Ekom-Nkam Waterfalls

The Nkam river drops around eighty metres over a rock lip into a forested gorge at Ekom, north-west of Melong, and the fall is broad, loud and enclosed by dense green on all sides, with spray filling the basin below. It became internationally familiar when it was used as a location in the 1984 Tarzan film Greystoke, and the association is still mentioned by every guide. A path with steps and handrails descends from the viewpoint to the foot of the fall, a steep twenty minutes down and a harder climb back. The forest around holds monkeys and a good bird list. Flow is heavy in the wet months and much reduced by February.

What you actually see

• An eighty-metre fall into a gorge - the drop on the Nkam river.
• The path down to the basin - steps and handrails to the foot of the fall.
• Dense forest around the gorge - the green enclosing the water.
• The 1984 film location - the association guides always mention.

When to go

June to October, when the river is full; by February the fall thins considerably. Half a day. The descent is steep and slippery and a guide is required.

Honest expectations

The path down is steep, wet and slippery, and the climb back is hard work. Flow in the dry season is much reduced. Fees and guide charges are negotiated at the entrance and vary. There are no real facilities.

Nearby

Melong is south-east; Mount Manengouba rises west.