Lobé Falls

Lobé Falls belong to the very small number of waterfalls discharging directly into the sea.

Area around the falls and falls themselves is scenic destination with idyllic beach, which is adorned with palm trees. Two species of sea turtles come to nest in this beach – leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) and olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea).

Falls are much less impressive (but taller) in the dry period of the year, but in the rainy period, in October – November falls are at their best – then Lobé River brings much water from the vast rainforest of South Cameroon Plateau.

To local people – Batanga, Maabi, Pygmies – waterfall is sacred site, a place of purification and meeting with the spirits of ancestors. There are reports about Pygmy healers pushing their patients under the falling water in order to purify them. Lobé Falls have been used in inthronisation rituals of Batanga kings who meet the spirits of their ancestors here.

Over the last decades the area around the falls has changed. Village at the falls is growing and more tourists arrive. Humans have started to encroach on the rainforest on plateau, thus diminishing the amount of water in the stream. Nevertheless Lobé Falls belong to the most beautiful natural landmarks in Cameroon.

Lobé Falls on the map

Location, GPS coordinates:	2.8823 N 9.8975 E
Categories:	Waterfalls
Values:	Geology, Visual
Rating:	(3.5 / 5)
Where is located?	Africa, Cameroon, South, at the beach 7 km south from Kribi
Name in French:	Chutes de la Lobé
Height:	10 – 17 m
Width:	˜ 270 m
Stream:	Lobé

Landmarks of Cameroon

Highlights of Cameroon are:

• Indigenous architecture. Several ancient cultures evolved in Cameroon and traces of their impact are seen up to this day. Some styles of vernacular architecture in Cameroon are truly unique, such as Musgum architecture in the north of country. Amazing landmarks are palace complexes of local chiefs (fons), especially the historical centre of Bafut.
• Crater lakes. Lake Nyos and Lake Monoun got the dubious world fame of "lakes – killers" in the 1980s, when they exploded, emiting huge clouds of carbon dioxide. Other crater lakes may also have gas in their sediments but are unusual due to unique ecosystems – each of them has whole collection of water animals which are not found anywhere else in the world.

Waterfalls and rapids

Some of the most fascinating and awe inspiring natural monuments are waterfalls, or locations where a river abruptly changes its elevation.

Recommended books

Cameroon With Egbert

Cameroon with Egbert tells the story of a journey through the remote areas of Cameroon undertaken by indomitable author Dervla Murphy and her daughter Rachel, accompanied by an endearing horse named Egbert.