Limbe Botanic Garden
South-West
Limbe Botanic Garden, located in Limbe, Cameroon, is the country's principal botanical garden established during the German colonial era in 1892. Originally created as a trial garden for acclimatizing tropical plants such as rubber, coffee, cocoa, and oil palm, it evolved into a major center for conservation, education, and tourism. Situated between the ocean and Mount Cameroon, the garden covers approximately 48 hectares and features around 1,500 plant taxa, including many rare and endemic species like Calamus, Prunus africana, and Gnetum. Visitors can explore several landscaped trails, including the coastal track with ocean views, the biodiversity trail showcasing the garden's flora, the Bota trail highlighting large trees and wildlife, and a river trail with century-old plants. The garden also houses a herbarium with an extensive collection of botanical specimens and a military cemetery commemorating soldiers from the Commonwealth. Today, Limbe Botanic Garden is a vibrant recreational site blending natural beauty, scientific research, and cultural events such as those held at the Jungle Village attraction.
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Tip: The best time to visit Limbe Botanic Garden is during the dry season to enjoy comfortable walking conditions along the trails. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy footwear and bring water for the garden's varied paths. Tickets can often be purchased on-site, but checking in advance for any special events or guided tours is recommended. The garden offers discounts for students and groups, enhancing accessibility for educational visits. Early morning visits provide cooler temperatures and better chances to observe wildlife. Guided tours can enrich the experience by highlighting the garden’s botanical and historical significance.
Interesting facts
- •The garden was once considered one of the most important tropical botanical gardens globally during its early years.
- •It houses a herbarium containing around 30,000 botanical specimens, identified by the acronym SCA in the Index Herbariorum.
- •The garden contains a military cemetery with graves of Commonwealth soldiers from both World War I and World War II.
- •Several trails within the garden offer unique views, including a coastal path and a biodiversity trail showcasing diverse plant life.
- •The garden was originally created to acclimatize plants like rubber, coffee, and cocoa for German colonies.
History
Limbe Botanic Garden was founded in 1892 by German botanist Paul Rudolph Preuss as a trial garden for acclimatizing economically important tropical plants during the German colonial period.
It became one of the world's important tropical botanical gardens.
After World War I, British administration collaborated with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, until 1932.
From then until 1958, it was managed by Cameroonian staff and later by the government after independence in 1961.
A significant renovation occurred in 1988 through a UK partnership, shifting the garden's focus from agriculture towards conservation, education, and tourism.
Originally spanning 250 hectares, the garden now covers about 48 hectares with some former buildings repurposed for hospital use and a luxury hotel.
Place Guide
Coastal Track
A scenic trail along the western part of the garden offering views of the ocean and coastal ecosystems.
Biodiversity Trail
This trail highlights the diverse plant species within the garden, showcasing the rich flora including endemic and rare plants.
Bota Trail
A path designed to explore large trees and observe wild animals inhabiting the garden.
River Trail
Runs along the Limbe River, featuring trees and plants over a hundred years old, offering a tranquil natural experience.
Herbarium
A scientific collection housing around 30,000 plant specimens used for botanical research and conservation.
Contact
Phone: 6 71 18 40 10