Ekom Nkam Waterfalls, also known as Chutes d’Ekom Nkam, are mesmerizing twin waterfalls that can be found in the middle of a jungle forest, and they are located in the northern part of Moungo Department, within the Littoral Region, in the southwestern part of the Republic of Cameroon.
With height of about 80 meters (262 feet) above the surrounding, this imposing, yet captivating natural masterpiece is something that should be definitely considered to be seen in person. The name is derived from the village that shares the same name, and it is in the vicinity of the waterfalls, nonetheless, if one would want to see this piece of art done by the nature, there are two paths which will give a great glimpse of these superior waterfalls.
There is one which is alongside the river, while the other is through the forest, where both of them are promising an excellent time and getting to know as much as possible the majestic features of Cameroon.
Surrounded by hilly terrain with evergreen deciduous forest grows, Ekom Nkam Waterfalls are not considered to be too tall, however, the madly rushing water that gushes towards the end of the waterfalls, give the thundering sound that will give you the willies for sure.
As mentioned previously, there are more options for visitors to experience this magnificent treasure, and one can enjoy the distant view, get a very close encounter, get to the top of it, or simply stay on the side and relax to the thundering sounds and the lush green color that will evoke the fantasy within.
All in all, one of the greatest treasures Cameroon has to offer to the world is definitely Ekom Nkam Waterfalls, which will dazzle even those who are difficult to be impressed.
Under the influence of the German colonizer who wanted to regroup the surrounding populations, they migrated near the site. By accidentally following the Nkam River, they discovered the falls. The name EKOM NKAM would come from the desire of those who discovered the falls to report to the colonizer; a distorted way of saying “We come from Nkam” which ultimately gave the falls the name “Ekom Nkam”. The main resource of the site is this large waterfall, approximately 80 metres high and 40 metres deep. The male fall is fed by the Nkam River, while the female fall is fed by the Oham River. Facilities have been made to facilitate access. There are well-appointed staircases with guardrails and boukarous. Around this marvelous fall there is an imposing forest; its fauna consists of chimpanzees, monkeys, porcupines, hedgehogs, pangolins. The rivers are full of fish and are open to village fishing. There are captains, catfish, swallowtails, goliath frogs, pigfish. Flora side, we find baobabs, bubinga, Iroko, Eben and several oil palm trees.
The Mbô constitute the main ethnic group of the locality. Some recorded practices of the Mbô culture are: Mengoum (rite of veneration for the dead), Ngono and Mbelè (celebratory dance), Mian-koum (taboo practiced during the death of an individual who must deliver a final message before his burial). A sequence from the film TARZAN was filmed there in 1982/1983.
The falls are accessible by land, a dirt road of approximately 9 km passable in all seasons. The telephone network is stable regardless of the operator. Other services near the site include, Health Services: Integrated health center approximately 15 km from the site. There are also, police and gendarmerie stations in the town of BARE.
There are no hotels and travel agencies in the EKOM-NKAM village. There are 2 hotel complexes around the coast in the Mungo Department: Villa Luciole and Villa Kleber where you can taste good natural cheese. The other nearest accommodation establishments are located in Nkongsamba.
Whenever you are planning a trip to Africa, place Ekom Nkam Waterfalls in Cameroun in your bucket list.
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