Bidzar Petroglyphs

On rock outcrops near Bidzar in the north are engravings cut into the stone: geometric shapes, spirals, circles, animal figures and marks whose meaning is not established, pecked into the surface by people about whom little is known and dated only loosely. It is one of the more significant rock art sites in Cameroon. The rock is a marble and limestone that has commercial value, and quarrying in the area has destroyed engraved surfaces and continues to threaten others, which has been raised repeatedly by archaeologists. The site is not developed: there is no signage, no protection to speak of, and finding the engravings requires someone who knows where they are.

What you actually see

• Pecked geometric figures - spirals, circles and shapes cut into rock.
• Animal engravings - figures among the abstract marks.
• Undeveloped outcrops - the site as it is, without signage or fencing.
• Quarrying pressure - the industry working the same rock.

When to go

November to February, the cool dry season; low morning or evening light makes the engravings far easier to see. Half a day. A local guide is essential to find them.

Honest expectations

There is no signage, no protection and no facilities, and the engravings are hard to find without a guide. Quarrying has already destroyed part of the site. Touching or chalking the engravings damages them permanently. Heat outside the cool season is severe.

Nearby

Figuil is north; Garoua lies south-west.