Lake Barombi Koto Lake
Crater lake in Cameroon's Southwest Region
A volcanic crater lake in Cameroon's Southwest Region, Lake Barombi Koto supports fishing from dugout canoes and hosts lakeside villages; biologists note its endemic fish species.
Lake Barombi Koto at a Glance#
Hours: Open access (no formal hours)
Admission: Free to view from shore; no formal entrance fees recorded
About Lake Barombi Koto#
Lake Barombi Koto is a small volcanic crater lake in Cameroon’s Southwest Region. It sits within a forested, hilly landscape and is one of several crater lakes in the area.
The lake is noted locally for its freshwater biodiversity and is used by surrounding communities for fishing and water supply. Shore access is limited to local tracks and settlements rather than formal visitor infrastructure.
Lake Barombi Koto formed in volcanic terrain; the basin is a volcanic crater that collects rain and groundwater. Over time the lake has remained a discrete natural feature used by nearby villages.
The lake lies in the Southwest Region of Cameroon, inland from the Gulf of Guinea coast, within the general area of the volcanic crater lakes west of Mount Cameroon.
How to Get to Lake Barombi Koto#
Nearest access is via local roads from Kumba or Tiko, depending on exact location; local guides or village contacts are recommended for route information and cultural orientation.
Tips for Visiting Lake Barombi Koto#
- Ask local guides in nearby villages about safe swimming spots-some crater lakes have steep drop-offs and unseen hazards
- Bring a mosquito net/repellent during rainy seasons
- Observe local customs-villages around the lake may have particular taboos or days when access is limited
Best Time to Visit Lake Barombi Koto#
Dry months typically provide the most reliable access and clearest conditions for visiting.
Weather & Climate near Lake Barombi Koto#
Lake Barombi Koto's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2789 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 22° - 30° | 26° | 24 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 1.5 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.8h |
| February | Good | 23° - 31° | 27° | 66 mm | overcast | 82% | 1.9 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.9h |
| March | Acceptable | 23° - 31° | 31° | 153 mm | overcast | 86% | 1.6 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.0h |
| April | Acceptable | 23° - 31° | 27° | 196 mm | overcast | 89% | 1.4 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.1h |
| May | Acceptable | 23° - 30° | 26° | 259 mm | overcast | 91% | 1.6 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.2h |
| June | Good | 22° - 29° | 26° | 364 mm | overcast | 92% | 1.7 m/s | 1.5 high | 12.3h |
| July | Good | 22° - 28° | 25° | 489 mm | overcast | 92% | 1.8 m/s | 1.3 high | 12.2h |
| August | Good | 22° - 28° | 25° | 451 mm | overcast | 93% | 1.7 m/s | 1.3 high | 12.2h |
| September | Good | 22° - 28° | 25° | 363 mm | overcast | 92% | 1.6 m/s | 1.6 very high | 12.0h |
| October | Good | 22° - 29° | 26° | 286 mm | overcast | 92% | 1.4 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.9h |
| November | Very Good | 22° - 30° | 26° | 112 mm | overcast | 90% | 1.3 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.8h |
| December | Excellent | 22° - 30° | 26° | 26 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 1.3 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.7h |