Lake Monoun
Lake Crater lake in Cameroon site of deadly gas emission
A crater lake in Cameroon’s West Region known for the 1984 limnic gas release; today it attracts scientists and visitors interested in geology, crater scenery and nearby forested hills.
Lake Monoun is a small crater lake in Cameroon’s West Region, formed in a volcanic crater. It is part of a group of lakes in the region that occupy volcanic depressions.
The lake’s shoreline is sparsely developed and accessed from nearby highland communities; the site is primarily of geological and scientific interest rather than a mainstream tourist destination.
On August 15, 1984, a sudden release of carbon dioxide from the lake’s bottom layers suffocated people in nearby villages; this event was one of the first identified modern limnic gas disasters and informed later monitoring and mitigation work at similar crater lakes.
Lake Monoun sits in the western highlands of Cameroon within the volcanic zone of the Oku area, at elevations characteristic of the Cameroonian plateau.
- 1984 limnic disaster: Site of a deadly limnic carbon dioxide release in 1984 that caused fatalities in nearby settlements.
How to Get to Lake Monoun #
Access is from towns in the West Region; Bafoussam and Dschang are regional hubs from which local roads lead toward the highland crater lakes. Travel requires local guidance and reliable transport due to the remoteness of the area.
Tips for Visiting Lake Monoun #
- Be aware of local safety advisories-Lake Monoun has a difficult history and surrounding areas can be remote.
- Coordinate any visit with local authorities in West Region; access may require permission or guidance.
- Thunderstorms and heavy rain can make roads impassable-plan transport with local drivers who know seasonal conditions.
Best Time to Visit Lake Monoun #
The dry season (November-March) is the most practical time to visit regarding access and visibility; wet months increase travel difficulties.
Weather & Climate near Lake Monoun #
Lake Monoun's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 14°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1946 mm/year), wettest in September with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 9 mm.
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February
February is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 18°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (160 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (184 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Heavy rain (202 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Heavy rain (289 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. Heavy rain (305 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (329 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Heavy rain (275 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 9 mm and mostly sunny skies.
