Northern Mandaras

The Mandara Mountains (Monts Mandara) are a volcanic range extending about 190 km (about 120 mi) along the northern part of the Cameroon-Nigeria border, from the Benue River in the south (9°18′N 12°48′E / 9.3°N 12.8°E / 9.3; 12.8) to the north-west of Maroua in the north (11°00′N 13°54′E / 11.0°N 13.9°E / 11.0; 13.9). The highest elevation is the summit of Mount Oupay, at 1,494 m (4,900 ft) above sea level (10°53′N 13°47′E / 10.883°N 13.783°E / 10.883; 13.783).

The region is densely populated, mainly by speakers of Chadic languages, including both the Mofu and the Kirdi ethnic groups.

Extensive archaeological research has been undertaken in the Mandara Mountains, including work at Diy-Gid-Biy (DGB) sites.