If Mount Cameroon could talk, it would have a thousand stories — and each of its trails would tell a different one. Whether you start from the buzzing streets of Buea, the quiet slopes of Bokwango, or the rugged paths of the Bova Road, every route reveals a different side of this 4,095-meter giant.

This guide is your deep dive into the main hiking routes on Mount Cameroon — especially the legendary Guinness Trail, the Bokwaongo Route, and the Bova Road Route. I’ll break down where each path begins, what makes it unique, and what kind of hiker it’s best for. So, if you’re planning your climb and wondering which route to take, sit back and imagine this as me walking you through it, step by step.

The Famous Guinness Trail (Upper Farms Route)

Let’s start with the most famous of them all — the Guinness Trail, also known as the Upper Farms Route.

This is the route most hikers use, the same one the world’s strongest runners take every February during the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope. It’s named after the Guinness Brewery at the base of the mountain in Upper Farms, Buea — the official starting point.

If you’re hiking with Ndolo Travels, this is the route we almost always recommend for first-timers. It’s the most developed, safest, and well-marked. You’ll find proper huts, rangers, and guides familiar with every twist and turn.

Trail Overview

The Guinness Trail starts at Upper Farms, just a few minutes from the heart of Buea town. From there, you walk through local farmlands where people grow crops like plantain, cocoyam, and maize. You’ll hear laughter from nearby houses, children calling out greetings, and maybe a farmer waving at you with a hoe in hand.

Soon, the farms fade into the lush rainforest zone. This is where the real climb begins. The air cools, the canopy closes in, and the smell of wet earth fills your lungs. If you’re lucky, you might hear birds calling or catch sight of small forest mammals — though, to be honest, the once-common monkeys are harder to spot these days due to climate shifts and forest changes.

Vegetation Zones You’ll Cross

The Guinness Trail is magical because it takes you through all the mountain’s major vegetation zones in one continuous climb.

The first zone is the rainforest, thick with old trees, vines, and moss. You’ll likely sweat a lot here because it’s humid, but the shade helps.

Next is the savanna zone, where tall grasses wave in the wind and the sky suddenly opens above you. This is where you’ll start to see the mountain’s full face — and feel how small you are. The famous bishop birds, found only on Mount Cameroon, often appear here. The males have long, flowing tail feathers, while the females are slightly larger and darker.

Above that lies the rocky and shrub region, leading toward Hut 3 and the summit. Here the wind bites harder, and the ground becomes more volcanic and sandy. It feels almost like walking on the moon — quiet, dry, and sacred.

The Huts and Stops Along the Way

Along the Guinness Trail, there are three main huts — plus one intermediary stop.

• Hut 1: The first rest stop. It’s not a sleeping place — just a water and rest point, and where you’ll meet the park security guard. There are benches, shade, and a small shelter where you can catch your breath and refill your bottles.

• Hut 1B (Intermediary Hut): Between Hut 1 and Hut 2. It’s a resting point for hikers who need a quick break before the steeper part begins.

• Hut 2: This is the most developed lodge on the mountain. Think of it as a small eco-resort in the clouds. It has cabins, showers, a restaurant, and even warm food. Prices start at around 5,000 FCFA for basic lodging and can go up to 70,000 FCFA for private cabins. Meals range between 3,000 and 20,000 FCFA, depending on what you order.

• Hut 3: This is the final base before the summit. It’s free, like Hut 1, and mostly used for sleeping on mats or camping with your own gear.

Who This Route Is For

The Guinness Trail is perfect for first-time hikers, groups, or anyone who wants a guided, comfortable experience. It’s also ideal if you want to see all the mountain’s natural zones and stay in huts with facilities.

It’s the safest route — with rangers, guides, and a clear path. But it’s also the most crowded, especially during race season or weekends when locals climb for sport.

The Bokwango Route

If the Guinness Trail is the well-beaten path, the Bokwango Route is its quieter cousin — a little rougher, less crowded, and perfect for those who want more solitude and connection with nature.

