Cameroon

Cameroon is bordered by Nigeria, Chad, the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo. Its capital is Yaoundé, and its economic hub is the bustling port city of Douala.

Cameroon, with a population of approximately 27 million, operates on West African Time (GMT+1). The nation is renowned for its linguistic and cultural diversity, with over 250 ethnic groups and languages.

Cameroonian cuisine is as diverse as its population, blending flavors from various regions. Staples include plantains, cassava, maize, and rice, often paired with hearty stews or grilled meat. Popular dishes include ndolé, a spinach-like dish made with bitter leaves, peanuts, and fish or beef, and achu soup, Sauce arachide, peanut sauce with rice and meat

Street food, such as  Kilichi, dried beef, and Pommes fried potatoes, is widely available and delicious. While Cameroon does not produce wine locally, palm wine and bil-bil, a millet-based alcoholic drink, are traditional favorites. Imported wines and beers, particularly the locally brewed 33 Export, are also popular.

Cameroon offers countless opportunities for adventure and exploration. Mountain climbing, beach activities, and wildlife watching are a few highlights of activities that can be carried out in Cameroon while having an enjoyable stay.

Cameroon’s geography is incredibly varied, ranging from the Sahelian plains in the north to tropical rainforests in the south. The northern savannah offers opportunities to see hippos and antelopes, while the rainforests shelter rare primates and colorful birds.

The country is also home to unique volcanic lakes such as Lake Nyos and Lake Oku, both surrounded by stunning scenery. The Sanaga River, the longest in Cameroon, is vital for local communities and supports diverse aquatic life.

Cameroon hosts vibrant festivals that reflect its cultural heritage. Some popular events include the Ngondo Festival in Douala, which celebrates the Sawa people's ancestral spirits with boat races and rituals, and Culture Week, which features music shows, wrestling, and sports games. The country also observes significant religious celebrations such as Eid al-Fitr and Christmas with communal feasts. Independence Day, on May 20, is marked by national parades and cultural performances highlighting Cameroon's diverse traditions.

Travelers to Cameroon should ensure they are up to date on vaccinations for yellow fever, hepatitis A, typhoid, meningitis, and other routine travel vaccines. Malaria is a significant risk, so preventive medication and mosquito repellent are essential.

Healthcare facilities are not up to the Western standard, so comprehensive travel insurance, including coverage for medical evacuation, is highly advisable.

The official currency is the Central African CFA Franc (XAF).

Cameroon uses plug types C and E, with a standard voltage of 220V and a frequency of 50Hz.

Cameroon’s transport network includes buses, cars, bush taxis, trains, and planes. Buses offer fast, long-distance travel between cities. Bush taxis are useful mostly when the bus schedule is irregular. For more remote regions, hiring a 4x4 vehicle with a driver is advisable. Trains connect major cities like Yaoundé and Douala, while buses remain a faster and more reliable travel option.

English and French are the official languages, though French is more widely spoken. In addition to these, over 250 local languages and dialects are spoken, including Fulfulde, Ewondo, and Bassa.

You will have a more enjoyable stay in Cameroon as long as you recognize how big Cameroonians are on respect, greetings,  humility, and family. Always greet whenever you meet people, bearing in mind the need to respect elderly ones. 

It is polite to ask for permission before taking photographs, especially pictures of government buildings and people in markets or villages.

• Dry Season (December to April): The air is extremely dry, and the latter part of the season is characterized by higher temperatures.

• Rainy Season (May to November): This is the season with the heaviest rainfall and lowest temperature. The Southern Plateaus experience two shorter rainy seasons during May-June and October-November.

Cameroon is relatively affordable for most travelers. Budget travelers can expect to spend $30–50 daily, covering basic accommodations, meals, and transport. Mid-range travelers may budget $100–150 daily for boutique hotels, guided tours, and dining at upscale restaurants. Luxury travelers can enjoy high-end lodges and private tours for $250 or more daily.

• Always remember to bargain; demanding a 20-50% discount from initial prices is allowed.

• Always walk around with extreme consciousness and protect your properties from theft at all times.

• Explore Waza National Park to experience a safari in one of Africa’s lesser-known reserves.

• Wandering through the bustling markets of Yaoundé and Douala allows you to experience local life and shop for unique crafts.