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As the sun began to rise over the vast and untamed landscape of Northern Cameroon, I felt a sense of excitement and adventure pulsing through my veins. I was about to embark on a journey to one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring places in the region – Lagdo Lake.
On my way to Lagdo Lake
I woke up early today, eager to visit a place in Cameroon that I’ve been looking forward to seeing: Lagdo Lake.
After a quick breakfast, I embarked on a 70-kilometer drive, which took about an hour and a half, heading southeast of Garoua, the opposite direction of the road I took two days ago to go to Kola Gorges.
I love traveling by car because it allows me to experience the true essence of the country.
Along the way, you always encounter a lot of activities, such as people walking, selling goods, and even arguing. Cattle also roam around, crossing the road or sleeping on it.
You can admire beautiful landscapes, architecture, and people going about their daily lives.
You will surely come across vehicles overloaded with strange goods, often not abiding by safety regulations, but who cares? The most important is to do the job … because here, nothing else than working brings you the money you need to feed your family and yourself.
Although the roads in Cameroon are far from comfortable and safe, they are a lot enjoyable and exciting.
The true pulse of Cameroon is there, beating on the dusty tracks under the blazing sun.
Traveling in Cameroon is an adventure that is definitely worth the effort.
Few words about Lagdo Reservoir
Lagdo is a large artificial lake situated on the Benue River, one of Africa’s major rivers. The lake was created in 1982 with the construction of a dam, which serves as a source of hydroelectric power for the country.
The lake has a surface area of approximately 586 km2. Hills and rocky cliffs surround it, and its waters are home to diverse aquatic life, including fish, crocodiles, and hippopotamuses.
The lake is an important resource for the people of Northern Cameroon, providing irrigation for agriculture, fishing opportunities, and water for domestic and industrial use.
It is also a well-known destination for visitors who come to enjoy the lake’s natural beauty and the recreational activities available in the area, such as boating, fishing, and bird watching.
However, for many years now, the lake has been facing several challenges that may endanger the stability of its ecosystem, including declining water levels due to drought and excessive use of water for irrigation.
Lagdo’s “Lagon Bleu”
If you find yourself in Lagdo, a visit to the “Blue Lagoon” hotel is an absolute must. The charming houses provide an unobstructed view of the serene lake below and are nestled among hills resembling blocks of stone, home to playful monkeys.
Moreover, the hotel’s private beach is a haven of relaxation, with comfortable deckchairs and umbrellas at your disposal. A real pleasure for all the fans of “farniente”, a Spanish word for idleness.
Don’t forget to treat yourself to the braised fish at the restaurant. You’ll savor the freshness of the catch and the delicious sauce, accompanied by crispy fried plantains or potatoes. It’s an experience that will awaken your taste buds.
While waiting for your meal, you may want to explore the area and cherish the chance to spot the lively monkeys I mentioned earlier.
Remember to keep a distance if you want to observe them; they are pretty shy. You may also want to bring binoculars or look for a quiet spot to observe them more closely.
I spent an hour exploring the mineral hills, climbing rocks, and searching for monkeys under a scorching sun while being cautious of snakes, spiders, and other uninviting creatures.
After an hour, I finally encountered a small group of monkeys seeking refuge under big rocks to avoid the heat and the harsh sunrays and hide from me.
Fortunately, I had my 300mm lens with me, which allowed me to capture clear photographs of them.
As I made my way back from the primate encounter, my attention shifted to the other animals surrounding me, and I couldn’t help but feel happy to immortalize the moment.
When I came back from my walk, the sun was already high in the sun, and my fish had just been cooked. All I had to do was slide my feet under the table and wait a few minutes for someone to serve me.
That was a beautiful Day
After this delicious meal, I stayed in the shade for a good hour to start post-processing the photos I had just taken.
I left the place around 3 p.m. for Garoua to enjoy the remaining time of this last day of the weekend, to be able to follow my running training and enjoy the hotel swimming pool while drinking a good cold beer when I arrived.
It was a wonderful day in an idyllic setting combining all my passions: exploration, photography, sport, and the icing on the cake: good food.
At the end of this beautiful day, I can only say one thing: Lagdo! I’ll be back!