29 Best Places to Visit in Cameroon

Cameroon, a Central African country on the Gulf of Guinea, offers diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife. Its capital, Yaoundé, is inland, while the larger city, Douala, serves as a seaport and transit point for ecotourism sites.

Popular destinations include lakes like Nyos and Oku, and the city of Limbe, home to a rescued primate center and near the Chutes de la Lobé waterfalls. The country’s varied terrain includes jungles and scenic waterfalls further inland.

Yaounde

Yaounde, Cameroon’s capital, is built on seven hills and known for its notable architecture, including the 20th-century Our Lady of Victories Cathedral. The city’s museums, such as the one housed in the former presidential palace, showcase art, sculptures, and rescued primates.

Key attractions include the central market, La Briquetterie, the Etoudi neighborhood, and the market in Mokolo. For wildlife enthusiasts, Mefou National Park offers a chance to see gorillas and other primates. Just outside Yaounde, the Ebogo Ecotourism Site is a prime location for birdwatching and butterfly viewing.

Bafoussam

Bafoussam, in Western Cameroon, is a cultural hub for the Bamiléké tribe. Notable sites include the chief’s palace in Bandjoun and Foumban’s royal palace and museum. The city has markets, restaurants, and a movie theater, with nightlife concentrated in the Akwa neighborhood.

Yaoundé, also in the West Province, has grown significantly in recent years. Key attractions include the Museum of Civilization and the Center le Cinematique, which focuses on film.

Bafut Palace

The Bafut Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Cameroon’s most important cultural and historic locations. This complex consists of 50 buildings and preserves the traditions of the Bafut people, who originated from Tikari.

Located in the Northwest province, the palace serves as a reflection of Cameroon’s history and includes an 800-year-old Tikar fondom complex, a drum house, and an Achum palace.

Bamenda

Bamenda, in northern Cameroon, is an English-speaking city known for its tourism and welcoming atmosphere. The surrounding highlands offer opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring hidden villages and guesthouses.

Key attractions include Mount Oku crater lake, Menchum River waterfalls, and the Fon’s palace at Bafut. The city also features pyramidal-thatched shrines and temples. Bamenda’s climate is generally warm, but mornings can be cool with temperatures reaching 0°C, and evenings can be chilly.

Benoue National Park

Benoue National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is located in northern Cameroon along the Benoue River. Established as a national park in 1968, it is home to endangered West African lions and around 300 species of birds and mammals. The river and its tributaries provide habitats for large mammals like hippopotamuses.

Maroua, a cultural hub, offers bustling markets and serves as a base for exploring the Mandara Mountains. Cameroon provides excellent road conditions, good public transportation, and affordable accommodations, making it ideal for hiking or biking.

Bimbia Slave Port

Bimbia, a coastal settlement in southwest Cameroon, was a center for the Portuguese slave trade and later became part of the German colony of Kamerun. Notable historical sites include the Old German Wharf, Alfred Saker’s camp, and the tattooing room where slaves were marked.

The Bimbia Slave Port is a significant historical site that local authorities aim to designate as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is culturally rich with active local communities.

Campo Ma’an National Park

Campo Ma’an National Park, located in southern Cameroon, is a 2,680-hectare rainforest park home to diverse wildlife, including 80 mammal species, 300 bird species, and numerous reptiles and fish. It features mountain ranges, plateaus, a German military cemetery, and a tree museum.

The park is part of the International Network of Model Forests and is notable for its abundant wildlife and rare plant species. Safaris offer opportunities to see iconic animals.

Dja Faunal Reserve

The Dja Faunal Reserve is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s largest rainforests, with 90% of its area protected. It is home to diverse wildlife, including African elephants and great apes, as well as endangered species like the Bates’s weaver and African grey parrot.

The reserve is also a WWF Global 200 Freshwater Ecoregion and a UNESCO Centre for Plant Diversity. It is inhabited by the indigenous Baka people, who practice traditional hunting methods. Recent conservation efforts have led to the capture of poachers and seizure of bushmeat and firearms.

Douala

Douala, a coastal city in southwest Cameroon, offers various attractions such as the German colonial La Pagode, art galleries featuring Cameroonian art, and the Maritime Museum. Nature lovers can visit the Douala-Edéa Wildlife Reserve to see elephants and crocodiles.

As the economic center of Cameroon, Douala hosts a large market and the Marche des Fleurs, ideal for souvenirs and local art. The city is well-connected with two international airports and a good infrastructure, making travel convenient.

