List of rivers of Cameroon

Major river basins and characteristics

Cameroon's rivers belong mainly to three large drainage systems: the Gulf of Guinea/Atlantic coastal basins, the Lake Chad basin in the north, and the Congo Basin in the southeast. Rivers arise from highlands such as the Adamawa Plateau and the western highlands before flowing through plains and mangrove estuaries. Seasonal rainfall strongly influences flow regimes.

Notable rivers (selected)

• Sanaga — the largest river by discharge in Cameroon and a focal point for hydropower and fisheries.
• Wouri — forms a major estuary near Douala and supports port activities and urban communities.
• Nyong — flows through rainforest and is important for local transport and fishing.
• Ntem (Campo) — reaches the Atlantic near the border with Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
• Moungo — an important coastal river in the Littoral region.
• Benue — originates on the Adamawa Plateau and becomes a principal tributary of the Niger in Nigeria.
• Logone and Chari — part of the Lake Chad catchment in the far north and northeast.
• Sangha, Dja, Kadéï and Faro — linked to the Congo Basin and to protected forest landscapes.
• Mbam, Djerem, Vina — important Sanaga tributaries and regional waterways.

Uses and importance

Cameroon's rivers support fisheries, inland transport, irrigation, and hydropower generation. Urban and industrial centers rely on estuaries and river mouths for ports, while rural communities use floodplain soils for agriculture and fishing. Wetlands and riverine forests are biodiversity hotspots and provide ecosystem services such as water purification and flood moderation.

History, names and conservation

Many river names reflect local languages and colonial-era mapping. Rivers have guided settlement, trade routes and cultural practices for centuries. Contemporary challenges include pollution, deforestation, dam impacts, and climate variability that alter seasonal flows. Conservation efforts focus on protected areas (for example reserves associated with the Dja basin), sustainable fisheries, and integrated watershed management.

Further reading and resources

For detailed lists, maps, and hydrological data see national and regional sources. This summary highlights major waterways and their roles; for an extended alphabetical or map-based index consult specialized geographic references and government publications.