Caving in Cameroon

[GemmaJones]

Am off to Cameroon in a few months and wondering if anyone has been to any caves there?  The underground atlas implies that there is no areas of karst known but that there may be some lava caves - anyone know where abouts they are?
Thanks, Gemma

 

[Ed W]

Gemma,

Speleo Berlin have produced a series of journals which provide an atlas of African caving.  The articles were all written by Michael Laumans who is probably the best authority on African caving these days.  The journals can be obtained from Michael (I have his email address somewhere).  Alternatively my club has copies of these publications, and I will be visiting next weekend.  I will have a look at what he has to say about Cameroon.  You would also be most welcome to come and have a look at it in our club library if you are on Mendip.

 

[rhychydwr1]

BHB publications are available from:

http://www.speleo-berlin.de/gb_publikationen.php

 

[GemmaJones]

Great, thanks, have e-mailed Michael via the website you directed me too. Not sure i'll be on the Mendip before i go to Cameroon - I'm mainly an "up North" caver - but if there is any names or areas that you spot when you go to your club library any gem of info would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Ed W]

Gemma,

I have the info on Cameroon in front of me now.  Essentially there are no known limestone caves, and potential is slim for any discoveries.  However, there are a few lava tubes (up to 450m long), some labyrinth caves in block boulders and tectonic fissures, and a small stream cave formed in Laterite.  It looks as if exploration is incomplete (a couple of French and Spanish expeditions).

The longest known cave is Grotte de Gaskin, a 450m long lava tube on Mount Cameroon.  The next longest is the Goufrre de Mbilibekon, which is a 220m long stream cave in laterite.  So it does look as if it will be worth your while taking some kit.

If you want details such as entrance locations PM me.

Cheers,

Ed

 

[OlivierTesta]

Gemma,

A caving expedition will go to west cameroon in may 2009. If you're still around, It could be worth joining in.
There are very few karstic areas in Cameroon, but there are many (small) caves and rock shelters that are worth studying in the West and North-West provinces (anglophone).

A short overview of the project here: Caving in Cameroon

Olivier