Things To Do
in Dschang
Dschang sits on a high plateau in the Western Highlands of Cameroon, offering cool air and lush, rolling landscapes. The town blends a university-driven energy with traditional Bamileke culture, markets, and scenic viewpoints. Its location provides a gateway to forested hills, tea and coffee farms, and striking panoramas over deep green valleys.
With a welcoming local scene and vibrant markets, Dschang makes a great base for exploring the Plateau and surrounding countryside.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Dschang and meet your local hosts who will welcome you with warm greetings. They’ll introduce you to the region’s language, customs, and safety guidelines. A gentle walking tour of the village follows, setting the scene for the days ahead.
Share a traditional lunch with community members beneath the shade of majestic mango trees. Visit the village square to meet the village chief and learn about local governance. Take part in a brief workshop on palm wine tapping and storytelling.
Gather around a communal fire for a welcome banquet featuring local dishes like Ndolé and roasted plantains. Experience the rhythms of traditional dance as drummers set the evening’s beat. Drift to sleep under the star-filled highland sky, lulled by distant nocturnal calls.
Set off at dawn to explore the misty peaks of the Fouta Dschang highlands with a local guide. The cool mountain air and rolling green pastures offer a serene backdrop for gentle acclimatization. Keep an eye out for endemic bird species flitting among the trees.
Pause for a riverside picnic of fresh bread, goat cheese, and tropical fruit under a canopy of palms. Continue along hidden pathways that reveal panoramic views of the valley below. Learn about traditional cattle herding practices from nomadic herders you meet on the trail.
Return to Dschang for a cozy dinner at a hillside eatery overlooking the sunset. Share stories of the day’s discoveries over cups of fragrant coffee grown in nearby villages. End the night with a quiet reflection under a sky ablaze with stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a cafe | $1-3 |
| 🍽Mid-range restaurant meal | $12-25 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-6 |
| 🏨1-night budget hotel | $25-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Cool climate and scenic highland landscapes
- Friendly locals and rich culture
- Affordable travel compared to coastal cities
- Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure in town
- Some services may be basic outside the city
- Roads can be rough in the rainy season
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "Parlez-vous anglais?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est le marché?" - Where is the market?
- "Combien cela coûte?" - How much does it cost?
Places to Visit in Dschang
Visit one of these nice places.
A tranquil lake on the plateau offering reflections of the surrounding hills and occasional waterfowl.
Ridge viewpoints that provide sweeping panoramas of the Western Highlands, especially dramatic at sunrise.
Historic buildings and green courtyards ideal for architecture and portrait photography.
Vibrant scenes of textiles, produce, and daily life perfect for human-interest and street photography.
Food in Dschang
Dschang Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A bitter-leaf stew with peanut sauce, usually served with cassava, plantains, or rice.
Must-Try!
Chicken with plantains and vegetables; a celebratory, hearty dish common in households.
Corn-based fufu paired with a green leafy soup and meat or fish.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant center for fresh produce, roasted maize, yams, and ready-to-eat stews from street vendors.
Smaller village market offering seasonal produce and craft snacks; ideal for tasting locally sourced ingredients.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Offer a warm greeting with a handshake and a simple 'bonjour' or local greeting; show respect to elders and community leaders.
Cover shoulders and knees in most public settings; more relaxed in urban or tourist areas but modesty is appreciated.
Avoid loud behavior in markets and religious spaces; speak calmly and politely in all interactions.
Safety
Tipping in Dschang
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, small tips or 5–10% for good service are common; taxis and market vendors do not expect tips but are welcome for good service.
Cash in local currency (XAF) is widely used; some places accept USD for larger purchases. Mobile money (for example MTN Mobile Money) is increasingly common for smaller payments and tips.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cool daytime temperatures with clear skies; ideal for hikes and outdoor photography. Nights can be chilly; bring a light jacket.
Frequent showers and lush greenery; trails may be muddy. Pack a rain jacket and waterproof footwear; plan extra time for travel.
Dschang at Night
Hiking in Dschang
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Steep, scenic trails with panoramic views over the Western Highlands; best with a local guide during the dry season.
Gentle to moderate forest walks around the lake, offering birdlife and shaded paths.
Lush forest trails near Nyasoso featuring waterfalls, diverse flora, and quiet viewpoints.
Airports
How to reach Dschang by plane.
Main international gateway; road connections to Dschang and other inland towns. Travel times vary with road conditions.
National hub with regional connections; longer drive to Dschang but feasible by road.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A major ethnic group in the Western Highlands with strong market traditions, crafts, and chieftaincy structures.
A significant academic community at the University of Dschang adds youthful energy and cultural diversity.
Surrounding villages contribute to the agricultural backbone of the region, shaping seasonal rhythms and markets.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The dominant sport in the region; played informally on streets and in school fields.
Common in schools and community centers with local leagues and pickup games.
Cultural demonstrations featuring traditional athletic events during festivals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Dschang.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can enjoy vegetable stews, beans, corn or cassava dishes; ask for vegetable-based sauces and non-meat stock.