the playful Mona monkey. Nights are spent at campsites such as Mann Spring, where you’ll enjoy the quiet beauty of the mountain under a star-filled sky. For experiences of more than two days, request for a custom made experience as pricing really varies depending on the needs of the client. 

🌋 Why Mount Cameroon is Unique

  • It is Africa’s highest volcano still active today.

  • Known locally as Mount Fako, it dominates the skyline of Cameroon’s southwest.

  • It offers trails for every type of adventurer—from short rainforest walks to summit expeditions.

  • It hosts the world-famous Mount Cameroon Race of Hope.

  • It is home to extraordinary biodiversity and sits within the protected Mount Cameroon National Park.

📏 Quick Facts About Mount Cameroon

  • Height: 4,095 m (13,435 ft)

  • Location: Buea, Southwest Region, Cameroon

  • Also called: Mount Fako, “Chariot of the Gods”

  • National Park: Mount Cameroon National Park

  • Last eruption: 2000

✨ Hike with YENGAFRICA

Climbing Mount Cameroon isn’t just about reaching the top—it’s about the journey, the people you meet, and the culture you discover along the way. At YENGAFRICA, we connect you with expert guides in Buea any other city you wish to depart from, handle logistics, and design the trek that best fits your pace and interests.

Whether you’re dreaming of standing on the summit of Mount Fako, exploring the rainforest trails, or challenging yourself on the Race of Hope route, YENGAFRICA makes sure your adventure is safe, meaningful, and unforgettable.

About YENGAFRICA

YENGAFRICA is Cameroon’s first tourism marketplace, bringing together over 300+ unique activities and experiences across the country.

Whether you’re looking to find and book unforgettable adventures—from cultural tours to nature escapes—you can book it all on yengafrica.com , wherever you are.

If you prefer a custom-made itinerary tailored to your interests and group, our local expertise ensures every trip is safe, authentic, and memorable.

Contact us directly and one of our experts will help you design the perfect journey.

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