Cameroon Travel Guide

Visit Cameroon on an African safari and you will not even for a moment be disappointed. Cameroon is from West Africa bordering Nigeria to the west, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon to the south, Republic of Congo to the south east and Central Africa republic to the east.

Cameroon Facts

Although it is not the largest country in Africa, it occupies a total area of 475,440 sq km, with the highest mountain in West Africa, large portion occupied by rain forests, desert plains and high plateau. The south boasts tropical rainforests and deserted golden beaches; the northern parts are more of desert plains, small lakes and open savannah; volcanic mountains dominate the western area and game-viewing areas scattered throughout the country offer ample opportunity to observe impressive wildlife, including elephants and lions.

This culturally diverse country is home to more than 15 million people of different ethnic backgrounds.

Towns and cities

Yaounde

is the capital city of Cameroon, the second largest town in Cameroon with 2 international airports, the main airport being Yaounde international airport and Yaoune Nsimalen airport, the Cameroon National Museum and the Afhemi Museum, a contemporary art museum and gallery.

On the coast is Douala, the largest city and an important sea port for Cameroon trade. Douala may not be the political capital of the country but it is the commercial capital and location for Cameroon’s major international airport on the banks of Wouri River. This French speaking town in the entry point for many tourists, goods and with probably the highest standard of living in Cameroon/ Africa.

Other interesting cities and towns in Cameroon include Bameda, Buea,Ebolowa, Garoua, Kribi, Limbe and Ngaoundere.

Tourist attractions

There is also a host of attractions to explore within Cameroon, from the commercial city of Douala and beyond. Cameroon holidays and tours embrace a diverse landscape raising up to form the active volcano called

Mount Cameroon

(4095m) in the south west town of Douala giving plenty of trekking and hiking opportunities for trekking fanatics.

The volcano once erupted and formed spilled that spread to make a raised plateau region in Maroua forming the rocks called

Le Dent de Mindif

, to the north, Mora Highlands in the north, Bameda in the south west and Mandara mountains west of Maroua excellent hiking and rock climbing sites.

Cameroon safaris take you to the abundant National parks, about 9 national parks.

Waza National park

from the north province was gazetted as a game reserve in 1930 and is the best game reserve in the country. This UNESCO biosphere reserve is open from November to mid June, with April and March being the best time to visit.  Some of the animals you might see include giraffe, elephants, lions, ostriches and a wide variety of birds.

Dja Faunal Reserve

has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list since 1987 and is actually with one of the richest reserves more than100 mammals, more than 300 birds, and more than 1500 plant species.

The Korup National Park is another reach wildlife park with several mammals. Nki National Park from south-eastern Cameroon remains in true untouched beauty. Other national parks include Bouba Ndjidah on the banks of Mayo Lidi River, Kalamaloue reserve, Lobeke park wit the

western Lowland Gorillas

and Korup Natioanl Park.

Cameroon

Weather

The dry season in Cameroon begins in November and ends in February with average temperatures of 26ºC. March to June. The rainy season begins March to September, with short rains from March to June and heavy rains in August to September.

The coastal region with the vast tropical rain forest receives the heaviest rains while the northern region is predominantly dry. The best time to visit Cameroon is from November to February for the drier season

Cameroon travel

There are two main international airports in Douala and Yaounde with flights from London, south Africa and other international airports using inter-continental fliers like British airways, south African airways, Cameroon airways and other regional fliers. Cheaper flights are available through Kenya airlines, Cameroon airlines and other African air carriers.

Cameroon Flight come in from;

  • Paris (Air France)
  • Brussels (Brussels Airlines)
  • Zurich (Swiss)
  • Lagos (Virgin Nigeria and Bellview Airlines)
  • Nairobi (Kenya Airways)
  • Amsterdam (KLM Royal Dutch Airlines)
  • Casablanca (Royal Air Maroc)
  • Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines)

 

The

Camtrain

is the national train service with schedules from Douala, to Yaoundé and Ngaoundere. Travel in Cameroon is predominantly by buses with comfortable seat and irregular schedules. Rental cars and vehicles are also available for from

Cameroon tours and travel

companies

are agreed fees.

Malaria is common around Cameroon and you are advised to pack and follow prescriptions and treatments. However there are a few good hospitals in Douala and Yaounde. Kambo has private hospital with excellent medical facilities.

Cameroon public Holidays

January 1 New Year’s Day January 1 Independence Day February 11 Youth Day May 1 Labor Day May 20 National Day August 15 Assumption October 1 Unification Day December 25 Christmas Day

Cameroon hotels and accommodation

There are a number of Cameroon hotels, guesthouses, inn, camp sites and safari lodges from all over Cameroon. Find five star luxury facilities in major towns and cities, particularly from Yaoundé and Douala. Camping outdoors is not allowed in restricted places.