Mount Febe: Yaoundé's Overlook

Mount Febe, rising approximately 1,060 meters, is more than just a hill; it's an integral part of Yaoundé's identity, granting the capital city its nickname, “the city of seven hills”. Located between the Mbankolo and Bastos districts, it overlooks some of Yaoundé's most stylish neighborhoods. The name 'Febe' translates to 'wind' in the local Ewondo language, a testament to the refreshing breezes that constantly sweep across the mountaintop.In the 1960s, Benedictine monks established a monastery on Mount Febe, marking the first Benedictine presence in Cameroon. Today, the Monastère Notre Dame des Bénédictin du mont Fébé stands as a beacon of religious architecture, its gardens meticulously maintained by the resident monks. The monastery also houses a museum showcasing Cameroonian traditional arts, including masks, stools, musical instruments, and beaded statues. Many artifacts, known as “Abbias,” are carvings made from dried fruit skins, depicting African life and animal sculptures.Beyond the monastery, Mount Febe offers stunning views of Yaoundé. A stone at the summit provides an ideal vantage point to observe the cityscape. The Hotel Mont Fébé, one of Yaoundé's prominent hotels, is located on one of the mountain's slopes. For those seeking spiritual reflection, the monastery provides spiritual retreats. Additionally, a short walk from the monastery will lead you to local cocoa farms.