Things To Do
in Cameroon
Cameroon sits at the crossroads of Central and West Africa, offering a dramatic mosaic of coast, rainforest, highland, and savanna. From the misty volcanic slopes of Mount Cameroon to the white-sand beaches along the Atlantic, the country sustains extraordinary biodiversity. Its cities pulse with cultural energy, where more than 250 ethnic groups contribute languages, music, and cuisine.
Two official languages (French and English) sit alongside countless local tongues, making Cameroon a welcoming destination for curious travelers.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Yaoundé, the bustling capital of Cameroon. Get settled in your accommodation and enjoy a refreshing breakfast made with local ingredients. Take a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood to acclimate and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Visit the National Museum of Yaoundé to learn about the rich cultural history of Cameroon. Explore the surrounding arts and crafts market where you can find unique souvenirs. Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant, sampling dishes like ndole or poulet ngondo.
Head to the Mont Febe hotel for a panoramic view of the city at sunset. Dine on some fusion cuisine that merges local flavors with international flair. Conclude your evening with a relaxing walk around the bustling streets of Yaoundé.
After breakfast, visit the Benedictine Museum of Mont Febe to admire unique artifacts. Engage with local craftspeople at the nearby artisan village to learn about traditional Cameroonian crafts. Don’t forget to capture the beautiful sights with photographs.
Head to the Reunification Monument, a landmark symbolizing the unification of the country. Enjoy your lunch at a local eatery, where you can savor beef kebabs served with spicy sauces. Later, take a stroll around the Place de la Nation to observe daily life in Yaoundé.
Experience the local nightlife by visiting a lively bar or music venue. Listen to traditional music while mingling with locals and tasting Cameroonian beers. Return to your hotel for a good night's rest.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee or cappuccino | $2-4 |
| 🚌Local transport (short ride) | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🛏️Hostel/guesthouse per night | $12-40 |
| 🛍️Groceries (weekly essentials) | $15-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich biodiversity and varied landscapes
- Vibrant cultural scenes and diverse cuisines
- Good value for travelers and growing infrastructure
- Warm, welcoming people and expanding tourist facilities
- Travel can involve long drives in remote areas
- Language coverage can be uneven outside major cities
- Some regions have safety advisories or limited services
- Infrastructure quality varies between urban centers and rural areas
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Bonsoir" - Good evening
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est le marché ?" - Where is the market?
- "Combien ça coûte ?" - How much does this cost?
- "Merci beaucoup" - Thank you very much
Places to Visit in Cameroon
Visit one of these nice places.
Volcanic slopes, cloud-shrouded ridges, and dramatic sunrise/sunset shots over the volcanic landscape.
Lush rainforest backdrop, tropical flora, and coastal light—great for nature and portrait photography.
Powerful waterfalls and pristine beaches with turquoise water for dynamic landscape and long-exposure shots.
Rich cultural portrait opportunities among royal court silhouettes and traditional crafts.
Architectural photography and reflections along urban waterways.
Food in Cameroon
Cameroon Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A bitterleaf stew cooked with peanuts and often served with meat or fish and sometimes plantains or rice.
Must-Try!
A popular Cameroon dish featuring chicken cooked with plantains, vegetables, and flavorful spices.
Steamed banana leaf-wrapped cassava leaf and fish mixture, a fragrant and hearty staple.
A traditional combination of cassava “achiu” paste with a bright yellow soup, often enjoyed with fish or meat.
Fresh-caught fish seasoned and grilled, commonly paired with attiéké (cassava couscous) or fried plantains.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where you can sample fresh produce, roasted plantains, grilled fish, and local snacks.
Vibrant stalls with fruits, vegetables, spices, and ready-to-eat street bites; great for people-watching and photography.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings before conversation; a handshake is common. In many communities, addressing elders with respect is important.
Modest attire is appreciated in rural areas and religious sites; light, breathable clothing is practical in the heat.
Ask permission before photographing people or private spaces; be mindful of local taboos around certain ceremonies.
Safety
Tipping in Cameroon
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected. In restaurants, a 5-10% tip is common if service is good; for taxis and guides, small tips are common after a day’s work.
Cash is widely used in markets and smaller towns; credit cards are accepted in larger cities and hotels. Mobile money (e.g., MTN Mobile Money) is popular for payments and transfers in urban areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days with lower humidity; ideal for outdoor activities, coastal visits, and long walks. Beach towns are popular, but evenings can be cool near highlands.
Frequent afternoon showers and lush green landscapes; good for forest photography but plan for mud and potential travel delays.
Dusty, cooler mornings in northern regions; visibility is good for photography but air quality can be dry.
Cameroon at Night
Hiking in Cameroon
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular volcano hike with panoramic vistas; can be challenging but rewarding with misty mornings.
Dense rainforest hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities in a renowned park.
Highland treks with cooler climates and scenic grassland landscapes.
Lush, tropical trails offering birding and nature photography opportunities.
Airports
How to reach Cameroon by plane.
Main international gateway serving Douala; connects to regional and international destinations. Access to city centers is via taxi or shuttle.
Primary international airport for Yaoundé; convenient for central region travelers and onward journeys to the north and east.
Regional airport serving the far north; useful for accessing wildlife reserves and northern towns.
Gateway to the Adamawa region; connects to major hubs for northern excursions and hiking adventures.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large ethnolinguistic group in the western highlands known for vibrant cultural traditions and markets.
Diverse communities with strong urban and rural traditions, languages, and crafts.
Nomadic and agro-pastoral communities found across the north and central regions.
A mosaic of languages and customs reflecting Cameroon's cultural plurality.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cameroon has a deep passion for football, with local leagues and street games common across cities.
Growing popularity in urban centers with community leagues and school programs.
A sport with a strong following and regional competitions.
Track and field events, especially around national training centers.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Cameroonian cuisine features many vegetable-based stews and starches; request veg-friendly preparations and avoid palm oil-heavy dishes if sensitive to fat content.
Rice, corn porridge (pap), cassava-based dishes, and plantains are common; verify processing and avoid sauces with hidden gluten.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cameroon.