Ngondo
The Sawa people's water festival on the Wouri River
Ngondo is the Sawa people's water festival held on the Wouri River in Douala, Cameroon. It honors the river spirits with ceremonies, canoe races, and cultural celebration, making it one of Cameroon's best-known traditional festivals.
About the festival
Ngondo is an annual festival of the Sawa (Duala) people, held on the Wouri River in Douala, Cameroon's largest city. At its center are water-spirit rites that connect the Sawa to the river that has shaped their history and livelihood.
Alongside the ceremonial rites, Ngondo features canoe races on the Wouri River, traditional wrestling, beauty pageants, and music and dance — turning the festival into both a sacred observance and a citywide cultural celebration.
Where & when it happens
Ngondo is celebrated in Cameroon — Annually, typically in late November or early December, in Douala..
Explore Cameroon →Questions & Answers
What is Ngondo?+
Ngondo is the Sawa people's water festival, held on the Wouri River in Douala, Cameroon, honoring the river spirits with ceremonies and celebration.
Where is Ngondo held?+
Ngondo takes place on the Wouri River in Douala, Cameroon's largest city.
What happens during Ngondo?+
Ngondo includes water-spirit rites, canoe races on the Wouri River, traditional wrestling, and music and dance.
Who celebrates Ngondo?+
Ngondo is celebrated by the Sawa (Duala) people of Cameroon's coastal region around Douala.