Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Conveniently,
Express Exchange
(Molyko Rd) will exchange euros, US dollars and travel-
lers cheques.
Sleeping
Presbyterian Mission
GUESTHOUSE
$
( 3332 2336; Market Rd; campsites CFA1000, s/d CFA4000/6000, without bathroom CFA3000/5000; )
This
church mission is set in attractive gardens and has comfy and spotless rooms. There's a
tidy communal sitting room and cooking facilities. It's up the hill from the police station.
Paramount Hotel
HOTEL
$
( 3332 2341, 3332 2074; Molyko Rd; s/d/tr CFA7000/9000/11,000; )
The Paramount Hotel is one of
the better places to sleep in Buea. The pretty rooms come with TV and are a nice respite
from the mountain. To get here turn left off the main road and continue some way up the
hill and you'll find the hotel on your right.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Hiking Mount Cameroon
Most hikes to the summit of West Africa's highest peak take two or three days, but it's no
stroll in the park. The difficulty stems not only from its height (4095m), but from the fact
that you start from near sea level, making a big change in altitude in a relatively short dis-
tance. November to April is the main climbing season, and although it's possible to climb
the mountain year-round, you won't get much in the way of views during the rainy sea-
son. Warm clothes and waterproofs are a must. A popular ascent is a two-night, three-day
hike via the Mann Spring route and descending via the Guinness Route.
Hikes are arranged in Buea through the
Mt Cameroon Ecotourism Organisation
( 332 2038;
mountceo@yahoo.uk; Buea Market; 8am-5pm Mon-Fri, 7am-noon Sat & Sun)
. The organisation works
closely with the 12 villages around the mountain, employing many villagers as guides and
porters. All hikers pay a flat 'stakeholder fee' of CFA3000, which goes into a village de-
velopment fund and is used for community projects, such as improving electricity and wa-
ter supply. The organisation's office also has a small shop selling locally produced handi-
crafts.
Guides, well versed in the local flora and fauna, cost CFA6000 per day (maximum five
hikers per guide); porters cost CFA5000. Establish a comfortable pace for yourself; some
