Discover Fako: Bimbia and Limbe

Those considering Fako as a travel destination will find a variety of themes to explore in Bimbia and Limbe. Bimbia is associated with the history of the transatlantic slave trade; in Limbe, a Botanical Garden and a Zoological Centre add to the local attractions. The wider Southwest destination also offers mountain scenery, trekking and diverse wildlife.

Bimbia: Traces of a turbulent history

Bimbia bears witness to the different phases of the transatlantic slave trade from the 16th to the 19th century; Bimbia’s entry on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List was submitted in 2020.

Physical traces include a building where enslaved people were held, chains, an oil press and cannons. These remnants provide concrete points of reference for understanding the history and show the range of what remains in Bimbia.

In the wider Southwest destination, steps and a small bridge installed by the municipal authorities make access easier within the Bimbia site. The remains have not been restored or reconstructed.

Botanical Garden and wildlife in Limbe

The Limbe Botanical Garden is a tourist attraction in the city. In the wider Southwest destination, visitors can discover numerous plant species there. The garden adds a botanical highlight to Limbe’s attractions.

The Limbe Zoological Centre is home to exotic animals, including pythons, primates, crocodiles, birds and turtles. The animal population may change over time. The variety of animals mentioned offers a glimpse of the different species housed at the centre.

In the wider Southwest destination, the Centre Zoologique de Limbé was established in 1993 jointly by the Government of Cameroon and the Pandrillus Foundation. Its aim was to collect domesticated wild animals and animals confiscated from poachers, and return them to their natural habitat. Before visiting, it is advisable to check the current visitor arrangements for the garden and centre.

Mountain scenery in the wider Southwest destination

Mount Cameroon National Park is located in the wider Southwest destination. It is home to West and Central Africa’s highest peak, at 4,070 metres, and has well-developed trekking routes and eco-lodges. The park is considered a biodiversity hotspot, with elephants, chimpanzees, drills and a diverse bird population.

Buea or Limbe can serve as a starting point for exploring the park. Fako Mountain Lodge is located at an altitude of 2,800 metres on the main hiking trail from Buea to the summit of Mount Cameroon.

The municipal authorities also describe Limbe, in the wider Southwest destination, as having a cooling sea breeze and a warm, calm sea that provide good conditions for swimming all day. This attributed characterization offers another perspective on the region alongside its gardens, wildlife and mountain scenery.

Discover more destinations: Tiko

For the wider travel overview: Southwest.