Dschang

Dschang, a city in Cameroon, has grown significantly, with its population increasing from 21,705 in 1981 to over 200,000 in 2006. It is home to the University of Dschang, specializing in economic and agricultural sciences, and the Musee des Civilisations du Cameroun a Dschang.

The city offers various shops and restaurants, including L’Alliance Franco for local cuisine. Notable sites include the Climate Centre, built in 1940, and the French-built Market, where handcrafted items and traditional food can be purchased.

Ekom-Nkam Falls

Ekom-Nkam Falls, located in Nkongsamba, Cameroon, are 82 meters high and were featured in the movie Tarzan. The waterfalls are known for their beauty and powerful roar.

Nearby, a museum offers insights into the history of Cameroon’s Bamileke people, with displays of pottery, beadwork, and fabric, as well as informative panels on the kingdom’s culture and traditions.

Foumban

Foumban, located northeast of Bafoussam, has a population of 83,522 and is known for its traditional Bamoun culture. It is home to a free museum showcasing local arts and culture. The city is predominantly Muslim, with a central mosque serving as an important place of worship.

Foumban’s climate is pleasant year-round, with temperatures ranging from 54°F to 87°F. January sees the most sunshine and the least rainfall. The city offers activities like golf, badminton, and tennis. Its weather varies based on the topography of the area.

Foumban Palace

Foumban Palace, built in 1917, is a historic two-story building housing a museum with artifacts from the Bamoum people. It is the residence of the Chief-Superior of the Noun Valley’s east bank.

The museum displays include armaments, musical instruments, statues, and bead-covered thrones, dating back to the 13th century. Visitors can learn about King Ibrahim Njoya, who invented the Bamum script, and explore the restored royal chamber. The museum contains over 3,000 artworks showcasing Bamoun culture and customs.

Garoua

Garoua, also known as Garua, is a port city in northeastern Cameroon with a population of 836,899, predominantly Fulbe and Fulani. The Benue River flows through the city, which has a consistent climate year-round.

Mefou National Park, located near Yaounde, offers a chance to experience nature up close. The park is well-maintained by volunteers. Visitors should bring water, as facilities are limited.

Korup National Park

Korup National Park, located in the Southwest Region of Cameroon, is one of Africa’s oldest and richest lowland rainforests, covering over 1,000 square kilometers. It is home to numerous primate species and offers marked trails and a suspension bridge for exploration.

The park is accessible only by foot with a local guide and provides three open campsites with basic amenities, including drinking water and pit toilets.

Kribi

Kribi, a resort town in Cameroon, is known for its sandy beaches and a historic lighthouse built by German colonizers. The town’s Chutes de la Lobé waterfall flows into the sea and is accessible by boat. The Bagyeli region nearby is home to diverse ethnic groups.

Kribi has a small airport for charter flights, but Douala International Airport is more convenient for international travel. Buses connect the two towns. Local travel is best done by car or bicycle, with various shops and restaurants available.

La Nouvelle Liberté

La Nouvelle Liberté, located in Douala’s Deido suburb, is a notable public art piece created by Joseph-Francis Sumegne in 1996. The 12-meter-tall sculpture, made from scrap metal, is a national icon symbolizing the city.

Douala offers various attractions, including the Baka Tribe, Lobeke National Park, a tribal museum, and the Four Museums of Cameroon project.

Lake Nyos

Lake Nyos, located in a volcanic crater, is a highly stratified lake with fresh water at the surface and high concentrations of carbon dioxide and sodium below. It is one of three carbon dioxide-saturated lakes in the world.

Due to its depth and seismic activity, Lake Nyos is dangerous for swimming. Its natural dam is made of volcanic rock, and local myths surround the lake’s origins.

Lake Oku

Lake Oku, a volcanic crater lake in northwest Cameroon, is surrounded by lush cloud forests and offers spectacular views and trekking trails. It is home to unique species like the Oku-clawed frog and the endangered Xenopus longipes.

The region is ideal for exploring the Mandara Mountains and visiting national parks like Reserve de Boumba-Bek. The palace and tribal museum in the area provide cultural insights. However, increased tourism and deforestation pose threats to the lake’s endemic species.

Limbe

Limbe, Cameroon, offers stunning landscapes with lush greenery and views of Mount Cameroon. It is home to a botanical garden showcasing local plants. Known for its cleanliness, Limbe has modern tourist facilities and a temperate climate with black sandy beaches suitable for swimming and surfing.

Founded in 1857 by British missionary Alfred Saker, Limbe was formerly known as Victoria. It is a cosmopolitan destination with a population of around 84,000, offering a blend of nature and history.

