Juma Mosque | Sheki

Information

Landmark: Juma Mosque
City: Sheki
Country: Azerbaijan
Continent: Asia

Juma Mosque, Sheki, Azerbaijan, Asia

Bamendjin Lake is a man-made reservoir located near Nkongsamba in the Littoral Region of Cameroon.

Visual Characteristics

The lake's surface is generally calm, reflecting the surrounding vegetation. The water color varies from deep blue to greenish-brown depending on depth and sediment load. The shoreline is characterized by dense tropical foliage, including palm trees and various shrubs. The dam structure itself is composed of compacted earth and rock.

Location & Access Logistics

Bamendjin Lake is situated approximately 15 kilometers northwest of Nkongsamba. Access is primarily via the N5 national road, turning off onto a secondary, unpaved road for the final 3 kilometers. This unpaved section can become challenging during the rainy season. Limited parking is available near the dam. Public transport to Nkongsamba is available, but direct transport to the lake is not common; local taxis or private vehicles are recommended for the final leg.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The lake was created by the construction of the Bamendjin Dam, an earth-fill embankment dam built between 1975 and 1978. Its primary purpose was to provide water for irrigation in the surrounding agricultural areas, particularly for banana plantations. Ecologically, it is a freshwater reservoir supporting local aquatic life and influencing the microclimate of the immediate vicinity.

Key Highlights & Activities

Fishing is a common activity for local residents. Birdwatching is possible due to the presence of various water birds. The dam structure offers a vantage point for observing the lake and surrounding landscape. Walking along the dam crest is permitted.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are not consistently available at the lake site. Shade is provided by the natural vegetation. Cell phone signal (2G/3G) is generally weak to intermittent. There are no permanent food vendors directly at the lake; provisions should be made in Nkongsamba.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season, from November to March, offers the most accessible conditions for travel to the lake. The late afternoon provides softer lighting for photography. High tide is not a relevant factor for this reservoir.

Facts & Legends

A local belief suggests that the lake's creation displaced a significant number of spirits, and unusual weather patterns are sometimes attributed to their lingering presence. The dam's construction involved significant local labor and engineering challenges due to the terrain.