A little more
Cameroon.
A lot less roaming.

Travelling to Cameroon: what to know before you go

Cameroon is a Central African country often called 'Africa in miniature' because it packs rainforest, volcanic mountains, savannah, beaches and Sahel landscapes into one territory. It has hundreds of ethnic groups and languages, and both French and English are official. It suits adventurous travellers comfortable with basic infrastructure; check your government's travel advice, which may cover specific regions.

Where to go

• Mount Cameroon. An active volcano rising more than 4,000 metres above the Gulf of Guinea, the highest mountain in West and Central Africa.
• Limbe. A coastal town at the foot of Mount Cameroon, with black-sand beaches, a botanic garden from the colonial era and a wildlife centre caring for rescued primates.
• Kribi. The best-known beach area on the southern coast, with palm-fringed sand, fresh seafood and the Lobé Falls, which drop directly into the Atlantic.
• Foumban. The historic seat of the Bamum kingdom, with a royal palace and museum telling the story of its sultans and of King Njoya, who invented a script for the Bamum language.

Best time to visit

In most of the south, the drier months from about November to February are best, with easier road travel and better conditions for climbing Mount Cameroon. The rainy season varies by region, but in the south it generally runs from about March to October, with the heaviest rain in the middle of the year.

Staying online in Cameroon

Mobile coverage with 4G is good in Douala, Yaoundé and other large towns, and generally available along major roads. In rainforest areas, national parks and remote rural regions coverage is patchy or absent. Wi-Fi is available in mid-range hotels and some cafés, but can be slow or interrupted by power cuts. Mobile internet has at times been restricted in some regions. Download offline maps, install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.