Before you even set foot on Mount Cameroon, you have to meet the town that guards it — Buea.
Perched on the slopes of the giant mountain itself, Buea is more than a starting point. It’s the soul of the journey. The moment you arrive, you’ll feel that quiet excitement that lingers in mountain towns — the misty mornings, the smell of roasted corn by the roadside, and the faint hum of hikers packing gear in the distance. Everything here whispers: you’re about to climb something special.

If you’re planning to hike Mount Cameroon, understanding Buea — its rhythm, its routes, and its people — is part of preparing for the adventure ahead. This is your gateway town, and it’s where every great story on the mountain begins.

Getting to Buea

Let’s start from the beginning — how do you get here?

If you’re coming from Douala, Cameroon’s busiest city and main airport hub, Buea is about 70 kilometers away, roughly a 1.5 to 2-hour drive depending on traffic. You’ll find several options: small private cars, yellow taxis, or shared “clando” cars that run between Douala’s Bonabéri and Mile 17 in Buea.

For those coming from Limbe, it’s an even shorter journey — about 30 minutes of winding road through lush green hills with the ocean behind you. The road is smooth, scenic, and perfect if you want to see how the mountain rises gently from the sea before turning into its steep volcanic form.

By the time you reach the Mile 17 Motor Park, the air changes. It’s cooler. Fresher. You start seeing fruit stands selling roasted plantains, pineapples, and avocados as big as your hand. This is when you realize — you’re not just passing through; you’ve arrived in mountain country.

First Impressions of Buea

Buea isn’t a flashy city. It doesn’t need to be. It sits quietly on the side of the mountain, watching clouds drift by like passing thoughts. It’s a town with a heartbeat — slow in the morning, alive in the afternoon, and peaceful at night.

The weather here is mild all year round, with daytime temperatures between 18°C and 27°C. When the mist rolls in, it feels like someone pulled a blanket over the entire town.

You’ll see students everywhere — Buea is home to the University of Buea, one of the country’s biggest. That gives the place a youthful, energetic vibe. Cafés and small restaurants buzz with conversations about dreams, plans, and exams.

And then there’s the mountain. You can’t miss it. No matter where you stand, you’ll see it — towering, calm, almost watching you. Some days it’s clear, and you can trace the ridges all the way up to the peak. Other days it’s shy, wrapped in thick clouds, hiding its secrets. Either way, it’s always there, reminding you why you came.

Where to Stay in Buea Before Your Hike

If you’re smart (and you should be), don’t rush to start hiking the day you arrive. Spend at least one full day in Buea before your climb. This is important not just for rest, but to acclimatize — to let your body get used to the altitude and weather.

The town has a range of accommodation options depending on your budget and taste:

If you want something comfortable and peaceful, places like Mountain Hotel and Parliamentarian Flats sit close to the trailhead and offer views straight toward the peak. You’ll sleep surrounded by cool air and wake up to the sound of birds and distant chatter from hikers setting out early.

For budget travelers, you can find guesthouses in Molyko, Great Soppo, and Upper Farms, with prices ranging between 15,000 and 55,000 XAF per night. They may not be fancy, but they give you everything you need — a warm shower, clean bed, and a local breakfast of beans and puff-puff to get your strength up.

If you’re climbing with Ndolo Travels, we arrange your accommodation ahead of time. We make sure it’s close to the park office so you can easily do your permit checks, pack your gear, and meet your guide the next morning without stress.

The Heart of Preparation — Buea’s Mount Cameroon National Park Office

Before you step onto the trail, you’ll need to stop at the Mount Cameroon National Park office, located near the Regional Delegation of Forestry and Wildlife in Upper Farms. This is where the mountain climb officially begins.

Here, you’ll pay your entrance and climbing fees, register your name, route, and estimated return date, and meet the park ranger who ensures every hiker enters safely. You’ll also get your park access permit — a small but powerful document that says: you are now an official Mount Cameroon climber.

For those hiking with Ndolo Travels, we handle all of this paperwork before you even arrive. But if you’re going solo, it’s important to come with your ID or passport, cash for fees, and a sense of patience. Things move a bit slower here, but that’s part of the charm.

