Limbe, Cameroon
Region: Southwest Region
Geographic Coordinates: 4.016700, 9.216700
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a rainy season from March to October and a dry season from November to February.
Population: 212474
Language: English
Limbe is a captivating coastal city situated in the South West region of Cameroon, Along the Atlantic Ocean. It serves as a significant economic and cultural center for the area, With a population of around 100, 000 individuals. The city was established by British missionaries in the late 19th century and was once a major port for exporting palm oil and timber until independence in 1960. The city boasts stunning beaches with black volcanic sand and crystal-clear blue waters that are ideal for swimming, Surfing or just basking under the sun.
Limbe also has numerous natural attractions such as Mount Cameroon, An active volcano that stands at over 4, 000 meters tall. Visitors can hike up to its summit for awe-inspiring views of the surrounding landscape. Another popular attraction in Limbe is the Limbe Wildlife Centre which functions as a haven for endangered animals like gorillas, Chimpanzees and other primates rescued from poachers or illegal pet trade. The center provides guided tours where visitors can learn about conservation efforts aimed at preserving these species. Limbe also has a rich cultural heritage that can be seen through its architecture, Music and cuisine.
The city’s colonial past is reflected in its historic buildings such as the Limbe Botanic Garden which was established by German planters over one hundred years ago to cultivate exotic plants from around Africa. The local cuisine includes delectable seafood dishes like grilled fish served with plantains or cassava fufu (a starchy staple food made from cassava flour). Other popular dishes include Ndole (a stew made with bitter leaves), Achu soup (made from cocoyam) and Eru soup (made from wild leaves). In addition to tourism activities, Limbe has several industries including agriculture (palm oil production), Fishing and timber processing.
There are also several educational institutions such as University of Buea’s Faculty of Agriculture & Veterinary Medicine located within close proximity to Limbe. Overall, Limbe is a vibrant and diverse city with lots to offer visitors. Its natural beauty, Cultural heritage and economic opportunities make it an important destination in Cameroon.
- Limbe Wildlife Centre
- Limbe Botanic Garden
- Mount Cameroon
- Bimbia Slave Trade Museum
- Down Beach
- Seme Beach Hotel and Resort
- The National Park of Korup
- The Lobe Waterfalls
- The Kumba Market
- The Douala Museum of Art
- The oil and gas industry
- Agriculture
- Fishing
- Tourism
- Manufacturing
- Education
- Healthcare services
- Transportation services
Limbe is home to the Limbe oil refinery which processes crude oil from offshore fields. The fertile soil in the area supports a thriving agriculture industry with crops such as cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber and bananas being grown. The town also has a large fishing port that supports a significant portion of its local economy.
Limbe’s beautiful beaches and natural attractions such as Mount Cameroon National Park and the Limbe Botanical Garden make it an attractive tourist destination. There are several small-scale manufacturing companies in Limbe producing items such as textiles soap and furniture.
There are several schools and universities in Limbe including the University of Buea’s campus located there. Healthcare services are also available with several hospitals and clinics providing healthcare services to residents of Limbe.
Limbe serves as an important transportation hub for goods moving between Cameroon’s interior regions to its ports on the Atlantic coast via road or railway connections through Douala city just 70km away from it. Overall these industries play a crucial role in shaping Limbes’ economy into one that is diverse yet sustainable for its people.
- The first European explorers, such as Portuguese sailors and Dutch traders, arrived in the 15th century.
- A German colonial presence was established in Limbe in 1884 and lasted until World War I.
- In 1892, British botanist Harry Marshall Ward constructed the Limbe Botanic Garden.
- The Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC) was founded in 1947 and played a significant role in developing Limbe’s economy through agriculture and industry.
- On August 21, 1982, Mount Cameroon volcano erupted causing extensive damage to the town and surrounding areas.
- Notable individuals associated with Limbe include retired Cameroonian footballer Samuel Eto’o who played for FC Barcelona and Inter Milan; musician and writer Francis Bebey; as well as Belgian footballer Albert Sambi Lokonga who currently plays for Arsenal F.C.
- Limbe Wildlife Centre
- Limbe Botanic Garden
- Limbe Artisan Market
- Mount Cameroon National Park
- The Bimbia Slave Trade Museum
- The Victoria Seaport
- The Limbe Cathedral of Our Lady of Grace
- The German Colonial House Museum
- The National Museum of Cameroon in Yaoundé (about 3 hours away from Limbe)
- Victoria United FC (VFC) – Founded in 2004, VFC is a professional football club based in Limbe. They have played in the Cameroonian Elite One league and have won several regional championships.
- NQSA FC – Another football club based in Limbe, NQSA was founded in 2005 and has also competed at the national level.
- Buea United FC – While not technically based in Limbe, Buea United is a nearby team that has played against many of the clubs from Limbe over the years. They were founded in 2010 and have had some success at both regional and national levels.
- Mount Cameroon FC – This football club was founded back in 1998 and has been one of the most successful teams from the Southwest region of Cameroon over the years.
- Dynamic Sporting Club (DSC) – DSC is another long-standing football club from Limbe that was founded back in 1973. They have won numerous championships at both regional and national levels throughout their history.
Overall, football tends to be one of the most popular sports played by teams from Limbe, though there are likely other sports clubs operating as well such as basketball or volleyball teams.
- Limbe Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC)
- Limbe International Jazz Festival
- Cameroon National Day celebrations
- Limbe Beach Festival
- Mount Cameroon Race of Hope
- Limbe Fashion Week
- Bakweri Cultural Festival
- Makossa Music Festival
- Buea International Trade Fair
- Limbe Carnival
- Ndole – a dish made with bitterleaf, peanuts, and meat or fish.
- Koki – a steamed bean cake made from black-eyed peas and spices.
- Eru soup – a soup made with wild spinach, smoked fish or meat, and palm oil.
- Achu soup – a soup made with cocoyam paste and served with vegetables and meat or fish.
- Pepper Soup – a spicy broth made with various meats including goat, chicken, or fish.
Some popular restaurants in Limbe are:
- The Buea Road Restaurant
- The Fisherman’s Wharf
- Le Meridien Ibom Hotel & Golf Resort
- The Eden Garden Restaurant
- La Fregate Cafe & Bar
- Limbe Wildlife Centre is a sanctuary and rehabilitation center for various animals such as chimpanzees, gorillas, and mandrills.
- The Botanic Garden is home to a wide variety of plant species, including medicinal plants, fruit trees, and ornamental plants.
- Limbe Beach is a popular destination for swimming and sunbathing.
- Mount Cameroon National Park offers hiking trails that lead to the summit of Mount Cameroon – the highest mountain in West Africa.
- Down Beach in Limbe is known for its black sand and opportunities for surfing.
- The Bimbia Slave Trade Museum showcases the history of the slave trade in Cameroon.
- The Limbe Golf Club boasts an 18-hole golf course located near the Atlantic Ocean.
- Tiko Waterfall is a scenic waterfall located about 15 km from Limbe that provides hiking opportunities.
- Lobe Waterfalls are accessible by boat or canoe ride on the Lobé River and are situated approximately 50 km from Limbe.
- Fishing trips along the coast are also popular recreational activities due to its location near the Atlantic Ocean.
