3-053-594 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Ambas Bay and highlands of the Cameroons, west coast of Africa, 1873. 'Ambas Bay, with its three islands, and the plateau of the Cameroons,...being the only table-land close to the seaboard of sufficient elevation to secure immunity from fever, has been recommended to Government as the most suitable site for an hospital and convalescent depot for the Gold Coast expedition. These highlands occupy an area of about 200 square miles of magnificently fertile soil, the greater portion of which is covered with luxuriant tree forest or fine grassy land. The highest peak [is] Mount Victoria - or, as the natives call it, Mongo-ma-loba...On the southern side of the Cameroon plateau is the well-sheltered harbour of Ambas Bay, which, from its position and great natural advantages, would make the best naval station and coaling depot on the West Coast. The anchorage and holding-ground is excellent fin all parts of the bay, which is capable of receiving ships of the largest class, and they would be sheltered from tornadoes by the island of Fernando Po, the islands in the bay, and the lofty mountain background. The land rises from the cliffs which form the landward side of the harbour, and attains an elevation of 5000 ft within five miles of the seaboard'. From "Illustrated London News", 1873.