Bimbia Beach: A Hidden Gem in Cameroon’s Coastline

• HelloMbolo
  [m-bo-lo]
• GoodbyeKwaheri
  [kwa-he-ri]
• YesEya
  [e-ya]
• NoAyi
  [a-yi]
• Please/You're welcomeMboté
  [m-bo-te]
• Thank youAsante
  [a-san-te]
• Excuse me/SorrySamahani
  [sa-ma-ha-ni]
• How are you?Mbolo na yo?
  [m-bo-lo na yo]
• Fine. And you?Malamu. Na yo?
  [ma-la-mu. na yo]
• Do you speak English?O lingi ko zala moko na Anglais?
  [o lin-gi ko za-la mo-ko na An-glais]
• I don't understandNa ko koma
  [na ko ko-ma]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNako tinda menu, tolongi
  [na-ko tin-da me-nu, to-lon-gi]
• I don't eat meatNa ko kolia nyama
  [na ko ko-lia nya-ma]
• Cheers!A maisha!
  [a mai-sha]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNako bima, tolongi
  [na-ko bi-ma, to-lon-gi]

• Help!Mboté!
  [m-bo-te]
• Go away!Kende!
  [ken-de]
• Call the Police!Pelekisa polisi!
  [pe-le-ki-sa po-li-si]
• Call a doctor!Pelekisa dokoteli!
  [pe-le-ki-sa do-ko-te-li]
• I'm lostNakomi koluka
  [na-ko-mi ko-lu-ka]
• I'm illNakomi mokolo
  [na-ko-mi mo-ko-lo]

• I'd like to buy...Nako linga...
  [na-ko lin-ga]
• I'm just lookingNa tinda
  [na tin-da]
• How much is it?Ezali komba?
  [e-za-li kom-ba]
• That's too expensiveEzali moko mingi
  [e-za-li mo-ko min-gi]
• Can you lower the price?O lingi ko bima le prix?
  [o lin-gi ko bi-ma le pree]

• What time is it?Ngai na moni?
  [ngai na mo-ni]
• It's one o'clockEzali mokele moko
  [e-za-li mo-ke-le mo-ko]
• Half past (10)Motuya ya (10)
  [mo-tu-ya ya (10)]
• MorningMokolo
  [mo-ko-lo]
• AfternoonMibalé
  [mi-ba-le]
• EveningMibale
  [mi-ba-le]
• YesterdayMokolo mwa mwasi
  [mo-ko-lo mwa mwa-si]
• TodayMokolo
  [mo-ko-lo]
• TomorrowMokolo mwa miso
  [mo-ko-lo mwa mi-so]
• 1Moja
  [mo-ja]
• 2Mbili
  [m-bi-li]
• 3Tatu
  [ta-tu]
• 4Nne
  [n-ne]
• 5Tano
  [ta-no]
• 6Sita
  [si-ta]
• 7Saba
  [sa-ba]
• 8Nane
  [na-ne]
• 9Tisa
  [ti-sa]
• 10Kumi
  [ku-mi]

• Where's a/the...?Kila zala...
  [ki-la za-la]
• What's the address?Kini adrese?
  [ki-ni a-dre-se]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Olingi ko montrer nga (na mapa)?
  [o-lin-gi ko mon-tre nga (na ma-pa)]
• When's the next (bus)?Nini moko ya pamba?
  [ni-ni mo-ko ya pam-ba]
• A ticket (to ....)Makiti (ko ....)
  [ma-ki-ti (ko ....)]

Bimbia was once a thriving kingdom before the arrival of European colonizers. The area was ruled by the Isubu people, who were known for their sophisticated social structure and thriving trade networks. The Isubu established Bimbia as a central trading hub where various goods, including palm oil, fish, and ivory, were exchanged.

European traders, primarily Portuguese and later British, began arriving in Bimbia in the 17th century. They were attracted by the region's rich resources and strategic coastal location. This period marked the beginning of significant cultural exchanges and, unfortunately, the rise of the transatlantic slave trade.

Bimbia played a notorious role in the transatlantic slave trade. It became one of the major slave ports in West Africa. Captured individuals from the interior regions were brought to Bimbia, held in chains, and then shipped across the Atlantic to the Americas. Today, remnants of this dark history, such as chains and holding cells, can still be found in the area.

By the early 19th century, the British began to enforce the abolition of the slave trade. Bimbia saw a decline in slave trading activities as the British Navy patrolled the coast to intercept slave ships. This era marked the beginning of a new chapter for Bimbia, as efforts to transition to legitimate trade intensified.

In the late 19th century, Bimbia fell under German colonial rule as part of Kamerun. The Germans introduced new administrative structures, built infrastructure, and attempted to exploit the region's resources. However, their reign was short-lived, ending with their defeat in World War I.

After World War I, Bimbia, along with the rest of Cameroon, was divided between the British and French under League of Nations mandates. The British controlled the western part, including Bimbia. This period saw the introduction of English educational systems and legal practices, which influenced the local culture and governance.

Cameroon gained independence from British and French rule in 1960 and 1961 respectively. Since then, Bimbia has been part of the Republic of Cameroon. The area has embraced its rich history and cultural heritage, making it an important site for historical tourism and education. The legacy of Bimbia's past is preserved in local museums and cultural centers, offering visitors a glimpse into its significant history.

Bimbia Beach is located in the South West Region of Cameroon, near the town of Limbe. The nearest international airport is Douala International Airport, approximately 75 kilometers away. From Douala, you can take a taxi or a private car hire to Limbe, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. From Limbe, Bimbia Beach is a short drive away, and local taxis are available for this final leg of the journey.

In Bimbia Beach, the most common form of transportation is by taxi or motorcycle taxi, known locally as 'okada'. These are readily available and relatively inexpensive. For longer trips or more comfortable travel, car rentals from Limbe are an option. Walking is also feasible for short distances within the beach area. Public buses operate between major towns, but for convenience, private transportation is recommended.

The official currency in Cameroon is the Central African CFA franc (XAF). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially for smaller establishments and local vendors. ATMs are available in Limbe, so ensure you withdraw sufficient cash before heading to Bimbia Beach.

Bimbia Beach is generally safe for tourists, but it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas. Some areas in Limbe and Douala have higher crime rates, so it's best to stay vigilant and avoid isolated areas at night. Consult locals or your accommodation for advice on which areas to avoid.

In case of emergency, dial 117 for police assistance and 119 for medical emergencies. The nearest hospital is in Limbe, which has facilities to handle most emergencies. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Limbe where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when interacting with locals or visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Avoid discussing sensitive topics related to religion. Public Transport: Do be respectful and polite to drivers and other passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly smile and a few words in the local language, such as 'Bonjour' or 'Bonsoir', are appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Bimbia Beach like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh seafood and traditional Cameroonian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the region's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Bimbia Slave Trade Site for a historical perspective. For a unique experience, take part in local fishing activities or enjoy a boat ride along the coast.