The river flows approximately 690 kilometres (430 mi) to empty into the Gulf of Guinea.

The Nyong originates 40 km (25 mi) east of the town of Abong-Mbang, where the northern rain forest feeds it.

Its mouth is in Petit Batanga, 60 km (40 mi) south-southwest of Edéa.

[3] In two places, Mbalmayo and Déhané, the river has huge rapids.

The first 400 km (250 mi) of the river, between Abong-Mbang and Mbalmayo, are navigable for small boats from April to November.