Limbe
The LWC is in the town of Limbe. Limbe is a bustling fishing town, population approx. 20,000 people. Limbe is a very friendly town, with a beautiful botanic gardens, bars and restaurants and a good atmosphere. The beaches outside of the town are good for swimming.
Weather
In Limbe, the dry season is from November-May in which the temperatures are very high (30-35 degrees Celsius) and it gets very humid. From June-October it rains a lot (time and volume) and the temperatures go down slightly. The day and night temperatures don’t differ much.
Health
Medical care in Cameroon is not good. In case of serious accidents or illness then it is preferable to return home for treatment and your medical insurance needs to cover this. Cameroon is a high risk Malaria country and Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended. You will be informed about the vaccinations that we require you to have. If you have particular health risks then these need to be considered carefully before coming! We require a written detailed account of your health status (physically and mentally) as part of the application process. This is for your own benefit as well as that of the animals.
Accommodation
Volunteers are provided with a clean basic room with shared bathroom and kitchen in the LWC volunteers’ house, at a 10 minutes walk from the project. There is electricity, but running water is not always available, because of low water pressure. If that is the case buckets and bottles are used for showering, washing, etc. Most volunteers stay in this accomodation.
Food
Local food costs less than 1 euro/meal; however, there are also restaurants in Limbe selling more western styled food, and this averages about 4 euro/meal. The accommodation (above) has basic cooking facilities, so you can also prepare your own meals. There are many shops and markets in town for buying fresh vegetables, fresh fish and meat, dried pasta, rice etc.
Warning
Working days are long and physically demanding and living conditions are very basic. The climate can be extremely hot and humid and it may be very uncomfortable to work and sleep. Being in a tropical country means also there are many insects (mosquitos, cockroaches, etc) around and lots of unknown small physical complaints or illnesses.
Regarding female volunteers, Cameroonian men are extremely amorous and will approach you regularly to ask you out. They are not threatening, but you must be prepared for a lot of attention!
Prospective volunteers need to consider all these things before committing themselves. When they do, they surely will have a wonderfull stay in Limbe.