Mandara Mountains

The Mandara Mountains in northwestern Cameroon, near the Nigerian border, feature Mount Oupay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is home to unique animals and plants, with nearby national parks like Lobeke.

Kribi, 600 miles north of the capital, serves as the main transit town to the Mandara Mountains. It offers vibrant markets for souvenirs and dining, as well as scenic waterfalls like Chutes de la Lobe. The highest peak, Mount Oupay, stands at 1224m, with Rhumsiki village as the gateway. A Yellow Fever vaccination is required for entry.

Maroua

Cameroon’s countryside offers beautiful landscapes, including Parc National de Waza, a rocky peak by the sea. The rainforest is biologically diverse, home to primates and rare birds like the red-necked rockfowl.

Yaounde, the capital, is known for its greenery, museums, and artisanal market with over fifty artisans. Notable products include embroidered tablecloths and crocodile-skin handbags. The town also features ginger fields and a ginger liqueur factory.

Mefou National Park

Mefou Park, also known as Mefou Wildlife Sanctuary, is located a 45-minute drive from Yaounde. It is home to various native African primates and is managed by Ape Action Africa. The park offers guided tours to learn about conservation and the impact of deforestation.

Mefou National Park features a gorilla rehabilitation center and opportunities for hiking, canoeing on the Nyong River, and visiting waterfalls like Metche. The Mefou Primate Park, operated by Ape Action Africa, is dedicated to protecting primates rescued from the bushmeat trade.

Monument de la Reunification

The Monument de la Reunification in Yaounde symbolizes Cameroon’s reunification, commemorating the union of francophone and anglophone regions. Built between 1973 and 1976, it represents national unity and pride.

A collaborative effort by French architects and Cameroonian artists, the monument’s design reflects the involvement of different societal elements. Constructed over five years using fifty-three tons of concrete, it holds significant symbolic importance but is not always open to the public.

Mount Fako

Mount Fako offers spectacular landscapes, but be cautious of monkeys and avoid taking souvenirs to respect local beliefs. The sunrise from the active volcano is a highlight of any trip. The mountain hosts the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope and offers guided hikes lasting three to four days.

For cultural experiences, Mount Fako provides insights into the Bamun people. The Bafut Festival in late December features masked dancers and drumming.

Mvog-Betsi Zoo

The Mvog-Betsi Zoo in Yaounde is a family-friendly wildlife park with exotic birds, animals, and play areas. It is open year-round and offers opportunities to see primates, big cats, and reptiles up close.

Yaounde, Cameroon’s capital, also hosts the Museum of Civilization, focusing on film and media. Despite recent neglect, both the zoo and museum provide educational experiences for families.

Prime Minister’s Lodge Buea

The Prime Minister’s Lodge in Buea, built in 1902, was originally the German governor’s residence. It houses historic sites like the German Post Office and Cameroon Press Photo Archives. The building’s history reflects Buea’s past as an administrative center.

Nearby attractions include Mount Cameroon National Park and the photogenic Buea monument. The town has two state hotels, the Mountain Hotel and Parliamentary Flat, aiming to attract more visitors. Additionally, the Buea Town Green offers a touristic golf course.

Sabga Hill

The volcanic mountains of Cameroon, near the Nigerian border, feature Mount Oupay as the highest peak. A monument at the mountain’s base commemorates the union of British Southern Cameroons and French Cameroon. The Handicraft Centre and Sultan’s Palace nearby offer crafts, cultural insights, and dining.

Sabga Hill provides stunning scenery, temples, and hiking opportunities. It serves as a base to explore the Mandara Mountains. In the North West, the Bafut region offers beautiful landscapes, a royal palace, museum, and Talking Drum, with options for traditional dining and accommodation.

Waza National Park

Waza National Park, covering over 170,000 acres in northwestern Cameroon, is home to diverse wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, lions, hyenas, and numerous bird species. It is located about 75 miles from the Chad border.

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from November to June. Accommodations are limited, but camping is possible with prior arrangements. Hiring a local guide is recommended for easier animal spotting.

Takeaways

Cameroon offers diverse landscapes, including rainforests, beaches, and mountains. It is culturally rich, with over 250 tribes and 200 languages. The country is known for its natural wonders, including six national parks and numerous waterfalls, as well as exotic animals like elephants and chimpanzees.

Cameroonians are friendly and open-minded, with a unique blend of French and African influences. They speak multiple languages, making communication easy. The best time to visit is from November to February.