Travel : Cameroon - Best spots to visit this African country & other details

 

Cameroon, often referred to as "Africa in miniature," is a country located in Central Africa that showcases a stunning variety of landscapes, cultures, and wildlife. It is bordered by Nigeria to the west, Chad to the northeast, the Central African Republic to the east, and Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo to the south. From the coastal plains and dense rainforests to the savannas and the towering Mount Cameroon, the country offers a microcosm of the continent's diverse geography. Its capital city is Yaoundé, while Douala, the largest city, serves as the economic hub. Cameroon is also known for its rich cultural heritage, with over 250 ethnic groups and a history that blends African traditions with colonial influences from France and Britain.

Best Spots to Visit

1. **Mount Cameroon**

   - **Description:** The highest mountain in West Africa, located near the town of Buea in the southwest region.

   - **Highlights:** Mount Cameroon is an active volcano and a popular destination for hiking and mountaineering. The annual Mount Cameroon Race of Hope is a famous event where athletes race to the summit and back. The mountain also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the Atlantic Ocean.

2. **Waza National Park**

   - **Description:** Located in the Far North Region, Waza is one of Cameroon’s most famous national parks.

   - **Highlights:** Known for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and numerous bird species. The park is a great destination for safaris and birdwatching, especially during the dry season when animals congregate around water sources.

3. **Kribi**

   - **Description:** A coastal town known for its beautiful beaches, located in the South Region.

   - **Highlights:** Kribi is famous for its pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and fresh seafood. The nearby Lobé Waterfalls, where the river cascades directly into the Atlantic Ocean, is a must-visit attraction. Kribi is also a gateway to the Campo Ma'an National Park.

4. **Dja Faunal Reserve**

   - **Description:** A UNESCO World Heritage site located in the southeastern part of Cameroon, within the Congo Basin rainforest.

   - **Highlights:** The reserve is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, and many species of birds and reptiles. It is one of the most biologically diverse areas in Africa and offers opportunities for eco-tourism and wildlife observation.

5. **Yaoundé**

   - **Description:** The capital city of Cameroon, located in the central part of the country.

   - **Highlights:** Yaoundé offers a mix of modern and traditional African culture. Key attractions include the National Museum of Yaoundé, the Reunification Monument, the Cathedral of Notre Dame des Victoires, and the Mvog-Betsi Zoo. The city is also known for its vibrant markets and nightlife.

6. **Douala**

   - **Description:** The largest city and economic capital of Cameroon, located on the coast.

   - **Highlights:** Douala is a bustling port city with a mix of modern skyscrapers and colonial-era buildings. Attractions include the Doual'art contemporary art center, the Maritime Museum, the central market, and the lively Bonanjo and Akwa neighborhoods. Douala is also a gateway to the nearby beaches and the Edea Reserve.

7. **Bamenda**

   - **Description:** The capital of the Northwest Region, known for its cool climate and scenic highlands.

   - **Highlights:** The surrounding Bamenda Highlands offer stunning landscapes, including the Menchum Falls and Lake Nyos. The city is also a center of Anglophone culture in Cameroon, with traditional crafts, music, and dance playing a significant role in local life.

8. **Korup National Park**

   - **Description:** Located in the Southwest Region, Korup is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests.

   - **Highlights:** The park is known for its incredible biodiversity, including rare primates like the drill and the red colobus monkey, as well as over 400 species of birds. Korup is a paradise for nature lovers, with opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the dense forest.

9. **Foumban**

   - **Description:** A historic town in the West Region, known as the cultural center of the Bamoun people.

   - **Highlights:** Foumban is famous for its rich cultural heritage, including the Royal Palace of the Bamoun Sultan, which houses a museum showcasing Bamoun art and history. The town is also known for its vibrant arts and crafts scene, particularly wood carving, pottery, and bronze work.

10. **Limbe**

    - **Description:** A coastal town located at the foot of Mount Cameroon, known for its black sand beaches and botanical gardens.

    - **Highlights:** The Limbe Botanical Garden is one of the oldest in Africa, with a wide variety of plant species. The Limbe Wildlife Centre, a rescue and rehabilitation facility for primates and other animals, is another popular attraction. The town’s volcanic beaches are also a major draw for visitors.

 Best Seasons to Visit

The best time to visit Cameroon depends on the region, as the country has a varied climate. Generally, the dry season is the most favorable time for travel:

- **Northern Regions (Waza, Maroua, Garoua):** The dry season runs from November to March. This is the best time for wildlife viewing in the national parks, as animals gather around waterholes.

- **Coastal and Southern Regions (Douala, Kribi, Limbe):** The dry season lasts from November to February. This period is ideal for beach activities and exploring the coastal rainforests.

- **Central and Western Regions (Yaoundé, Bamenda, Buea):** The dry season is from December to February. This is the best time for hiking, visiting highland areas, and exploring cultural sites.

  

The wet season, from April to October, brings heavy rains, particularly in the southern and coastal regions, which can make travel challenging due to muddy roads and high humidity.

Best Cuisines

Cameroonian cuisine is diverse, reflecting the country’s varied geography and cultural influences. Some traditional dishes to try include:

- **Ndolé:** A popular dish made from bitter leaves, peanuts, and either fish, beef, or shrimp. It’s often served with plantains, yams, or rice.

- **Poulet DG:** A flavorful dish consisting of chicken cooked with plantains, carrots, green beans, and spices. It’s a favorite at special occasions and celebrations.

- **Ekwang:** A dish made from grated cocoyams wrapped in cocoyam leaves and cooked with palm oil, smoked fish, and meat. It’s a specialty of the Bantu people in the South Region.

- **Achu Soup:** A traditional dish of the Northwest Region, made from cocoyams and served with a yellowish soup made from spices, palm oil, and meat or fish.

- **Suya:** Skewered and grilled meat, typically beef or chicken, marinated in a spicy peanut sauce. It’s a popular street food in Cameroon, particularly in the northern regions.

- **Koki:** A vegetarian dish made from ground black-eyed peas mixed with palm oil and spices, then wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.

- **Bobolo and Mbongo Chobi:** Bobolo is a fermented cassava dish, often served with Mbongo Chobi, a spicy blackened fish sauce.

 Airlines Connectivity

Cameroon is served by several international and regional airlines, with the main airports being Douala International Airport (DLA) and Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport (NSI). Some of the airlines providing connectivity to Cameroon include:

- **Air France:** Offers direct flights from Paris to Douala and Yaoundé.

- **Brussels Airlines:** Provides flights from Brussels to Douala and Yaoundé.

- **Turkish Airlines:** Offers flights from Istanbul to Douala and Yaoundé.

- **Ethiopian Airlines:** Connects Addis Ababa with Douala and Yaoundé.

- **Kenya Airways:** Provides flights from Nairobi to Douala.

- **Royal Air Maroc:** Offers flights from Casablanca to Douala and Yaoundé.

- **RwandAir:** Connects Kigali with Douala.

- **ASKY Airlines:** A regional carrier offering flights to Douala and Yaoundé from various West and Central African cities.

For domestic travel, Camair-Co, the national airline, operates flights between major cities such as Douala, Yaoundé, Garoua, and Maroua. Additionally, regional flights are available to destinations within Central and West Africa, making it relatively easy to connect to neighboring countries.