Getting Your Gear and Supplies in Buea

Buea is small, but surprisingly, you can find almost everything you need for the climb if you know where to look.

In Molyko, there are small shops selling hiking shoes, torches, sleeping bags, raincoats, and even power banks. Local markets like  Muea Market, OIC Market and Buea Town Market have snacks, bottled water, fruits, and energy food.

If you forgot any essentials — tents, cooking pots, or trekking poles — don’t worry. Ndolo Travels has a rental service for most hiking gear. We know how hard it is to travel with all that equipment, so we make it easy for you to rent, pack, and return once your adventure ends.

And if you’re the type who needs that one last “real meal” before heading into the wild, stop by a local restaurant for eru and fufu, grilled fish, or ndole with plantains. Trust me, it hits differently knowing you’re about to climb 4,095 meters above sea level.

Meeting Your Guide and Porter

Buea is where you’ll meet your guide and porters — the true heroes of Mount Cameroon. Most of them are locals who’ve spent years on the mountain. They know every turn, every shortcut, and every danger spot.

A guide doesn’t just lead you; they protect you. They watch your pace, help you cross tricky volcanic sections, and motivate you when your legs are screaming. Porters, on the other hand, carry your heavy load — tents, food, water — allowing you to focus on the climb itself.

When you hike with Ndolo Travels, we only work with trained and certified local guides and porters who know both the mountain and its culture. Every trip supports their families and the community at large, which makes your journey not just an adventure, but a contribution.

Exploring Buea Before the Climb

One of the best parts of arriving early in Buea is that you get to explore a bit before your big day.

Take a walk through Bokwángo or Upper Farms — the areas closest to the mountain trail. You’ll pass through small farms of plantain, cocoa, and coffee, with villagers waving and children shouting “good morning” as you go.

Visit the German colonial buildings in town — remnants of when Buea was once the capital of German Kamerun in the early 1900s. The Old German Post Office and Governor’s Lodge still stand, quiet reminders of the town’s rich history.

If you have time, drive down to Limbe for a day — just 30 minutes away — and dip your feet in the black sand beaches before returning to prepare for your climb. There’s no better contrast than the ocean and the mountain, sitting side by side in this little corner of Cameroon.

Acclimatizing and Mental Preparation

A lot of people underestimate this part, but it’s crucial. Spending a day or two in Buea before hiking allows your body to adjust to the altitude (around 1,000 meters above sea level) and the cooler air.

Use this time to rest, drink plenty of water, stretch your legs with a short hike to Mount Cameroon Race Trail’s base, and get your mindset ready. The climb isn’t easy — but it’s worth it.

You’ll also find inspiration just watching other hikers return from the mountain, covered in dust but smiling like they’ve just touched the sky. That energy rubs off on you.

The Night Before the Climb

Your last evening in Buea is always a special one. There’s that quiet excitement in the air. You’ve checked your gear, confirmed your guide, and packed your backpack — but sleep doesn’t come easily.

The mountain looms outside, dark against the stars, and your heart races a little faster than usual. You can hear frogs croaking, distant music from a bar down the hill, and maybe even rain tapping softly on the roof.

It’s not fear — it’s anticipation. Tomorrow, you start something big.

That’s what I always tell hikers when we gather for our pre-climb briefing: “The hardest step is the one that takes you out of bed tomorrow morning. After that, the mountain takes over.”

Why Buea Is the Perfect Gateway

Some people think of Buea as just a starting point. But those who spend time here know it’s part of the magic.

It’s where the mountain begins to whisper to you. Where strangers become friends. Where you learn to slow down and breathe.

Buea gives you everything you need — the calm before the challenge, the community that supports your climb, and the energy that fuels your adventure.

And when you finally take that first step onto the trail, you’ll carry a piece of Buea with you — its mist, its people, and its quiet confidence that says: you can do this.

Because the truth is, climbing Mount Cameroon doesn’t just start on the trail.
It starts right here — in this humble, green, beautiful town that’s been preparing climbers for generations.

So when you arrive, don’t rush.
Walk slowly.
Look around.
Let Buea prepare you.
Because the mountain is waiting — and it always rewards those who take the time to listen.