Travel guide Cameroon
Cameroon is the Central African country where African tales come to life. Nicknamed "Africa in miniature", the country reveals an incredible diversity of landscapes. From the bustling metropolis of Douala to the mystical confines of Lake Nyos, you'll discover extraordinary horizons and the best accommodation and restaurants. The golden beaches of Limbé guide you on an unforgettable journey. They border the challenging heights of Mount Cameroun. It's one of West Africa's highest peaks. And the dense forests of the eastern region are a treasure trove of biodiversity. Cameroon is also a symphony of flavors: the aromas of ndolé, the national dish, mingle with those of braised fish, emblematic of Kribi. But beyond its panoramas and gastronomy, it's Cameroon's soul, welcoming and proud, that seduces travelers. Adventure in Cameroon is multi-faceted: it can be experienced in the bustling markets of Yaoundé, in the serenity of the Lobé Falls or to the sound of drums in the North-West region. Douala overflows with colors, aromas and melodies. The ancestral traditions of the Peul tribes blend with the urban dynamism of Yaoundé. It's a fascinating contrast.
This Tourist Guide to Cameroon is your passport to a journey to the heart of this enchanting country. It offers a rich cultural palette, reflecting over 250 ethnic groups. Discover the cultural sites of Foumban, a city emblematic of traditional art. Observe wild animals in Waza Park. Dare to go to Cameroon - a sensational adventure awaits you!
What to see, what to do Cameroon?
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When to go Cameroon ?
When to travel to Cameroon? This question deserves attention, because Cameroon is a country of geographic and climatic diversity. It offers a variety of experiences, depending on the month you choose.
In January and February, the air is dry and temperatures pleasant in northern Cameroon. This is the ideal time to explore national parks like Waza and observe the wildlife. In the south, in Douala and Yaoundé, the climate is milder, encouraging hiking and urban exploration. It's also high season, so expect higher prices. It's also an ideal time to mingle with the local population at the Ngondo festival in Douala.
March sees the end of the dry season in the north. This is the time to enjoy the beaches of Kribi and Limbe, without the crowds;
April to June bring the rainy season to the south. Nature blossoms, and everything becomes lush. This is the low season, when prices are more attractive;
In July and August, humidity peaks in the south, while the north remains relatively dry. If you travel to Cameroon in July, it's the ideal time to enjoy local festivals, such as the Douala Carnival;
September to November marks the arrival of the short dry season in the south. The landscapes are transformed. They change from intense green to more golden hues. The hustle and bustle of the big city, Yaoundé, in October is not to be missed;
December is both festive and cool, especially in mountainous regions like the Monts Bamboutos. Don't miss the famous Ngouon festival in Foumban!
The best time to visit Cameroon is from December to February. But one thing's for sure: whatever the month, Cameroon is sure to surprise and delight! Be sure to consult a Cameroon travel guide to fine-tune your plans according to your preferences.
Suggested addresses Cameroon
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Between majestic mountains, lush forests, endless beaches and wild savannah, Cameroon offers a multitude of possible itineraries for discovering its cultural and natural riches. However, road infrastructures are such that journey times can be considerably long, and night drives are not recommended. To visit all the must-see sites and get an overview of the diversity of the landscape, you'll need to allow for a month's travel time. You also need to be flexible and patient, because no matter how well you plan, the vagaries of weather, roads and politics can upset your plans at any time. Being resourceful is also a major asset once you're on the road, as all the roads are far from marked out and little information is available online. You'll have to dare the leap into the unknown...
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How to go Cameroon
How to go alone
A solo adventure in Cameroon is an invitation to self-discovery. If the challenge appeals to you, here are a few tips to make it a memorable experience:
Familiarize yourself with the local culture and customs before you arrive. A little phrase in the local language opens many doors;
Even though Cameroon is a welcoming country, be vigilant, especially in remote areas. Always inform someone of your itinerary;
Cameroonians are renowned for their hospitality. Take the time to talk to others, as this will enrich your trip;
From the Saharan north to the tropical south, Cameroon is a patchwork of landscapes. Don't limit yourself to the big cities; the hidden treasures are often to be found in the most unexpected corners.
Travelling alone in Cameroon is an adventure. With a little preparation and an open mind, it will be an unforgettable experience.
How to go on a tour
Would you like to enjoy this destination to the full without worrying about logistical details? Guided tours offer an experience that combines natural wonders, such as Ekom Nkam Falls and Mount Cameroon, with cultural excursions in Yaoundé or Douala. Opting for a tour package in Cameroon means benefiting from the expertise of local guides who know the country's secrets and anecdotes. It's also an opportunity to meet other travelers who share your interests. However, choose a reputable organizer who respects safety and ethical standards. Make sure it guarantees an experience that respects the environment and local communities.
