Overview of Cameroon
The beautiful country of Cameroon is situated on the Gulf of Guinea on the west coast of Africa, sandwiched between Nigeria to the north and Equatorial Guinea to the south. Cameroon is often proudly called 'Africa in Miniature' or 'Africa in One Country' due to the incredible variety of its natural landscapes, which include tropical rainforests, beaches, mountains, and deserts.
The area was a German protectorate until after World War I, when it was divided between the British and the French, with the French receiving the larger share and Britain controlling the northernmost strip along the Nigerian border.
French Cameroon achieved independence in 1960, and the largely Christian southern third of British Cameroon voted to join the Republic of Cameroon the following year. The northern two-thirds of British Cameroon, mainly Muslim, eventually joined Nigeria.
In recent years Cameroon has performed well economically, and today the country enjoys more political and social stability than most African countries. But many people still live in dire poverty and the country is run by an authoritarian president.
Tourism in Cameroon is limited but has been steadily increasing as people discover the charm and remarkable diversity of the country. Cameroon's relative stability and above average infrastructure make it a good choice for those tourists keen to travel off the beaten track in Africa. Moreover, visitors are attracted by the friendliness and hospitality of the locals as well as the fascinating cultural traditions.
The national parks and reserves in Cameroon lay claim to some of the richest flora and fauna in Africa. Southwest Cameroon is a mountainous region dominated by the highest mountain in West Africa, and Africa's highest active volcano, Mount Cameroon, which sits on the edge of the Gulf of Guinea and is a popular mountaineering destination.
On the coast there are lovely beaches around Limbé and at Kribi, while the north of the country boasts Cameroon's most famous national park, Waza National Park, with its huge numbers of elephant, giraffe, lion, antelope, and birdlife.
Yaoundé, the capital city, is situated on seven hills and has modern hotels, shops and markets. However, Douala is the biggest city and Cameroon's economic capital, positioned on the Wouri River a few miles from the coast.
Cameroon is a great destination for adventurous travellers keen to experience an African paradise which has a wealth of natural attractions to offer. As the name 'Africa in One Country' promises, a holiday in Cameroon is rewarding in its variety.
Key Facts
- Language:
- French and English are the official languages, although French is more commonly spoken and is the language of business. There are also numerous other African dialects.
- Passport/Visa:
-
All travellers require confirmed onward or return tickets and all necessary documents for next destination, as well as proof of sufficient funds for their stay. Visas on arrival can only be issued to those holding a prior approval from Le Delegue General de L'Immigration. All other visas must be acquired before travel to Cameroon. We recommend that passports be valid for six months after intended period of travel.
- Currency:
-
The official currency is the Central Africa CFA Franc (XAF), which is divided into 100 centimes. Cash is fairly easy to exchange, and Euros are by far the easiest currency to change for CFA francs. Credit cards have limited acceptance in Cameroon and most towns have ATMS.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin attachment plugs are in use.
Travel to Cameroon
Overview
Cameroon has a lot to offer tourists and the country has comparatively good infrastructure, making getting around easier than it is in much of West and Central Africa. The country is also considered comparatively safe for travellers, but the serious unrest in neighbouring Nigeria has led travel authorities to advise against travel to the extreme north of Cameroon and areas along the Nigerian border.
Unfortunately, many of Cameroon's best tourist attractions are in the north, including the Waza National Park with its wealth of wildlife, and the scenic splendour of the Mandara Mountains, a great favourite with hikers. Tourists intent on exploring the north of Cameroon will therefore have to take every possible safety precaution.
The cities of Yaounde and Douala are still popular with visitors and each offers a string of sightseeing opportunities and some good restaurants and hotels. The coastal getaway of Limbe is probably the most popular destination with foreigners in Cameroon and apart from the lovely beaches the town has an old-world colonial atmosphere which enchants visitors.
Cameroon deserves the affectionate adage of 'Africa in One Country' and is one of the gems of the African tourism scene, with beaches, mountains, wildlife, and rolling savanna enough to delight almost anybody.
Climate in Cameroon
The climate in Cameroon varies according to the region. In the south, the dry season runs from November to February; there is a short rainy season from March to June and the big rains come between August and September.
The average temperature in the south of Cameroon is 79°F (26°C). The climate on the coast of Cameroon is tropical and extremely wet; coastal areas sometimes receive rain in excess of 30ft (9m).
On the other extreme, the north of Cameroon is very dry with a rainy season which technically lasts from May to the end of September but which brings little rain; drought is a way of life in the far north. Both the semi-arid north and the tropical coastal belt can get very hot and the coast tends to be humid.
