A Beginner's Guide to Cameroon

Cameroon offers a unique glimpse into one of Africa’s most underrated yet rewarding destinations.

This diverse land features lush forests teeming with primates, tropical beaches framed by volcanic landscapes, and highlands rich with vibrant cultures and traditional villages. It's a place alive with rhythm, full of delightful music, and boasts a rich culinary heritage featuring spicy, colorful sauces over fresh local produce.

What is the best time to visit Cameroon?

Given its status as one of Africa's lesser-explored countries, the timing of your visit mainly depends on the weather rather than avoiding crowds during peak seasons.

To experience Cameroon at its finest, plan your visit between November and February when the weather is driest and daily temperatures typically stay above 28ºC (82ºF). This period offers delightful beach weather with warm, pleasant conditions.

If you wait until March, you might find yourself too late. The rains typically begin around March, intensifying in April and continuing until September or October. During this time, humidity can soar to uncomfortable levels, often reaching 90% for days, making roads nearly impassable. It's best to avoid the bustling coastal city of Douala and instead seek refuge in the cooler hills of Yaoundé or at the beach.

What is the ideal duration for a trip to Cameroon?

Initially, Cameroon can be overwhelming: the vibrant noise, bustling markets, strong aromas, and humidity all hit you at once. However, the longer you immerse yourself in the experience, the more you'll find yourself captivated and wishing to extend your stay.

A two-week trip is likely the bare minimum here. Be sure to allocate a few days for acclimatization and plan to spend several days in each location, as distances can be more significant than many travelers expect. Things often move slowly, particularly in rural areas, and you wouldn't want to miss the chance to see nesting turtles simply because you didn't give yourself enough time for the adventure to unfold.

And naturally, you can (and should) relax on the beach for as long as your heart desires.

What languages can I expect to hear?

Cameroon is home to a multitude of languages, but French and English are the official languages. French is the dominant language spoken and understood outside of the English-speaking regions.

Is it easy to travel to and within Cameroon?

As of 2023, visiting Cameroon has become significantly easier. While neighboring countries still adhere to a Central African preference for cumbersome paperwork and multiple passport photos, Cameroon has streamlined the process. You can now apply for an e-visa online at evisacam.cm and collect your visa upon arrival.

Once you're in Cameroon, navigating the country is straightforward. Before you set off, it's wise to review travel advisories to understand areas where travel might be discouraged. With that information in hand, you'll find that Cameroon boasts a robust network of roads serviced by modern buses.

However, beyond Kribi along the southern coast, or in the northern and eastern regions, paved roads give way to forest paths, and shared taxis connect villages at a leisurely pace. This opens up a whole new adventure.

Must-see attractions in Cameroon

With a wealth of sights and activities, a trip to Cameroon demands thoughtful planning. Of course, you can always return for a second visit to explore what you missed the first time!

Explore the chief's residence

Cameroon's South-West region is renowned for its deep-rooted traditions. Despite some travel advisories in the area, Foumban's Palais Royal warmly welcomes visitors. This stunning palace blends local architectural styles with German colonial influences and houses invaluable treasures, including detailed wood carvings, feathered cloaks, and a ceremonial drum from the enduring Bamoun dynasty, now led by its 20th hereditary sultan. Just 86km (53 miles) away in Bandjoun, another palace offers a more traditional African design and is equally captivating.

Unwind on the shores of Kribi or Limbe

Located on Cameroon's southern coast, Kribi boasts some of Africa's most stunning beaches. The only reason these shores, along with those further north near Limbe, don’t feature on global best beach lists is that they remain largely unknown. Limbe is particularly picturesque, with its sometimes chocolate-hued sands framed by lush rainforests and the towering peak of Mt Cameroon. Overall, Cameroon’s beaches present a dreamlike blend of palm trees, fishing communities, and minimal development—true bliss.

Witness a waterfall cascade directly into the ocean

Chutes de la Lobé is a waterfall that plunges directly into the ocean, located 7km (4 miles) south of Kribi. Local hotels and tour operators offer half-day excursions to the falls, complete with a picnic lunch on the beach.

Ascend Mt Cameroon

Engage a local guide and trek into the cloud forests of West Africa’s tallest mountain. All fees paid for guides or porters support the 12 villages that surround this dormant volcano's base. At the summit, 4040m (13,255ft) above sea level, you'll be treated to breathtaking views where the barren lava slopes transition into lush rainforest. On a clear day, you can even spot the Equatorial Guinean island of Bioko in the distance.

Explore the sea turtles of Ebodjé

Very few travelers venture to Kribi, and even fewer make it to Ebodjé. This means you might have the chance to stroll along a secluded, unspoiled beach while observing nesting sea turtles in solitude. This experience, often overlooked in Africa's wildlife offerings, is facilitated by local ecotourism groups and helps in the conservation of leatherback turtles, the largest turtle species on Earth. Walk gently and marvel at this natural wonder.

My favorite activity in Cameroon

Since 2000, I’ve been exploring Cameroon, and there’s so much to cherish – from the national parks in the north and east to the lush forests and sea turtles on the southern beaches, and the deeply-rooted cultures that still honor nature and their ancestors in the South-West.

Yet, what connects all these unique attractions is that they lie beyond where the paved roads end. This is a land where ancient cultures remain untouched by mass tourism or excessive development, flourishing in the rural hinterlands. It's the moments spent – chatting with villagers for hours beneath a mango tree, witnessing sea turtles slowly making their way up the beach at sunset, and closing my eyes to absorb the forest's sounds, far from any engine noise. That’s the essence of Cameroon that I long for when I’m away.

What is the budget needed for a trip to Cameroon?

Cameroon operates with the Central African franc (CFA), the same currency used by five neighboring countries. The CFA's value is pegged to the euro at a fixed rate of CFA 655.957.

Using credit cards is generally limited to upscale international venues, so it's advisable to carry a good mix of euros or US dollars in both high and low denominations.

In general, Cameroon is moderately priced, although costs can soar in restaurants, shops, and hotels that cater to expatriates. Here are some example prices:

• Hotel accommodation: $30–350

• Short taxi ride across town: $10/150

• Street food (riz sauce/rice with sauce): $2

• Three-course dinner for two at a nice restaurant: $80

• Pint of beer/Guinness at a bar: $3/5

Essential information about traveling in Cameroon

How safe is it to travel in Cameroon?

Numerous travel advisories from Western nations caution against visiting certain areas, including much of the Anglophone South-West, the Extreme North, and the eastern borders of the country. These advisories typically provide maps indicating restricted zones. Be aware that disregarding this guidance may leave you without travel insurance coverage. In larger cities, stay vigilant for pickpockets and always opt for a taxi after dark.

Keep your travel plans adaptable

Things may not always unfold as expected, with transport delays, unpredictable weather, and rough road conditions in rural regions being common. Allow for extra time in your itinerary to accommodate potential setbacks or unexpected cancellations. This could lead to delightful interactions with locals or the chance to embrace a different pace of travel. Practicing patience and accepting the unpredictable nature of travel in Cameroon can often yield rewarding experiences.