How to get around
Getting around Cameroon offers a fascinating insight into the country's diversity. Try it out:
Bush cabs are popular and affordable, but beware of unpredictable schedules and overcrowded vehicles;
Long-distance buses offer greater comfort, especially for longer journeys. Affordable and frequent, they connect major cities. But expect long, sometimes crowded journeys;
Trains are an alternative to the sometimes chaotic roads. Although limited, it offers a picturesque experience, especially on the Yaoundé-Douala line;
Motorcycle cabs are perfect for short trips;
If you're looking for independence, rent a car. However, make sure you have a good map and, if possible, a GPS;
In some regions, taking a pirogue is the most practical (and picturesque!) way to get around.
All that's left to do is choose your mode of transport and enjoy the trip!
Discover Cameroon
Situated between the Sahel, West Africa and Central Africa, and open to the Gulf of Guinea, Cameroon is at the crossroads of Africa. This particular geographical situation is reflected in the diversity of climates, landscapes and geological formations from one region of the country to the next. Added to this variety of scenery is the cultural mix created by the peoples who have crossed this land. From the earliest settlements of Bantu ethnic groups, to the migratory movements of Sahelian peoples and successive colonial flows (Portuguese, German, English and French), Cameroon has been the scene of significant cultural clashes, often resulting in confrontation or, at the very least, friction. Its interesting geography and eventful history make Cameroon a complex country, but above all one rich in discoveries, both in its cultural and natural heritage. Watch, learn and keep an open mind.
The 12 keywords Cameroon
1. Animism
This is the set of original spiritual beliefs and practices that existed before the arrival of settlers. In this world, the boundary between the spirit world and the world of the living is blurred, and people live by precise codes and respect for the dead, ancestors and nature. Traditional medicine originated here.
2. Banana
The banana is the queen of fruits in Cameroon, and there are as many varieties as there are ways of eating them. Along the roads of the tropical region, sweet bananas are sold for a few dozen CFA francs. The plantain, another variety eaten green or ripe, is also toasted and accompanies traditional dishes.
3. Beer
Brasseries du Cameroun is the country's most successful company. Considered the worker's comfort, beer is consumed daily and at all hours. In other words, in Cameroon, the buvette is an institution. In fact, the first movement for the country's independence was born in a Douala bar, "Chez Sierra", in 1948.
4. Chiefdom
Inherited from pre-colonial Cameroon, chieftaincies are one of the last testimonies of Cameroonian society as it was built. Today, the traditional chief still plays a vital role in the lives of many ethnic groups. He represents customary authority, respect for traditions and their preservation over time.
5. Continent
"The Continent" is how Cameroonians proudly refer to their country. Don't be surprised to hear this appellation in every mouth, and although the road to the country's emergence is a long one, and system D is the prerogative of the people, nothing can tarnish a Cameroonian's pride in his country.
6. Funeral
Death and funeral ceremonies are at the heart of daily life in Cameroon. Mourning ceremonies are an opportunity to honor the deceased through meditation, ritual weeping, song and dance, resulting in impressive celebrations that bring together family and community members.
7. Humidity
It's hot all year round, although temperatures are milder in different parts of the country. But what really makes the equatorial climate feel heavy is the humidity, particularly around Douala, which can reach 85%! Between four walls, the air is sometimes too muggy to bear.
8. Lion
The lion is the emblem of Cameroon, and its head appears on the coat of arms of the National Armed Forces. It is the country's mascot, and the term "Indomitable Lions" was coined when President Ahmadou Ahidjo named the national soccer team after it, making the lion the symbol of the sport that has since become a veritable institution.
9. Mobile money
Mobile money is a dematerialized payment method that enables transactions from one account to another using telephone numbers, and has revolutionized transactions in Cameroon. A genuine means of secure remote payment, it more than makes up for the shortcomings of banking technology in Cameroon.
10. Makossa
You may not know it, but you've already heard of makossa, by Michael Jackson in his song Wanna be Startin' Somethin'. This musical style, which originated on the coast in the late 1970s, has been exported by great musicians such as saxophonist Manu Dibango. Irresistible rhythm, bass lines and guitar.
11. Mosquito
This unwelcome little companion has a knack for finding its way into places where it's not wanted. Present throughout the country, five species of mosquito are capable of carrying the malaria vector. It is therefore essential to use mosquito repellent, sleep under a mosquito net and keep doors and windows closed after dark.
12. Soya
The smell of grilled meat tickling the noses of passers-by in the late hours of the morning: that's soyas. Grilled on homemade barbecues (gas cylinders cut and forged on the ground), these seasoned zebu meat brochettes are a real local delicacy, and a perfect accompaniment to the evening's ice-cold beer.
You are from here, if...
You've got the ear to tell the difference between Douala, Ewondo, Bassa or Bamiléké and all the consonants of the dialects that mix together in cabs or on maquis terraces!
You finish your handshakes by snapping your finger on the other person's middle finger, or you're familiar with the traditional greeting, which consists of pressing your forehead against the other person's on either side.
Once the heat has died down, you join your friends over an ice-cold "33 Export" and "hit the sundries" until the late hours of the night, munching on roasted peanuts and soybeans.
You know how to hail a cab, tell it where you're going and negotiate the price until you get the most competitive rates on the market!
Regularly, to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and your worries at the office, you hop on a bus to go to the village, in the middle of nature, to recharge your batteries with your loved ones.