Ekom-Nkam Waterfalls (French: Chutes d’Ekom Nkam) are in the Northwest Highlands of Cameroon. They are spectacular twin waterfalls near the town of Nkongsamba in the Moungo Division and are among the most impressive and accessible natural sites in the country.
Understand
[edit]Ekom-Nkam Waterfalls consist of two main waterfalls that drop 80 m (260 ft) over a cliff in a beautiful jungle setting. The falls are one of Cameroon's most popular tourist attractions and were featured in the award-winning 1984 film Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes.
One of the waterfalls is perennial, while the other only appears during the rainy season along other, smaller waterfalls nearby. These cascades are formed by the Nkam River, which descends through a dense tropical forest before joining the Wouri River basin.
The falls are often described as “male” and “female”:
- The male cascade is permanent and flows throughout the year.
- The female cascade appears only during the rainy season, fed by the Oham River.
The powerful mist from the falling water creates a humid microclimate that nourishes the surrounding rainforest, home to monkeys, colorful birds, butterflies, and countless plant species.
The falls are an altitude of about 700 m (2,300 ft) and receive 2,500–3,000 mm of rainfall annually. The best visiting season is November to April (dry season) for easy access and clear views.
The area around the falls is covered by dense secondary rainforest. Typical plants include giant ferns, lianas, palm trees, raffia, orchids and wild flowers. Animal species frequently seen include green monkeys, small primates, hornbills, forest parrots, colorful butterflies and other insects, and amphibians on the water's edge.
Get in
[edit]The closest town is Melong.
From Nkongsamba, take the road towards Melong. The falls are about 30 km from Nkongsamba. The turnoff to the falls is about 5 km (3 mi) south of Melong along the N5 road. It is then about another 10 km (6 mi) along a dirt road to reach the falls. Public transport (shared taxis or minibuses) can take you as far as Melong, then a motorbike taxi can complete the journey to the falls.
Visitors can also come from Douala (around 3 hours’ drive) or Bafang (around 1 hour 30 minutes).
Fees and permits
[edit]You have to register as a visitor upon arrival at the falls, and there is a small entrance fee. The fee is usually used for site maintenance and local guide services.
Get around
[edit]The site is walkable. A well-marked path leads from the parking area to the viewing platforms and the base of the falls. Bring comfortable shoes, water, and rain protection — the paths can be slippery, especially in the rainy season.
See
[edit]Do
[edit]- Swim below the falls. This is only possible during the dry season.
- Hike to the top of the falls. Beware, the trail is slippery!
Buy
[edit]Eat
[edit]There is a restaurant nearby, but unless otherwise advised by a guide, bring your own snacks or picnic if visiting for the day. Simple roadside restaurants and local eateries ("tourne-dos" stands) can be found in Nkongsamba and along the Melong road.
Drink
[edit]Nkongsamba has a few bars and refreshment spots for visitors staying overnight.
Sleep
[edit]Stay safe
[edit]The hike to the top of the falls is a scramble. It is slippery, entirely unprotected, and there are some hazardous drops. Make sure you bring good footwear.
Basic services such as markets, fuel stations, and clinics are found in Nkongsamba.
Go next
[edit]- Nkongsamba – a lively regional town known for its agricultural trade and mountain views.
- Manengouba Mountain – a volcanic massif with crater lakes, ideal for hiking and nature observation.
- Melong – small nearby town, gateway to Ékom-Nkam.
- Bafang – town to the north, with scenic routes and cocoa farms.