Sonara Oil Refinery

The SONARA Oil Refinery (Société Nationale de Raffinage) is Cameroon's only refinery, located in Limbe, Southwest Region. It was founded in 1973 and began operations in 1981 to reduce the country's dependence on imported fuels. The refinery primarily processes crude oil into gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and liquefied petroleum gas for the domestic market and export to neighboring countries. Geographically, its location is handy, featuring direct sea access for oil tankers. In 2019, the facility suffered considerable damage due to a severe explosion and subsequent fire, leading to a temporary production halt and increased import dependency. Since then, extensive reconstruction and modernization efforts have been underway to increase capacity and improve technological standards. As a strategic state-owned enterprise, SONARA is a cornerstone of the Cameroonian energy economy.

Nearby cities

Kumba

Kumba is located in the fertile English-speaking region and benefits from coffee and tea cultivation.

Buea

Buea is located in the fertile English-speaking region and benefits from coffee and tea cultivation.

Limbe

Limbe is located at the foot of Mount Cameroon and is famous for its black volcanic beaches and botanical garden.

Tiko

Tiko is located in the fertile English-speaking region and benefits from coffee and tea cultivation.

Mutengene

Mutengene is located in the fertile English-speaking region and benefits from coffee and tea cultivation.

Mbanga

Mbanga is a bustling commercial town located on the highway connecting Douala to the western highlands.

Muyuka

Muyuka is located in the fertile English-speaking region and benefits from coffee and tea cultivation.

Ekondo Titi

Ekondo Titi is a coastal commune in the Ndian Division.

Mundemba

Mundemba is an administrative town in Cameroon's South-West Region.

Bakingili

A scenic coastal village in Cameroon situated at the foot of Mount Cameroon, famous for its striking dark volcanic sand beaches.

Idenau

Idenau is a bustling fishing town on the Atlantic Ocean at the base of Mount Cameroon.

History & landmarks

Limbe Omnisport Stadium

This picturesquely located stadium offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the most beautiful sports venues in Cameroon.

Puttkamer Castle (Prime Minister's Lodge)

A castle-like building in Buea, originally built by the German governor and later serving English administrators.

Bismarck Fountain Buea

A historic fountain from the German colonial era at the foot of Mount Cameroon, commemorating the former German presence.

Korup National Park

Korup National Park is situated in the South-West Region of Cameroon.

Nature

Mungo Marsh

The Mungo marshes are expansive wetlands in the Littoral Region, providing a critical habitat for diverse flora and fauna.

Mungo River

A major river in the southwest, flowing into the Cameroon Estuary.

Mungo Delta

The mouth of the Mungo river.

More places

Limbe Seaport

A smaller Atlantic port in the Bay of Ambas.

Limbe Wildlife Center

Rescue station for orphaned primates and other animals.

Buea Mountains

The mountainous terrain surrounding Buea offers breathtaking views and a cool highland climate on the lower slopes of Mount Cameroon.

Bimbia Slave Port

Bimbia was a major slave trading port on the coast of Cameroon, now serving as a somber memorial site for the transatlantic slave trade.

Mount Cameroon

Mount Cameroon, an active volcano and the highest peak in West Africa, is a majestic natural wonder with diverse ecological zones.

Buea Tea Plantation

Cultivation of tea on the slopes of Mount Cameroon.

Prime Minister's Lodge

The Prime Minister's Lodge in Buea was the residence of the heads of government during the British Southern Cameroons colonial era.

Old Post Office Buea

The Old Post Office in Buea is a charming historic building from the German colonial period, once the communication hub of the region.