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CERTIFICATION

This field work report by MENVUO JOYCELINE MENDI in partial fulfillment of the
award of Bachelor of Science (BSc) in the department of Tourism And Hospitality Management
in the Higher Institute Of Transport And Logistics of the University of Bamenda,is approved for
its contribution to scientific knowledge and literature presentation.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I which to sincerely thank all my lecturals who accompanied us for the field trip for
the sacrifices they made.I am particularly greatful to my mom for the financial support granted to
me to be part of the field trip.I equally thank the tourism institutes for receiving us, making the
trip a success.

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ABSTRACT
This report describes the experience had at the tourism sites, particularly in the
towns of Buea and Limbe.These tourism sites are based on ecotourism, coastal tourism and
agricultural tourism.This report explains the activities carried out in this sites,its advantages to
the public and surrounding, difficulties, problems encountered during the field trip and the
impact to myself.While during the tours with the professional staffs of the tourism sites,i had
some proposed recommendations to help improve these tourism sites.

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LIST OF FIGURES

Fig 1..............................................5

Fig 2..….........................................6

Fig 3..............................................7

Fig 4..............................................8

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CERTIFICATION ........................................................................................................................... 1
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT .............................................................................................................. 2
ABSTRACT.................................................................................................................................... 3
LIST OF FIGURES ........................................................................................................................ 4
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................. 6
1.1. Mount Cameroon: ............................................................................................................ 6
CHAPTER TWO: ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT. .......................................................................11
2.1. Daily activities .....................................................................................................................11
2.2 Limbe Wildlife Centre ......................................................................................................... 13
2.3 Botanic Garden .................................................................................................................... 14
2.4 Limbe Down Beach: ............................................................................................................ 15
CHAPTER THREE: PROBLEMS FACED BY STUDENTS, .................................................. 17
3.1. Presence Of Traffic ............................................................................................................. 17
3.2 Challenges Faced At The Sites, ........................................................................................... 17
3.3 Objectives, ........................................................................................................................... 18
3.4 Benefits, ............................................................................................................................... 18
CHAPTER FOUR: CONCLUSION ............................................................................................. 19
4.1 Recommendations, .............................................................................................................. 19

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CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1. Mount Cameroon:


Mount Cameroon is a lovely volcanic mountain which welcomes visitors immediately
they arrive Buea. The mountain spreads from Bomboko to Bakweri and down to the Limbe
Beach. It has a height of 4100metres. From the foot of the mountain to the summit and distantly
to the valleys are romantic regions of varied sceneries which invite discovery and exploration.
The Mount Cameroon consist of two vegetation type, that is, the rain forest and the savanna
forest. The indigenes there are the Bakweri who offer great hospitality to visitors.
The Mount Cameroon National Park which was created in 2014. Its aim is to conserve the
biodiversity of the mountain, its a home to animals such as monkeys,birds, chimpanzees, gorillas
and elephants.
The mountain god"Efasa-moto" is believed that,he controls the entire mountain from the west
coast to the border with Balondo land to the north east coast and also towards the Meme
Division. According to the Bakweri oral traditions, Efasa-moto is the partner of"Liengu La
Mwamja" a mermaid. After agreement between the two, Efasa-moto chose to live on the
mountain and while Liengu La Mwamja remains in the sea. Efasa-moto is described as being
divided vertically from top to bottom in a strange mixture of half human and half stone, mean
while,Liengu La Mwamja is half human, half fish.
Efasa-moto is also said to be the mountain spiritual protector. In times of old,"Albinos" were
abandoned on the mountain as offering of appeasement to the mountain god so that he will
continue to bless the inhabitants at the foot of the mountain. Now a days,they offer sheep, goats
and palm wine as offering to the god.
He maintain a rich healthy sugar cane plantation. His visitors can eat the sugar cane on the
spot but cannot carry any away. It is said that the sugar cane has an unforgettable sweetness.

