Main Rivers of Cameroon
Congo River
The Congo River is recognized as the second-largest river in the world by discharge and holds the title of the deepest river globally. Additionally, it ranks among the longest rivers, with a length of approximately 4,699.28 kilometers. Flowing through the lush rainforests of Cameroon, the Congo River traverses nine other African countries, including Angola, Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, Kinshasa, Brazzaville, and Zambia. The river covers an area equivalent to 13% of the African continent. Originating from the mountainous regions in East Africa, it empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The river is home to over 700 species of fish and serves multiple purposes, such as transportation, fishing, water supply, and irrigation. Hydroelectric dams have been constructed along its course, posing potential threats to aquatic life, including fish, frogs, and mollusks.
Nyong River
The Nyong River is located in the southwestern part of Cameroon, specifically in Central West Africa. It rises about 40 kilometers east of Abong Mbang in the northern rainforests. The river stretches for 640 kilometers and empties into the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean at the vicinity of Beti Batanga, which is approximately 64.37 kilometers southwest of the city of Idia.
Chari River
The Chari River flows from the Central African Republic, originating in Cameroon and Chad, and it discharges into Lake Chad. The river measures about 949.51 kilometers in length and shares its international borders with Chad and Cameroon. It is notably home to various fish species, including Nile perch and tilapia, making it a vital resource for local communities engaged in fishing.
Sanaga River
The Sanaga River is situated in central Cameroon, approximately 90 kilometers from the northwest of Bertoua. It flows for about 525 kilometers in the southwestern direction across the central plateau. The river culminates in a broad mouth, reaching the Atlantic coastline of Cameroon, about 48 kilometers south of Douala. The regions adjacent to the river are characterized by rich resources, which have led to the settlement of populations in that area.
Geographical Nature of Cameroon
Cameroon boasts a remarkably diverse geographical landscape, encompassing coastal beaches, mountains, rainforests, savanna woodlands, and deserts. Among these, the coastal plain forests are regarded as some of the most humid areas in the world. The Cameroon Mountains, characterized as a volcanic range, feature the highest peak in the region, Mount Cameroon, which rises to a height of 4,095 meters. The volcanic craters in these mountains are linked to lakes and are dotted with numerous rivers.