Country guides
Africa
Things to do in Cameroon
Cameroon has a lot to offer tourists and the country has comparatively good infrastructure, making getting around easier than it is in much of West and Central Africa. The country is also considered comparatively safe for travellers, but the serious unrest in neighbouring Nigeria has led travel authorities to advise against travel to the extreme north of Cameroon and areas along the Nigerian border.
Unfortunately, many of Cameroon's best tourist attractions are in the north, including the Waza National Park with its wealth of wildlife, and the scenic splendour of the Mandara Mountains, a great favourite with hikers. Tourists intent on exploring the north of Cameroon will therefore have to take every possible safety precaution.
The cities of Yaounde and Douala are still popular with visitors and each offers a string of sightseeing opportunities and some good restaurants and hotels. The coastal getaway of Limbe is probably the most popular destination with foreigners in Cameroon and, apart from the lovely beaches, the town has an old-world colonial atmosphere that enchants visitors.
Cameroon deserves the affectionate adage of 'Africa in One Country' and is one of the gems of the African tourism scene, with beaches, mountains, wildlife, and rolling savanna enough to delight almost anybody.
Limbe
A popular tourist haunt, Limbe is a gorgeous seaside city located on Cameroon's west coast. Set within a beautiful bay, against the backdrop of an imposing mountain range, Limbe wa…
Limbe
A popular tourist haunt, Limbe is a gorgeous seaside city located on Cameroon's west coast. Set within a beautiful bay, against the backdrop of an imposing mountain range, Limbe was an important port city in colonial times and retains vestiges of this history, most notably in the form of a magnificent German-built Bismarck Tower overlooking Down Beach. With its black sand and warm sea temperatures, Down Beach is a favourite place for tourists to kick back and relax, while the nearby Limbe Wildlife Centre and Botanical Gardens are also worthwhile day trips. The tourism infrastructure is comparatively good in this little city and the people are friendly and interesting.
Yaounde
The capital Yaounde is situated almost in the centre of Cameroon, and is well positioned as a travel hub. It enjoys a higher standard of living and security than the rest of the co…
Yaounde
The capital Yaounde is situated almost in the centre of Cameroon, and is well positioned as a travel hub. It enjoys a higher standard of living and security than the rest of the country and has a number of decent hotels and restaurants, as well as some interesting landmarks and tourist attractions. Those interested in churches should visit the Cathedrale Notre Dame des Victoires, and the beautiful Basilique Marie-Reine-des-Apotres, said to be built on the site of the first missionary church in Cameroon. The city also has a wonderful art museum, the Musee d'Art Camerounais, which is housed in a former Benedictine monastery and showcases a valuable collection of masks, bronzes, and pottery.
Waza National Park
Waza National Park is one of Cameroon's greatest draws for tourists; it is the country's most famous wildlife reserve and the most easily accessible one. The park is in the Logone-…
Waza National Park
Waza National Park is one of Cameroon's greatest draws for tourists; it is the country's most famous wildlife reserve and the most easily accessible one. The park is in the Logone-et-Chari department in the far north of Cameroon. It is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and renowned for its wealth of wildlife. Visitors can expect to see elephants, giraffes, hippos, a variety of antelopes, monkeys and abundant birdlife, including ostriches. Although the park is known for its lions, poachers have sadly wiped out a large portion of the population. These majestic animals are still present but are now harder to find and sightings are considered lucky.
Mandara Mountains
The Mandara Mountains are a volcanic range extending about 125 miles (200km) in northern Cameroon, along the border with Nigeria. Hiking in the remarkably beautiful landscapes of t…
Mandara Mountains
The Mandara Mountains are a volcanic range extending about 125 miles (200km) in northern Cameroon, along the border with Nigeria. Hiking in the remarkably beautiful landscapes of the Mandara Mountains is one of the most popular activities for tourists exploring Cameroon. The spectacular rock formations and lush valleys and hills are interspersed with traditional villages with round huts, where visitors can experience authentic local culture. The Mofu ethnic group dominates the region and the hillside villages subsist mainly through terrace farming, with sorghum the principal crop. One of the most famous of these villages is Rhumsiki, which is stunningly situated in rugged mountain scenery. Other notable villages worth a visit include Djingliya, Tourou, Koza, Maga, and Mora.