Lake Awing

Lake Awing lies in a crater in the highlands south of Bamenda, a dark round sheet of water enclosed by steep slopes of grass and remnant forest at around two thousand metres, and it belongs to the community of Awing in a way that goes beyond ownership: it is a sacred lake, associated with the founding of the village and with the ancestors, and rites are performed at it. Fishing is regulated by custom rather than by permit. Visitors go with someone from the village, and what is and is not permitted at the water is decided locally. The walk down from the rim is steep, and the surrounding highlands are cool, wet and heavily farmed.

What you actually see

• A sacred crater lake - water bound up with the community's origins.
• Steep grassland slopes - the crater walls around the water.
• Customary regulation - fishing and access governed by tradition.
• Highland farmland around - the cultivated country of the grassfields.

When to go

In the dry stretch from November to February. Half a day. A guide from the village is necessary, both for the way and for knowing what is permitted at the lake.

Honest expectations

This is a sacred site and behaviour at the water is governed by local rules; swimming and photography may not be allowed. The descent is steep and slippery. There are no facilities. Find out how the region is before committing to the journey.

Nearby

Bamenda is north; Bafoussam lies south.