The purpose of this blog is to urge travellers to consider the Mbengwi area as an option. The scenery, options for adventure tourism, and arts and crafts rival those of the Ring Road, but have the added advantage of being virtually untouched by tourism. The local people are very friendly, open, and welcoming, and are extremely interested in sharing Mbengwi with you.
We put this travel blog together after working in Mbengwi in October – November 2008.
Arts and Crafts
The Mbengwi area is known for its basket making. Split raffia is used , and the craftspeople take great pride in their craft. You will see market baskets in use by many people in the local markets. The basket makers understand the need to conserve their supply of raffia plants for the future and they work hard at producing a sustainable product.
The Council plans to open a little arts and craft display room in the village. They have a small building in mind, and may be able to move on it shortly, if they are able to find the financial support.
Both men and women weave raffia bags. Men traditionally wear the bags, but occasionally you may see a woman wearing one.
Blacksmithing is a traditional art necessary for making and repairing tools, small bells for hunting dogs, knives, etc. This is a knife that is used for digging yams from the ground. The metal used to make them has been recycled.
The sights of Mbengwi
The area is mainly unspoiled by development and is quite rural. The scenery goes without saying.
The area is mainly unspoiled by development and is quite rural. The scenery goes without saying.
A view overlooking the valley and the large market in Tad. This market is open each Country Sunday, which occurs every eight days. Try the roasted sweet yams!
Feeding fish in a fish pond. Many farmers keep tilapia, carp, and clarias (catfish or mudfish) for their own use or to sell at market.
Poinsettias are quite common and bloom just before Christmas.
Most of the roads in the area are red clay mud.
Abi Falls is a short walk along the main road from the centre of Mbengwi; just outside of the village toll gate.
This is the oldest building in Mbengwi. It houses the library and is also used as a community meeting hall.
Culture and Tradition
Culture and traditions are a big part of daily life and the people of the Mbengwi area take this quite seriously.
Typical relics that may be found in a Fon’s palace.
Stones around which hunters gather to discuss strategy before setting out on a hunt.
If you are in the Mbengwi area during a special occasion you may be fortunate to see a “Horse Fantasia”.
Adventure tourism
Opportunities for adventure abound; but, because there are no organized activities in Mbengwi, we suggest that you go to the Mbengwi Council office (not hard to find, just ask) and the Lord Mayor or the Deputy Mayors will be pleased to assist you – really!
You would be wise to hire a guide to take you into the hanging bridges. The hike in takes about an hour. This area is quite fertile. If you go early in the morning you will likely see farmers carrying fresh produce on their heads. The trail is long and steeply uphill from the valley floor. As you pass these farmers remember that the only way they can get their produce to market is by headload!
We suggest hiking in to one hanging bridge, crossing, and hiking to the other to come out. Bring plenty of water and maybe something to eat. We purchased bananas from a roadside stand before we set off. They told us it was easier to carry the bananas in your stomach than carry them in a bag so we all walked along munching bananas for the first part of the hike.
Sometimes even the Council truck found the going difficult.
Accommodation
Mbengwi is about an hour to an hour and a half drive from Bamenda. There is some limited accommodation in Mbengwi that may be termed backpacker hostels. We suggest that you stop into the Mbengwi Council office and ask to see the Lord Mayor or the Deputy Mayors to get directions.
Don’t rely on Joseph’s e-mail, but his cell phone works!
