Things To Do
in Yaoundé
Yaoundé, the vibrant capital of Cameroon, is nestled among rolling hills and lush landscapes, showcasing the country's diverse natural beauty. It serves as the political and administrative hub, bustling with governmental institutions, embassies, and a mix of modern and traditional architectures that reflect its colonial past and African heritage.
The city is known for its lively markets, rich cultural scenes including museums and festivals, and being an educational center, it pulses with youthful energy from its numerous universities and schools.
- "Bonjour" - Hello
- "Comment ça va?" - How are you?
- "Merci beaucoup" - Thank you very much
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Au revoir" - Goodbye
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $15 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the impressive Basilique de Marie-Reine-des-Apotres. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and stunning architecture before grabbing a local breakfast.
Explore the National Museum of Cameroon to learn about the country's rich history and diverse culture. Don't forget to check out the lovely craft shops nearby for unique souvenirs.
Relax at Parc de la Réunification, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk and beautiful views. Wind down by dining at a local restaurant and savoring traditional Cameroonian dishes.
Visit the Arts and Culture Centre to experience local art and craft exhibitions. This is a great way to engage with the local creative community and understand Cameroonian culture.
Have lunch at a nearby eatery and then head to the Mvog-Betsi Zoo to see wildlife native to Cameroon. This interactive experience is perfect for animal lovers.
Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere in a local bar with live music. It's a great way to unwind and experience the nightlife of Yaoundé.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural diversity with a blend of indigenous and Francophone traditions.
- Strategic geographical location that serves as a trade hub in Central Africa.
- Availability of various educational institutions, including universities and vocational schools.
- Growing economy with sectors like agriculture, trade, and telecommunications.
- Access to natural resources and beautiful landscapes, including nearby national parks.
- Challenges with infrastructure and transportation, including traffic congestion.
- Issues with sanitation and waste management in some areas.
- Limited access to reliable healthcare facilities in certain neighborhoods.
- Experiences of political instability and social unrest can create uncertainty.
- High levels of poverty and unemployment in some communities.
Best Activities in Yaoundé
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the Mvog-Betsi Zoo to see a variety of native and exotic wildlife species.
Embark on a hiking adventure at Mount Cameroon, the highest peak in West Africa, located near Yaoundé.
Enjoy a leisurely day by Yaoundé Lake, with opportunities for boating, picnicking, and bird-watching.
Tours
Uncover the best of Yaoundé with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Yaoundé
Visit one of these nice places.
The Hilton Hotel offers a panoramic view of the city skyline and surrounding landscape, providing excellent photo opportunities.
This elevated area offers stunning views of Yaoundé, making it a prime location for capturing beautiful cityscape photographs.
The elevated areas within the zoo offer unique vantage points for capturing scenic views of Yaoundé and its natural surroundings.
Food in Yaoundé
Yaoundé Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty stew made with bitterleaf, nuts, and meat or fish, seasoned with aromatic spices. It's a popular dish in Yaoundé and can be found in local restaurants like La Fourchette or Muna Lounge.
Must-Try!
Sangah is a steamed dish made with cassava leaves, often cooked with meat or fish. Look for this traditional delicacy at places like Nandy’s Fast Food or Maquia Restaurant.
Koki is a savory steamed mix of black-eyed peas, onions, and spices. It is widely available at street food stalls and local eateries throughout Yaoundé.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Mokolo Market is a bustling hub of street food vendors and market stalls offering a wide variety of local delicacies such as grilled meat, corn on the cob, and fried plantains.
Nlongkak Market is known for its vibrant atmosphere and an array of street food options including grilled fish, spicy kebabs, and traditional snacks like puff-puff and beignets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Yaoundé, it is important to show respect for elders through gestures such as greetings and deference in speech and behavior.
Greetings are an important part of Cameroonian culture. It is customary to greet people when entering a room or before initiating a conversation.
Dressing modestly and conservatively is appreciated in Yaoundé, especially in more traditional and rural areas.
Safety
Tipping in Yaoundé
Ensure a smooth experience
In Yaoundé, tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated in restaurants, bars, and for certain services. A 10% tip is customary in upscale establishments, while in local eateries, rounding up the bill is common practice.
Cash is the most widely used form of payment in Yaoundé, although credit and debit cards are accepted in some hotels, upscale restaurants, and larger stores. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller vendors and establishments that do not accept cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Yaoundé with pleasant weather, clear skies, and lower humidity. Ideal for outdoor activities and wildlife spotting.
Expect heavy rainfall and high humidity during this period. The lush greenery and blooming flowers make it an excellent time for nature enthusiasts and bird watching.
Yaoundé at Night
Hiking in Yaoundé
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking destination that offers scenic views of Yaoundé and a lush environment, ideal for both casual walkers and serious hikers.
Located a bit further from Yaoundé, this park has trails that take you through diverse ecosystems and the chance to see various wildlife species.
This reserve features walking trails where visitors can explore the forest and observe primates in their natural habitat.
A scenic hiking area with trails that connect small villages, giving hikers a chance to experience local culture and stunning landscapes.
A trail that offers a blend of nature and culture, with views of the surrounding hills and the opportunity to meet local communities.
Aiports
How to reach Yaoundé by plane.
The main international airport serving Yaoundé, located approximately 40 km southeast of the city center.
The largest and busiest airport in Cameroon, located about 250 km from Yaoundé, serving numerous international flights.
Also known as Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport, it primarily operates domestic and a few international flights.
Located in N'Djamena, Chad, approximately 800 km north of Yaoundé, serves as an international connection point.
Located in Nigeria, about 600 km southwest of Yaoundé, it serves travelers heading to various destinations in Nigeria and beyond.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The Ewondo people are the largest ethnic group in Yaoundé, known for their rich cultural traditions and significant influence in the region.
Various Bantu groups inhabit Yaoundé, contributing to its cultural diversity and often engaging in agriculture and trade.
The Beti people, also significant in Yaoundé, are known for their distinct languages and customs.
The Fang ethnic group is also present in Yaoundé, recognized for their distinctive art and community structures.
The Maka are another demographic group found in and around Yaoundé, contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of the city.
The Yaka people are known for their traditional practices and crafts, adding to the cultural diversity of Yaoundé.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Yaoundé and throughout Cameroon. The city is home to several professional clubs and the national team, which has a significant following.
Basketball has gained popularity in recent years, with numerous local leagues and clubs promoting the sport among the youth in Yaoundé.
Rugby is increasingly popular in Yaoundé, with growing interest at both the amateur and professional levels, supported by local clubs and national competitions.
Athletics, including track and field events, is popular in Yaoundé, with various competitions attracting many participants and spectators.
Volleyball has a solid following in Yaoundé, with local clubs and tournaments fostering community engagement and sportsmanship.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Yaoundé.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Cameroonian cuisine is meat-heavy, many restaurants and cafes in Yaoundé now offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes such as plantain and vegetable stews, grilled plantains, and salads.
Visitors with gluten intolerances can enjoy dishes like grilled fish, plantain-based dishes, and fresh tropical fruits which are easily found and catered to at most food establishments.