Oku

Oku is a mountainous subdivision in Cameroon's North-West Region, sitting around 1,200 m above sea level at the foot of Mount Oku (also called Kilum), a stratovolcano rising to 3,011 m — Cameroon's second-highest peak after Mount Cameroon. Near the summit lies Lake Oku, a volcanic crater lake at roughly 2,227 m, ringed by the Kilum-Ijim Forest, the largest surviving patch of highland forest in West Africa. The area is the sole source of Oku white honey, a pale honey produced by bees foraging almost exclusively on Schefflera abyssinica and Nuxia congesta trees in the Kilum-Ijim Forest; it received Geographical Indication protection in 2013 and is harvested by local cooperatives, typically between April and early June. Like the rest of the North-West Region, Oku has been affected by the Anglophone Crisis, the armed conflict between government forces and separatist fighters running since 2017; travellers should check the current security situation before planning a visit.

By Plane

Bamenda Airport (BPC) is the nearest airport; given the region's ongoing security situation, current operating status should be confirmed directly with an airline.

By Car / Road

Oku is reached by unpaved mountain road from Bamenda; confirm current road and security conditions locally before travelling.

Moto-taxis are the standard local transport around town.

• Lake Oku: a volcanic crater lake at roughly 2,227 m within the Kilum-Ijim Forest.
• Mount Oku (Kilum): a 3,011 m stratovolcano, Cameroon's second-highest peak.
• Kilum-Ijim Forest: the largest surviving highland forest in West Africa, source of Oku white honey.
• Local market: a traditional market trading local produce and crafts.

Oku white honey, sold locally by producer cooperatives, along with other local produce and crafts at the market.