Nachtigal Falls
Chutes de Nachtigal
A broad group of waterfalls on the Sanaga River, about 55 km northeast of Yaoundé. The water rushes over the rocks, making it a popular weekend destination.
The Nachtigal Falls lie on the Sanaga River near Batchenga and are named after the German explorer Gustav Nachtigal. The wide river plunges through large dark rocks in a series of cascades and rapids, and the roar of the water is loudest after the rains. Local villagers can take visitors by dugout canoe to see the falls from among the rocks. The riverbanks are also good for picnics and birdwatching. A new hydroelectric plant has been built nearby, and some areas may be off limits. The drive from Yaoundé takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. Hiring a car and a local guide is recommended, and the strong currents mean you should never enter the water.
Opening hours
Open all day (daytime visits recommended)
Nearby sights
- Benedictine Museum of Mont Fébé
- Mont Fébé
- Mokolo Market
- Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Cathedral
- Yaoundé Municipal Lake
- National Museum of Cameroon
- Mvog-Betsi Zoo
- Reunification Monument