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Lake Tison

A small crater lake on the Adamawa plateau outside Ngaoundere.

Updated 31 August 2026

Typelake
WhereAdamawa
Nearest cityNgaoundere, about 12 km north
Best seasonNovember to March
Time to allowHalf a day
Getting thereTrack south of Ngaoundere; car, with a short walk to the rim
EntryCommunity fee

Lake Tison sits in a small volcanic crater on the plateau a short drive from Ngaoundere, a round pool of green water enclosed by steep wooded slopes, and it is the standard afternoon excursion from the town. A path runs round the rim and down to the water, with the crater walls rising close on all sides so that the lake feels enclosed and quiet after the open grassland outside. The plateau around it is grazing country. It is small, and the visit is short, but it is easy to reach and it gives a good sense of the volcanic history of the Adamawa, which is dotted with craters, cones and old lava flows.

Highlights

  • A round crater pool - green water enclosed by steep walls.
  • The rim path - the walk around and down to the shore.
  • Wooded crater slopes - the vegetation on the inner walls.
  • Volcanic plateau country - the craters and flows around it.

When to go

November to March in the dry season, when the track is easiest. Half a day from Ngaoundere. The descent to the water is steep.

What to expect

It is small and the visit takes an hour. Facilities are none. The track in is rough. Fees are negotiated at the site and vary.

Nearby

Ngaoundere is north; the Vina falls lie south.

What to pack for Lake Tison

Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.

  • Reef-safe sunscreen - High SPF that will not bleach the coral you are swimming over. Find on Amazon
  • Quick-dry towel - A microfibre towel packs small and dries in minutes. Find on Amazon
  • Water shoes - Protect your feet on rocky entries, hot sand and sea-urchin spines. Find on Amazon
  • Dry bag - Keeps phone, cash and keys safe while you are in the water. Find on Amazon

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All packing kits

Plan your trip

Where to start if Lake Tison is going on the list.

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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