Ngaoundere, also called N’gaoundere in Fula, is the capital of the Adamawa region of Cameroon. This city, established as an urban community in 2008, is located on the Adamawa plateau, in the north of the region. It is distinguished by Mount Ngaoundere, a rounded rock that overlooks the city, giving the impression that Ngaoundere is the “navel” of Adamawa. The name of the city comes from the M’boum words: “Ngaou” for mountain and “Ndere” for navel, a reference to the first inhabitants of the region, the Mboum.
Geography and climate
Ngaoundere is an important commercial crossroads linking the cities of southern Cameroon to the far north. The city is also the terminus of the railway line linking Douala to Ngaoundere. The climate is relatively temperate due to its altitude, with two main seasons: a dry season, marked by the harmattan, a dry and hot wind coming from the north, and a rainy season with sometimes intense rainfall.
Ngaoundere is an important commercial crossroads linking the cities of southern Cameroon to the far north. The city is also the terminus of the railway line linking Douala to Ngaoundere. The climate is relatively temperate due to its altitude, with two main seasons: a dry season, marked by the harmattan, a dry and hot wind coming from the north, and a rainy season with sometimes intense rainfall.
Population and culture
The population of Ngaoundéré is mainly composed of the Fulani (Fulbe), whose language is Fulfulde. They are present throughout West Africa and have a strong influence in the region. The Lamidat of Ngaoundéré, a Fulani chiefdom led by a Lamido, is at the center of the political and spiritual life of the city. The great mosque, located at the entrance to the Lamido’s courtyard, symbolizes the importance of Islam in the region.
The population of Ngaoundéré is mainly composed of the Fulani (Fulbe), whose language is Fulfulde. They are present throughout West Africa and have a strong influence in the region. The Lamidat of Ngaoundéré, a Fulani chiefdom led by a Lamido, is at the center of the political and spiritual life of the city. The great mosque, located at the entrance to the Lamido’s courtyard, symbolizes the importance of Islam in the region.
History and Lamidat
The Lamidat of Ngaoundere has a rich history, marked by the Fulani conquest initiated by Modibbo Adama in the early 1800s. The latter received the banner of jihad from the Sokoto Empire, which led to the founding of many Lamidats, including that of Ngaoundere. The Lamidat has been led by a series of Lamibe (Fulani chiefs), the first of whom was Ardo Djobdi in 1836. Today, the Lamido in office is Mohamadou Hayatou, who has reigned since 1997.
The Lamidat of Ngaoundere has a rich history, marked by the Fulani conquest initiated by Modibbo Adama in the early 1800s. The latter received the banner of jihad from the Sokoto Empire, which led to the founding of many Lamidats, including that of Ngaoundere. The Lamidat has been led by a series of Lamibe (Fulani chiefs), the first of whom was Ardo Djobdi in 1836. Today, the Lamido in office is Mohamadou Hayatou, who has reigned since 1997.
Tourism and heritage
Ngaoundere and its surroundings offer many tourist attractions. Among the most popular are:
Mount Ngaoundere and the Mbe cliff.
The Tizon crater lake and Lake Mbalang.
The Tello Falls, a spectacular 45-metre-high waterfall.
The Vina Falls and the village of Idool.
The city is also rich in archaeological history, with sites such as Mabimi, where traces of ancient metallurgy can be seen.
Ngaoundere and its surroundings offer many tourist attractions. Among the most popular are:
Mount Ngaoundere and the Mbe cliff.
The Tizon crater lake and Lake Mbalang.
The Tello Falls, a spectacular 45-metre-high waterfall.
The Vina Falls and the village of Idool.
The city is also rich in archaeological history, with sites such as Mabimi, where traces of ancient metallurgy can be seen.
Transport and Infrastructure
Ngaoundere is relatively isolated, but remains accessible by several means of transport:
Road: The city is connected to Yaounde by a road via Meiganga and Bertoua, as well as to Moundou in Chad by a paved road.
Rail: Ngaoundere station is the terminus of the railway line linking Douala to the city, playing an important role in the transport of goods to Chad.
Air: Ngaoundere has a regional airport, although commercial traffic is limited.
With its cultural, religious and natural heritage, Ngaoundere is a fascinating destination for those wishing to discover the heart of Adamawa.
Ngaoundere is relatively isolated, but remains accessible by several means of transport:
Road: The city is connected to Yaounde by a road via Meiganga and Bertoua, as well as to Moundou in Chad by a paved road.
Rail: Ngaoundere station is the terminus of the railway line linking Douala to the city, playing an important role in the transport of goods to Chad.
Air: Ngaoundere has a regional airport, although commercial traffic is limited.
With its cultural, religious and natural heritage, Ngaoundere is a fascinating destination for those wishing to discover the heart of Adamawa.
