List of rivers of Cameroon facts for kids

Map of Cameroon showing the main rivers and tributaries.

Cameroon is a country in Central Africa with many important rivers. These rivers flow into different large bodies of water, like oceans or lakes. This article will help you learn about the main rivers in Cameroon and where their waters end up.

Think of a river system like a tree. The main river is the trunk, and smaller rivers that flow into it are the branches. All the land where rainwater flows into a particular river system is called a drainage basin. Cameroon's rivers flow into three major drainage basins: the Gulf of Guinea (part of the Atlantic Ocean), the Atlantic Ocean directly, and Lake Chad.

Rivers Flowing to the Gulf of Guinea

The Gulf of Guinea is a large part of the Atlantic Ocean. Many of Cameroon's rivers flow into this gulf, either directly or by joining other big rivers first.

• Niger River System

The Niger River itself doesn't flow through Cameroon, but some Cameroonian rivers are part of its huge system.

• • 

    A man and woman crossing the Benue River with a canoe
    The Benue River is a major river in Cameroon that eventually joins the Niger River in Nigeria.
    • The Katsina Ala River flows into the Benue River.
      • The Menchum River is a tributary of the Katsina Ala River.
    • The Donga River also joins the Benue River.
    • The Faro River is another important tributary of the Benue.
      • The Déo River flows into the Faro River.
    • The Mayo Kébbi is a river that also feeds into the Benue River system.

• Cross River

Cross River (Manyu River), Cameroon

The Cross River, also known as the Manyu River in Cameroon, flows into the Gulf of Guinea.

• • The Akwayafe River is a tributary of the Cross River.

• Rio del Rey

The Rio del Ray is a river that flows directly into the Gulf of Guinea.

• Meme River

The Meme River is another river that empties into the Gulf of Guinea.

• Mungo River

Mungo River, Cameroon

The Mungo River is an important river in Cameroon that flows into the Gulf of Guinea.

• Wouri River

Wouri River, Littoral Cameroon

The Wouri River is a significant river in Cameroon, also emptying into the Gulf of Guinea.

• • The Makombé River flows into the Wouri River.
  • 

    Nkam River
    The Nkam River is another tributary of the Wouri River.

• Dibamba River

Dibamba River

The Dibamba River is a river in Cameroon that flows into the Gulf of Guinea.

• Sanaga River

Sanaga River

The Sanaga River is one of the longest rivers in Cameroon and flows into the Gulf of Guinea.

• • The Mbam River is a major tributary of the Sanaga River.
    • The Ndjim River flows into the Mbam River.
    • 

      Banks of Noun River
      

      Pirogue on Noun River.
      The Noun River is another tributary of the Mbam River.
    • The Kim River also joins the Mbam River.
  • The Lom River is another important tributary of the Sanaga.
    • The Pangar River flows into the Lom River.
  • The Djeréme River is also a tributary of the Sanaga River.

• Nyong River

Nyong River, South Cameroon

The Nyong River is a long river in southern Cameroon that flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

• Lokundje River

The Lokundje River is another river that flows directly into the Atlantic Ocean.

• Campo River

Ntem River, Cameroon

The Campo River, also known as the Ntem River, flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

Rivers Flowing to the Atlantic Ocean

Some rivers in Cameroon are part of larger river systems that eventually reach the Atlantic Ocean, even if they don't flow into the Gulf of Guinea specifically.

• Ogooué River System

The Ogooué River is mainly in Gabon, but some rivers in Cameroon contribute to its flow.

• • The Ivindo River, mostly in Gabon, has tributaries in Cameroon.
    • The Aïna River (also called Ayina River) is a river in Cameroon that flows into the Ivindo.
      • The Lélé River is a tributary of the Aïna River.

• Congo River System

The mighty Congo River is one of the largest rivers in Africa. Some rivers in Cameroon are part of its vast drainage basin.

• • The Sangha River is a major tributary of the Congo River, and parts of its basin are in Cameroon.
    • 

      Dja River
      The Dja River (also known as Ngoko River) is a significant river in Cameroon that flows into the Sangha River.
      • The Boumba River is a tributary of the Dja River.
      • The Sangha River itself is mentioned here as a sub-tributary, which means smaller streams feed into it.
      • The Ngoko River is another name for the Dja River.
    • The Kadéï River is another important tributary of the Sangha River.
      • The Boumbé II River flows into the Kadéï River.
      • The Doumé River is also a tributary of the Kadéï River.

Rivers Flowing to Lake Chad

Lake Chad is a large, shallow lake in Africa. Rivers in northern Cameroon flow into this lake.

• Chari River

Chari River

The Chari River is the main river that feeds Lake Chad, and some of its tributaries are in Cameroon.

• • 

    River Logone, Cameroon
    The Logone River is a major tributary of the Chari River, forming part of the border between Cameroon and Chad.
    • The Mbéré River flows into the Logone River.
    • 

      Vina River
      The Vina River is another tributary of the Logone River.