Mount Cameroon via Race of Hope Route — November 2022 Summit Report¶

Mount Cameroon is West Africa's highest peak and one of the few mountains in the world where you climb from tropical rainforest to sub-alpine desert in a single ascent. The route follows the annual Race of Hope course. We encountered everything from steaming jungle to wind-blasted volcanic moonscape. The geological activity is evident — fumaroles and warm ground near the summit remind you this is an active volcano.

Trip Overview¶

Mountain: Mount Cameroon (4040m) Date: November 05, 2022 Duration: 3 days Party Size: 3 Outcome: Summit

Conditions¶

Weather: Humid and cloudy in the forest zone, clearing above 3,000m. Summit day was misty with brief clear spells offering views of the Gulf of Guinea. Snow: No snow. Volcanic scree and grassland above treeline. Temperature: 5°C to 28°C (extreme range from coast to summit) Wind: Light winds, occasional gusts on exposed ridge

Difficulty Assessment¶

Non-technical but demanding due to altitude gain from near sea level. The route passes through five distinct vegetation zones in under 4,000m of climbing. Heat and humidity in the lower forest zone are the biggest challenges.