Cameroon travel guide
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.
Places worth the trip
Mount Cameroon
An active volcano rising more than 4,000 metres above the Gulf of Guinea, the highest mountain in West and Central Africa. Guided treks of two or three days climb through forest and grassland to the summit.
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. The town is also known for its crafts.
Dja Faunal Reserve
A large, UNESCO-listed area of rainforest almost completely surrounded by the Dja river, with gorillas, chimpanzees and forest elephants. Visits require planning with experienced local guides.
Yaoundé
The hilly capital, with the National Museum in the former presidential palace, the Mvog-Betsi zoo and Mont Fébé, which overlooks the city.
Korup National Park
One of Africa's oldest rainforests, near the Nigerian border, home to a great variety of primates, birds and plants. Access depends on current conditions in the region.
Interesting facts about Cameroon
- The name Cameroon comes from the Portuguese 'Rio dos Camarões', meaning 'river of prawns', given to the Wouri river by fifteenth-century sailors.
- Cameroon has around 250 languages, and French and English are both official.
- In 1990 Cameroon became the first African team to reach the quarter-finals of the men's football World Cup.
- King Ibrahim Njoya of the Bamum created his own writing system for the Bamum language around 1900.
- Debundscha, near Mount Cameroon, is one of the wettest places on earth.
Best time to visit Cameroon
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. The north is hot and dry for much of the year, with a single rainy season in summer.
Getting around
Buses run by private companies connect the main cities, including Douala, Yaoundé, Kribi and Bafoussam. Shared taxis and motorbike taxis handle shorter trips, and trains run on some lines, including Yaoundé to Ngaoundéré. Road conditions vary widely, and some routes become difficult in the rainy season. Many visitors hire a car with a driver.
Practical details
- Capital
- Yaoundé
- Currency
- Central African CFA franc (XAF)
- Languages
- French, English
- Plug types
- C, E
- Voltage
- 220 V, 50 Hz
- Emergency
- 117 police, 118 fire; confirm ambulance numbers locally
- Driving side
- right
- Tipping
- Not obligatory. Small tips for guides, drivers and restaurant staff are appreciated.
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.
Useful apps
- Google Maps: Directions in the cities and offline maps for road journeys.
- Google Translate: French translation for the French-speaking regions, including camera mode.
- WhatsApp: Widely used to arrange drivers, guides and accommodation.
- XE Currency: Convert Central African CFA francs, which are pegged to the euro.
Cameroon travel FAQs
French is spoken in most of the country, while English is the main official language in the North-West and South-West regions. Cameroonian Pidgin English is also widely spoken.
Yes, modern phones work on local networks, with good coverage in cities. A travel eSIM gives you data from arrival, though coverage drops in rainforest and remote areas.
Yes, with a registered local guide, usually starting from Buea. The climb is demanding and the summit can be cold. Check your government's travel advice for the region before planning.
Yes. Most payments are made in cash, and cards are accepted only in some larger hotels and supermarkets. ATMs are available in the main cities.