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Botanic Garden:

Efasa-moto (mountain god).

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The Botanic Garden was created in 1892 by a German teem led by PAUL RUDOLPH
PREUSS. The garden was a trail garden,a centre for experimentation and acclimatization of
useful tropical species such as rubber, coffee, oil palm, banana and sugar cane. The Limbe
Botanical garden is the second oldest garden in Africa, and home to a species of plants such as
cinnamon, nutmeg, mango, ancient cycad and unnamed trees that are there. The Botanic Garden
is one of the most active in Sub-Saharan Africa since 1892,it boast of 52 hectares of beautiful
landscape.

Limbe Botanical Garden

Limbe Wildlife Centre:

The Limbe Wildlife Centre was created in 1993 as a result of the rapid decline of animals
population in Cameroon due to habitat degradation, illegal wildlife trade and hunting. It is a
wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation education project. It is managed by the Ministry

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of Forestry and Wildlife. The wildlife center takes care of animals species such as gorillas,
chimpanzees,diverse monkey species,toes, dwarf crocodile and the Nile crocodile,bush dog,
parrots (African grey parrots), and antelope.

Limbe Wildlife Centre.


Limbe Down Beach:

The Limbe Down Beach also known as the"Black Sand Beach" is very famous, but very
delicate. It is located at the heart of the town of Limbe. It was founded by Afred Saker in 1858 in
the Southern slopes of Mount Cameroon. It opens towards the Gulf of Guinea. It's consist of
verious huts, communal umbrella shaded tables and traditional fishing boats on the beach. There
are also food stand serving tasty seafood dishes and beverages, and the occasional horse may run
across the black sand.

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Limbe Down Beach.

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CHAPTER TWO: ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT.

2.1. Daily activities


DAY ONE
The date the 19 of April on a Wednesday marked the beginning of our field trip. We
assembled in front of the main administrative bloc of the University, taking our seats in the
bus,we took off at exactly 7:00am .we had a stop at New Road and Upstation to pick up those
who are not living in Bambili and our lecturals accompaining us.
After a long drive,we arrive Magenene and had to stop to refresh our selves and have
something to eat before continuing our journey. Traveling further,we arrived the Capitalists
Banana Plantation along the Njombe Penja highway which is surrounded by trees which pair
what we call"white pepper" to prevent wind breaks on the plantation. The area in which the
plantation is located is called"The Mungo Corridor" which is an example of Agricultural
Tourism. These bananas are exported to other countries using a refrigerated container trucks to
keep the bananas from getting ripe before reaching the destined country exported to. The soil
here is fertile as a result of the volcanic soils which are being watched down from Mount
Cameroon to the area.
Arriving the Tiko- Douala highway,we could notice the CDC rubber plantation with little
cups tied at the trees tapping rubber.
We arrived Buea at 6:20pm , after what seems like forever and facing alot of traffic
jams,we arrived at our accommodation center"Hotel Venmarc"at exactly 7:00pm at the dot. We
were directed to our rooms by the hotel receptionist. We had our baths, came down for dinner
which we had to make a choice between fufucorn and huckleberry,ndole and plantains,rice and
stew, after which we went to our verious rooms to rest and prepare for the next day.

DAY TWO

Day two which was on a Thursday the 20 of April. We wakeup at 6:00am ,had our baths
and when down to the hotel restaurant to have breakfast at 7:30am , While waiting for the tour
guides from Mount Cameroon to come lecture us on our dressing code and what to expect when
we get to the mountain.

