D04 » Hiking on Mount Muanenguba with my Father
Bidding farewell to Villa Boutanga, a gem nestled amidst nature’s embrace, we embarked on a path of rediscovery. The villa, with its terraced vistas that had captivated our hearts, now lay behind us. Yet, its memory lingers, promising future visits where we shall delve deeper into the foundation’s cultural riches. Our journey now winds towards Mount Muanenguba, marking our homeward trail to Douala.
As dawn broke, we greeted the day with anticipation, setting forth to conquer Mount Muanenguba’s trails. This hike, a crowning adventure in our West Cameroon odyssey, beckoned us with its untamed beauty. Our spirits, undeterred by the morning’s mist and our fleeting rest, surged with excitement.
The journey unfurled smoothly under the clearing skies, leading us to a familiar crossroad near Dschang. Here, our journey looped full circle, a poignant reminder that every end is but a new beginning.
Our abode for the night, Villa Luciole, stood majestically on the slopes of Mount Muanenguba. This hotel, once forgotten and now reborn, offers a sanctuary in its traditional huts. It is a haven of tranquility, a place to rejuvenate one’s spirit amidst the mountain’s serene embrace. Conveniently close to Douala, it offers an idyllic retreat for weekend escapades.
Upon our arrival, we witnessed a vibrant exodus of adventurers, setting camp by the mystical twin lakes of Muanenguba’s crater. After a leisurely breakfast, we donned our gear, ready to face the mountain’s challenge.
Our ascent commenced at 10:30 a.m., the sun already casting its warm glow. The initial stretch of the hike, a steep 395-meter climb over 2.5 kilometers, tested our resolve.
Mount Muanenguba’s ascent is a journey through diverse landscapes. Starting from the humble village of Mbouroukou, we traversed banana plantations and cassava fields, entering a dense forest that heralded the climb’s true beginning.
We passed through the Mbororos village, a testament to the resilience of the Fulani people, before the trail revealed the breathtaking ridge and the crater’s twin lakes.
For those interested, I have detailed this magnificent trek in an article written a few months ago.
After a strenuous yet exhilarating two-hour climb, we reached the lakes, a well-deserved respite. Despite the heat and accumulated fatigue, our pace was commendable. At the summit, time stood still as I captured the moment with my drone, the serene beauty unfolding beneath us.
We lingered atop the ridge, savoring the tranquility. The descent was leisurely, a time to absorb the beauty and rejuvenate in the mountain air.
While Serge tended to his clients at the summit, we descended, aware that this journey marked more than a physical return to Douala. It signified a return to routine for me and a journey back to France for my parents.
Our days in Western Cameroon, enriched by stunning landscapes, rich traditions, and serendipitous encounters, were drawing to a close. Yet, the spirit of adventure remained undimmed. Plans were already afoot for our next Cameroonian sojourn, this time to explore the vibrant North.
As we prepare for our departure to Douala tomorrow, we anticipate savoring the local fruits along the way, a road fraught with challenges but essential for the livelihood and progress of its people.
This journey, a blend of adventure and introspection, has left an indelible mark on our souls, beckoning us to return to Cameroon’s embrace.