The trail starts from Bokwango Village, a short drive from Buea. It merges with the Guinness Trail higher up the mountain, usually near Hut 2 or before the savanna zone.

Why Choose Bokwango

The Bokwango Route is ideal for travelers who want a less touristy experience or for those who’ve already hiked via the Guinness Trail and want to try something different. The vegetation here is dense and raw — it feels untouched.

The trail passes through local farming communities and sections of secondary forest before connecting with the main hiking route. It’s narrower and can get muddy during the rainy season, but it’s incredibly peaceful. You’ll often hear birds and the rustle of wind in the bamboo before you even see another person.

Bokwango also gives you a closer look at village life — small farms, traditional homes, and views of Buea spread out below.

Who This Route Is For

The Bokwango Route is perfect for hikers seeking peace, photographers looking for natural scenes, or returning climbers wanting a different path. It’s not recommended for first-time solo hikers unless accompanied by a guide who knows the trail well because it’s less marked and not always patrolled.

The Bova Road Route

Then there’s the Bova Road Route, a route that’s gaining popularity among adventure seekers and off-road lovers. It starts from Bova, a village further up the slope of Buea.

This route is accessible only by 4×4 vehicles, as the road can be rough, especially after rain. But once you reach the starting point, the hike feels like a private journey through a hidden side of the mountain.

Trail Highlights

The Bova Route is steeper in sections but shorter in distance compared to the Guinness Trail. It begins higher up the mountain, so you skip the lower farmlands and get straight into the savanna and volcanic zones.

It’s quieter, windier, and more exposed — which means you’ll have incredible panoramic views of Buea, Limbe, and even the Atlantic Ocean shimmering far below.

It’s a photographer’s dream, especially around sunrise or sunset. The downside? There are fewer huts and facilities. Hikers often use Hut 2 for food and rest, then continue on to Hut 3 and the summit.

Who This Route Is For

This route is perfect for those who want adventure, have a 4×4 vehicle, and prefer smaller groups. It’s ideal for returning climbers who’ve already done the Guinness Trail and want something fresh — or for photographers and filmmakers who want unique perspectives of the mountain.

It’s not the best choice for first-time hikers or those without proper gear since the slopes can be steeper and the trail less predictable.

Other Rarely Used Routes

Beyond these main three, there are older, lesser-known trails that only local guides or park staff know — routes from Dikolo, Efolofo, or even Munyenge on the western side of the mountain.

These are wild and remote — with dense forest, wild elephants in the lowlands, and almost no infrastructure. They’re not part of the regular tourism network and should only be attempted with official guides and park authorization.

These routes show you the raw, wild face of Mount Cameroon — but they also demand respect and caution.

How to Choose the Best Route for You

So, how do you decide which path to take? It depends on your goals.

If you want a balanced, safe, and scenic experience — go with the Guinness Trail. You’ll have huts, food, and the full mountain story from forest to summit.

If you want solitude and deeper connection with nature — try the Bokwango Route. It’s quiet and personal, perfect for meditation and reflection.

If you want something wild, steep, and adventurous — the Bova Route will thrill you.

Final Thoughts: Every Trail, One Mountain

No matter which route you choose, one thing remains true — Mount Cameroon will change you. Each trail has its own voice, but the spirit of the mountain is the same: raw, powerful, and humbling.

As you climb, you’ll feel the air grow thinner, the world grow quieter, and your thoughts clearer. You’ll move through ecosystems, from tropical rainforest to savanna to volcanic desert, and you’ll see how life adapts at every level.

Whether you start from Upper Farms, Bokwango, or Bova, you’ll be walking the same paths that generations of explorers, locals, and dreamers have taken. You’ll feel the same exhaustion, the same awe, and the same sense of victory when you finally reach the summit and the world unfolds beneath your feet.

And when you stand up there — tired, proud, and silent — you’ll understand what every Mount Cameroon hiker eventually learns: it’s not the trail that matters most. It’s what the mountain teaches you along the way.