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We left the hotel at 8:30am going to Mount Cameroon, passing through the 50th Anniversary
monument and the road paved heading up to the Prime Minister's Lunch.
Arriving the upper farms of Mount Cameroon at 9:00am, were we had lectures about the
mountain and what we should expect to see as we ascend the mountain. We could also notice a
prison meant for illegal hunters who were caught hunting endangered species on the mountain.
The Mount Cameroon is an example of Ecotourism (live no trace tourism), which aim is to
conserve both plants and biodiversity.
Ascending at 9:45am,we could get a glance of the scenery and settlement of Buea town. As we
started ascending the mountain, the surrounding is the mountain rain forest. And along the road
we could see trees very tall, some of which are more than 20metres height and medicinal plants
such as the"King grass" and the two-sided color leaf plant. We also noticed cocoyams farm
grown by the Bakweri people on the mountain. After a long walk,we reached the mountains
National Park inside the forest which serve as a home for animals such as birds like the"Kwai
Bird", different species of monkeys like the Red eared monkey, chimpanzees, and elephants
which are the largest animals in the Mount Cameroon National Park. But we could not see any of
these animals as a result of illegal hunting by hunters, which made these animals to go into the
interior of the mountain forest for safety.
After crossing an example of a Try Valley, going up to Hut One,we reached a water
source supply which cold and good for drinking, also, there was a little spring just beside. And
just a little further was Hut One which is 1875metres of the mountain, were we took a rest and
took some few snap shot, while some of our mates continue to Hut Two which they did not
reach.
From Hut One going up to Hut Two, there is a change of vegetation, that is, from tall
trees to just ordinary grass (The savanna forest). The savanna is more steeper and rocky gradient
than the rain forest zoon. The grasses are of 1.5metres height and the trees around this area are
scanty and short. Going up to Hut Two is always difficult as the stones there are slippery.
Its adviceble to trek gently so as to enjoy your tour. The Mount Cameroon has a hotel
for tourists to stay,it is known as the (Fako Lunch).
The mountain itself is a restful and refreshing place with its scenic beauty and great
attractions. There is no doubt a tour of the mountain offers something to suit all tests rest and

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excitements. It is known that a visit to Mount Cameroon is always an exciting experience both in
the rain and dry seasons.
We left Hut One at 2:00pm descending down the mountain. We reached the upper farms
at 4:27pm taking our seats in the bus heading back to the hotel.

DAY THREE

Day 3 the 21st of April 2023, which was a Friday. We wake up a little late due to the tiredness
of Day Two. As usual we had our baths and when down, took some pictures while waiting for
our breakfast which was delayed and put us behind schedule for the day. We finally had our
breakfast at 9:30am , prepared our bags and left hotel Venmarc at 11:42am heading to Limbe.
On our way to Limbe, still in Buea we had a brief view of the University of Buea which its a
green environment making the surrounding beautiful and attractive.
Continuing to Limbe,we could see the CDC palm plantation along the Mutegene- Limbe
highway, we could also see in view the Brasseries Du Cameroun and the Plastic Industry along
the Limbe highway.
Arriving Limbe at 11:40am ,we could see camp houses for workers at the CDC palm plantation.
There was also the Guinness Cameroon Representative at Limbe Mile 2.

2.2 Limbe Wildlife Centre

We arrived the the Limbe Wildlife Centre at 11:50am. The wildlife center aim is to
conserve, protect and educates the population on our endangered species in the country. The
Limbe Wildlife Centre is a home for mostly"Primates" animals species (monkeys and
chimpanzees) and other animals such as the dwarf crocodile and the Nile crocodile, tortoise and
parrots (African grey parrots). In the zoo, there is Quarantine which is a hospital use for the
treatment of animals.
Most of the animals there find themselves at the center after rescue operations carried out
by the officials at the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife. Sometimes, the animals are brought in
through freewill donations by those who bought them as pets and could not continue taking care
of them.

