Adamaoua

Adamaoua is a region in central Cameroon that stretches across the middle of the country from the Nigerian border east to the border with the Central African Republic.

Cities

• 1 Ngaoundéré — the gateway to the province

Understand

Adamaoua is one of the geographically diverse regions in Cameroon. It consists of mountainous and sparsely populated terrain, divided into the savannah north and jungle south. The Muslim Fulbe (Fulani) form the major ethnic group, though Tikar, Gbaya, and other peoples are present in lesser numbers.

The Adamawa's economy is based almost entirely on one thing: cattle, a Fulbe monopoly. The region's low population, high humidity, and vast fields of grass make it ideal for grazing. Herdsmen rotate pastures, and they often construct watering holes or wells for themselves and their animals.

Nearly all farming in the province is done at the sustenance level. Millet is the mainstay, though maize, and manioc are also important. Other crops, grown in smaller quantities, include cocoyams, yams, and groundnuts. The Gbaya, Mbum, and Dourou are the region's most prolific farmers, though even the herdsmen farm in the rainy season.

Get in

Ngaoundéré is the gateway to the province, and it is most easily accessible from southern Cameroon via the "Transcam II" rail line. The trip takes between 12 and 30 hours, but the presence of couchettes makes the journey bearable for those who can afford them. Other passengers are crammed into all available seats, however, including those in the dining car. Due to the overcrowded conditions, thieves are another hazard.

Road travel from the south is also possible, but this is limited to poor roads from the Centre Province or else a long detour through the East Province, where the roads are not much better. Roads within the Adamawa are mostly unpaved and are often in poor condition (particularly south of Ngaoundéré) due to little maintenance. The road north from Ngaoundéré into the North Province is paved, however, meaning that those travelling via train can continue to the North and Far North without too much discomfort. National Road 6 enters the province from Foumban in the West Province and continues on to Banyo, Tibati, and Meïganga. National Road 15 comes from Sangbé in the Centre Province to Tibati and on to Ngaoundéré.

A regional airport services Ngaoundéré with flights to Yaoundé, Douala, Garoua, and Maroua. Tignère, Banyo, Ngaoundal, Tibati, and the Mbakaou Reservoir all have airstrips.

See

Most travellers see the Adamawa only briefly as they transition at Ngaoundéré from the train to a bus further north. The province does see some visitors who are interested in the region's rich cultural history. A number of lamidos allow tourists to visit their palaces, for example, such as the ruler of Ngo, who receives nobles every Friday and Sunday. The province also has numerous scenic destinations ranging from crater lakes to caves and waterfalls.

• 1 Lamido Palace. (updated Oct 2017)
• 2 Lamido Grand Mosque. (updated Oct 2017)

• Lamidat de Ngaoundere, local history museum.

• Mont Ngaoundere, tourist attraction with mountain that can be used in hiking.

Do

• Terrain Bitcou, soccer field.

• Alliance Franco Camerounaise de l'Adamaoua,  recreation center.

Eat

• Super Kilichi.

• Terre Promise.

• Chez Saadjo, African dish restaurant.

Drink

• Sofitel Bar.

• Gadourou Bar.

• Le Rocher.

• Transcam Hotel.