Kribi: beaches, seafood and the Lobé Falls

Why visit Kribi

After the heat and noise of Douala or Yaoundé, Kribi feels like a deep breath. The town sits on the Atlantic in the South region, about three hours from Douala and a little more from Yaoundé. It is popular with Cameroonian families and expats at weekends and holidays, but on weekdays the beaches are quiet. A new deep water port north of town has brought growth, yet the beaches to the south still feel unhurried.

The Lobé Falls

A few kilometres south of the centre, the **Lobé River** spills over a series of rocky steps and pours directly into the sea. It is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon: grilled fish is cooked under the trees, children swim in the calmer pools, and local boatmen offer **pirogue trips** upriver into the mangroves and forest. Sunset over the falls is lovely. Swim only where locals do, as currents near the falls can be strong.

Beaches

The beaches south of town towards **Grand Batanga** are the most popular, with palm shaded sand and small hotels. **Mpalla** is calm and good for families. North of Kribi, the fishing village of **Londji** sits on a sheltered bay where you can watch the morning catch come in. Further south on the road to Campo, look out for the rock formation at **Rocher du Loup** and the turtle project at **Ebodjé**, where a village conservation group protects nesting sea turtles between roughly November and March.

Food

Kribi is all about seafood. At the **fish market** by the port you can choose fish, prawns or crab straight from the boats and have them grilled on the spot. Gambas, grilled sole, barracuda and fish in pepper sauce with plantain or miondo are the classics. Seafront terraces turn into relaxed dinner spots at sunset.

Campo Ma'an National Park

South of Kribi near the border with Equatorial Guinea, **Campo Ma'an** protects rainforest and coastline, with forest elephants, chimpanzees and a habituated group of western lowland gorillas. Gorilla visits are run with the park and conservation partners in small numbers, so arrange them well ahead. Roads and access can change, so confirm current arrangements before you go.

When to go

The driest, sunniest months are December to February, which is also peak season. The main rains run from around August to October, with heavy downpours and rougher seas. Easter and the long school holidays bring crowds and higher demand for rooms, so book ahead.

Where to stay

Kribi has everything from simple guesthouses in town to beach bungalows on the sand south towards Grand Batanga. Choose somewhere on the beach if you want to relax, or in town if you want to walk to the market and restaurants. Rooms fill up on holiday weekends.

Getting there and around

Most people come by road from Douala, around three hours via Edéa, or from Yaoundé. Buses run from both cities, but a car with a trusted driver is more comfortable. In town, motorbike taxis and shared taxis are everywhere. Agree on a fare before setting off.

Staying safe

Kribi is one of the more relaxed places in Cameroon. Use common sense on quiet beaches after dark, keep valuables out of sight, and take care in the sea, as currents can be strong in places.