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Once the pets or animals get to the zoo, they're placed in the quarantine section for three
weeks to confirm they are in good health before releasing them to join the other animals. This is
to ensure that the new animal does not infect the other animals incase they came in with
infections and also for the animals to be familiar with their new environment.
The zoo host endangered species which are categorized under A(totally protected
species),B(protected species),C(partially protected species). It is home to two sub species of
Chimpanzees, that is, the Central Chimpanzees found South of the Sanaga and the Nigeria-
Cameroon Chimpanzees, which is the most threatened sub species of Chimpanzees in Africa.
The critically endangered Drill Monkey which is the second largest population of drill
monkey in captivity in the world after the Drill Ranch in Calabar and Nigeria. They also host the
largest captive population of the endangered PREUSS Monkey in the world. They are found only
in the forest of Eastern Nigeria, Western Cameroon and Bioko in Equatorial Guinea.
Other critically endangered species are the Gorillas,Red-eared monkeys, Mandrill
monkeys,Mona monkeys,Red- cap and Poppy nose monkeys,Moustache monkeys and the King
kum.
Other animals species hosted by the facility is the Nile crocodile over 54years of age
and the Dwarf crocodile. There are also Anthelopes,Bush Dogs, Birds such as Parrots, Tortoise
which is the oldest animal in the Centre with over 80years of age.
After touring round the zoo with our tour guide Mr. Ateh Wilson,we left the zoo at
14:29pm heading to the Botanic Garden.

2.3 Botanic Garden

Arrived the Botanic Garden at 14:35pm . The Limbe Botanical garden aim is the
conservation, sustainability of plants and to awareness in the mindset of the population to reserve
these plants for the future generations to come. It is also a collection and display of a wide range
of plants such a Coffee, Palm, Nutmeg,Bush Mango,Bush Onion, Cinnamon, Tole Tea, Elephant
Fruits, Bitter Collar and Afro momo (wild ginger) and Wood plants like; the Sayo tree, the Eroco
tree of about 45metres height, Ebony. Some of these plants are used for for drugs,so the need to
carry out research on the plants to know which is needed. For this, these plants are taken to
the"Herberium" (research center) which have a Carpinet (storage) that provide temperature

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conditions favourable to keep different species of plants for years without being damaged by
insects.
There is also the Jungle Village which was constructed in 1960. It is considered the
Jungle Village as of the fact that, this part of the garden is quiet as jungles are known to be quiet
places, which is most sweetable for studies and occasions like birthdays, weddings and public
occasions. It was renovated in 1988.
The German building, which was constructed by Adolf Hooth and named after him,it
was built in 1892 and renovated in 1988.
They equally have war craves of soldiers who died during the First World War and the
Second World War.Every year,on the 11th of November, there is always a celebration to honor
those soldiers.
Our tour of the garden came to an end in the company of Uncle Paul, the tour guide.
We left the garden at 16:22pm going to the Limbe Down Beach.

2.4 Limbe Down Beach:

We arrived the Limbe Down Beach at 4:33pm. A beach is referred to as a sum up between land
and water. The Limbe Down Beach is an example of a Coastal Recreational Tourism were
tourists vist for leisure time.
At the beach,we could see the uncompleted bridge built by Afred Saker in the early
times of the Colonial Masters in Cameroon.
There were boats at the left hand site of the shore and small ships could be seen far away in
the sea. There were also fishermen checking their nets in the sea to see what it caught.
The time we spent at the beach,i observed that the shores of the beach was dirty due to the
fact that those in the ships and boats, boarders tend to throw waste into the water after use, which
the water will then transport it to the shores causing the environment to be polluted which is one
of the problems faced there. And things at the beach are extremely expensive. This is because
tourists are considered to have enough cash on them, especially those coming from out of the
country. With this,they will have no choice than to buy at any price given to them without
complain.

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After a long time of leisure at the beach,we had dinner of roasted fish after which we
prepared to take off. We left the beach at exactly 8:10pm heading back to Bamenda.

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CHAPTER THREE: PROBLEMS FACED BY STUDENTS,

3.1. Presence Of Traffic


We experienced traffic on our way in Bamenda town and also in Buea which delayed us
from reaching our destination on time as scheduled.
Also,due to the heavy rain fall,we had to stay more longer at Magenene as a tree had fallen
on the road blocking vehicles from passing. So we had to wait for the tree to be removed before
we continue our journey to Buea.
There was inadequate water supply at Hotel Venmarc to go round for everyone to have a
bath that night.

