From the geography which has endowed the province with magnificent hills and plains, rivers and waterfalls to the cultural variety, the West province remains a must go area for any tourist or other visitor wanting to have a feel of the natural gifts of Cameroon. TOURISM IN THE WESTERN (BAMELEKES) The West province is a land of fast-flowing rivers intercepted by waterfalls and rapids. These features which have remained untampered with by human activity are a source of many legends. Added to the natural features, human activity has given rise to impressive expanse of sites that are breath-taking to any visitor. These include panoramic views of tea, green beans, coffee and other plantations. As well as beautiful villages constructed over the ages. Being at the cross-roads of cultures, the West province is an ideal area to rediscover the cradle of African traditional chiefdoms that thrive among the Bamileke and the traditional kingdoms of the Bamoun. In visiting these kingdoms and chiefdoms, the visitor should take special note of how the people blend the mystical with the reality to create a unique cosmology akin only to the West province. The resulting traditional structures based on a blend of the social and the religious are a source of varied cultural manifestations that have tended to single out the West province as Cameroon’s cultural haven. These cultural ceremonies that portray African traditional apparels at their best could be a great discovery to tourists and other visitors alike. Among the Bamilekes for instance elaborate funeral rites, rites for the enthronement of chiefs, activities of secret societies are occasions where rich traditional apparels are displayed. Among the Bamoun, on the other land, the traditional Ramadan feast, feast of the Ram, daily Friday prayers, plus the king’s so-lemn evening and the Ngouon feast that holds once in two years are occasions for a colourful display of the traditions of the Bamoun. The blend between the imaginary and the real worlds has given impetus to the emergence among the Bamileke and the Bamouns of a unique architectural culture that has remained a marvel to visitors. This is equally true of their traditional crafts and varied works of art. Indeed the people’s art and culture provide the basis for the emergence of a cosmology and socio-cultural lifestyle that is peculiar to this part of the world. The Bamileke artist translates in his works the power, magic, spiritual and religious essence of the Bamileke people. Whereas among the Bamouns, the artistry is most often displayed in their brass and iron works. They therefore have an array of war implements, statuses, iron masks among other works to be picked for a fee by those who want. Specifically, each of the eight divisions has something unique to offer any tourist. The Noun division for instance whose headquarters is at Foumban has the famous palace of the king of Bamouns to offer visitors. The palace houses a royal museum, and an artisanal village. The palace court also has a museum of Bamoun traditional arts. Other touristic sites of renown in this division include the seven stones of Njimon, lake Petponoun, mount Mbatpit, the Foumbot market and the Bororo village. Others are the fishermen village with its bamboo embankments, the Mape dam and the fish market that holds every Friday. Agro tourism also flourishes in the Noun division with the coffee plantations of Foumbot, Koutaba and Magba being at the fore front. Menoua division with headquarters in Dschang also has its key touristic sites. Those in Dschang urban include the municipal lake, the artisan centre, the climatic centre and the central market. Others in the division include the “Mammy Water” waterfalls, the Foreke palace as well as agro tourism and eco-tourism sites at Santchou and Djutitsa. The Upper Nkam division with headquarters in Bafang has the waterfalls at Mouanke and Ekom as well as the Bana and Foutonni hills as prominent tourist attractions. So too are the chiefdoms of Banka and Bandja. The Mifi with headquarters in Bafoussam has an attractive chiefdom that houses a royal museum. The town also has a central market with its array of art works. There is also Lake Baleng, the Metche falls and a coffee factory in this division. Nde division has its headquarters in Bangangté. The Bangoua chiefdom has a royal museum, while the Tahreu waterfall and the Bangangte chiefdom are among other touristic attractions. Mount Bamboutous, with a height of some 1700 metres and the Bamendjing are the main touristic sites of Bamboutos division. Koungkhi division with headquarters in Bandjoun has a chiefdom that houses a royal museum. There are also vast plantations of green beans as well as a factory for the transformation of this commodity. Upper Nkam with headquarters in Baham has chiefdoms in Baham, Batie and Bangou. Art and bambou works predominate all along the stretch of road from Baham to Batie.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Jun 2013 21:45:12 +0000