3.2 Challenges Faced At The Sites,


As observed in the verious touristic sites we visited,they have almost the same challenges in
their verious sites. These challenges include;
Lack of finance,
There is inadequate finances to keep these sites moving smoothly,as well as for them to
keep up with the tourists demands visiting these areas.
Man Power,
They face a problem of shortages of workers in these sites due to inadequate finance to pay
workers.
Also, there is the problem of space as there is little or no space as seen in the zoo, were the space
there is not adequate for the animals. And there is also the lack of good health services and
laboratory for the animals in the zoo.
Pollution
As seen in the seen in the Limbe Down Beach, when boarders on the ships and boats wastes such
as blastics in to the water, causing both the sea and the environment dirty as the sea will carry
those wastes to the shores.
Different Seasons,
This is seen when during the rainy season, the supply of fish turn to drop as the sea is
rough and risky for fishermen to fish than the dry seasons when the sea is calm that boats can go
further into the sea to fish.

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Another problem is language barrier. With this, workers in the touristic sites find it difficult
to communicate with tourists from other countries who do not understand our official languages
and neither do the workers understand theirs making their work and communication difficult.
This is common with tourists from China.
There are other challenges such as the attitude of the tourists visiting, coordination between
the tour guide and the tourists.

3.3 Objectives,

The main objectives of these areas are;


The conversation of vegetation and biodiversity for the future generations coming up.
Encouraging sustainability in vegetation and biodiversity in our environment and country.
Also, it's to fight climate change in our environment,as plants tend to take in carbon dioxide
and bring out oxygen making the environment favourable for us to live in.
Another,is for educational purposes. With the availability of these sites, students and
scientists will tend to visit these areas for school projects and research to gain more knowledge
on the plants and biodiversity such as life span and their ways of life.

3.4 Benefits,

All throughout the field trip period,it was quite a good experience as i gained alot such as;
Getting to see a new environment,
Visiting the South West Region for the first time and in the company of my classmates
gave me so much joy. I had so much fun and alot of good memories to for myself.
Job Ethics,
I also learned how to behave while in the field of profession. Taking on self
presentation, being polite, respectful and patient with your clients.
Professional Skills,
There are many professions in the tourism sector such as the manager of a tourism
site,tour guide, porter, cameral tracking and others to choose from.

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CHAPTER FOUR: CONCLUSION

The field trip was a good adventure as it was filled with excitements. This is because,it
was an opportunity experiencing how its been done in the field of profession, and was not
stressful as i thought it will be. Though with the fact that there is insecurity in the country,
anything could have gone wrong, but we still learned quite alot from the trip which we could not
learn in school without any disturbance. In regards to everything,i can say this trip was never a
waste of time of time but a meaningful experience.

4.1 Recommendations,

Donations and Investment,


Tourism sectors should open room for free will donations by giving out invitation cards out
to the public for those who are willing to donate to be able to and also great a website for that in
order to gain enough finance to employ and pay workers. Also,they should encourage private
investors to invest in the tourism sector by encouraging them that their money will not be wasted
but will be used to improve on the attractions of these sites.
Another recommendation is to show how great the site is. This could involve creating a
website specifically for tourism, showing the sites including photos will encourage potential
tourists feel to visit these areas. If they can add few testimonials from people who have already
visited the area will be more interesting.
Improving on the attractions of these sites and their town tomorrow in which they are
located. This include their historical landmarks and the activities carried out there. Also, these
sites should be well maintained for tourists to always feel welcome.
Lastly,they should employ translators who understand some foreign languages such as
Chinese and the French language to ease communication between the tourists and the workers.

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4.2 Other figures

African grey parrots.

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Craves of ex- soldiers at the Botanic Garden.

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Fisherman monument at the beach.

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Mount Cameroon.

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