The best time to visit Cameroon is the dry months between November and February. At this time of year it can be hot and windy but it is the best time to view wildlife and to hit the beautiful beaches. Note that during the wet season many of the roads become very difficult to negotiate due to mud and flooding, which is why most of the national parks close during the wet season.
Health Notes when travelling to Cameroon
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers older than one year of age to Cameroon. There is a risk of malaria throughout the country and prophylaxis is recommended for all travellers. Vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A, typhoid, polio (booster), and hepatitis B.
A meningococcus vaccination may also be recommended for those travelling to Cameroon during the dry season, which runs from November to June. Cholera outbreaks do occur in Cameroon, particularly between the months of December and June. Travellers should drink only boiled or bottled water.
Medical facilities are very limited with frequent shortages of medication and outdated equipment; visitors should ensure they have comprehensive medical insurance, which includes emergency air evacuation. Doctors and hospitals generally expect immediate cash payment.
If you require prescription medication while travelling it is best to bring it with you into Cameroon; make sure you have all the relevant documents from your doctor to get the medication through customs.
Safety Notes when travelling to Cameroon
Occurrences of banditry and mugging are serious problems throughout the country, and car hijacking and robbery along roads has resulted in several deaths. Many foreign governments advise against travel to the areas bordering the Central African Republic and Chad, as well as to the area bordering Nigeria in the region of the Bakassi Peninsula.
If travelling in the north it is advisable to do so in a convoy and to limit travel to daylight hours. Incidents of robbery, often armed, are common in towns and cities and visitors should be vigilant in public places. Armed attacks have occurred at restaurants and hotels where foreigners are known to stay and eat, and travellers are advised to avoid carrying valuables or wearing jewellery in public, and to keep cash on person to a minimum.
Petty theft is also common on public transport and travellers should try and avoid travelling alone in taxis, especially at night. The safety and reliability of internal flights in Cameroon cannot be vouched for. Women should be wary and dress conservatively as Cameroon, while generally friendly, is strongly patriarchal and violence towards women is not unheard of.
Customs in Cameroon
Law requires that everyone carry identification at all times. It is forbidden to take photographs of ports, airports, government buildings, and military sites. Homosexuality is illegal.
Duty Free in Cameroon
Travellers to Cameroon do not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 5 packs tobacco; 1 bottle of alcohol; and 5 bottles perfume. Entry to the country with sporting guns requires a licence.
Doing Business in Cameroon
Cameroon is ranked higher than most Central African countries for ease of doing business and the comparatively good infrastructure is a big help in this regard. For meetings, lightweight suits are appropriate and handshakes are a common method of greeting for men and women.
Greetings often take time and it is important to enquire about health and family and exchange business cards. Office hours are generally 7.30am until 6pm, Monday to Friday, with a one to two hour lunch break. Most businesses are also open on Saturdays between 8am and 1pm.
Communication in Cameroon
The international dialling code for Cameroon is +237 and city codes are not required. There is mobile coverage mainly in Yaoundé, Malabo, and the southwest of the country, with the main mobile providers being MTN and Orange. Internet cafes are available in the main cities and towns, while wifi coverage is avaialbe in most regions. There are numerous options for internet service providers.
Tipping in Cameroon
If service charges are not included a tip of about 10 percent is customary.
Passport/Visa Note
All travellers require confirmed onward or return tickets and all necessary documents for next destination, as well as proof of sufficient funds for their stay. Visas on arrival can only be issued to those holding a prior approval from Le Delegue General de L'Immigration. All other visas must be acquired before travel to Cameroon. We recommend that passports be valid for six months after intended period of travel.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
-
US nationals require a valid passport and a visa to enter Cameroon.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
-
Canadians require a valid passport and a visa to enter Cameroon.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
-
UK nationals require a valid passport and a visa to enter Cameroon.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
-
Australians require a valid passport and a visa to enter Cameroon.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
-
Irish nationals require a valid passport and a visa to enter Cameroon.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
-
New Zealand nationals require a valid passport and a visa to enter Cameroon.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
-
South Africans require a valid passport and a visa to enter Cameroon.
Tourist Offices
Cameroon Ministry of Tourism, Yaounde: +237 222 22 29 36 or http://www.mintour.gov.cm
Cameroon Embassies
- In the United States:
-
Cameroon Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 265 8790.
- In Canada:
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Cameroon High Commission, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 236 1522 ext. 221
- In the United Kingdom:
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Cameroon Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7727 0771.
- In Australia:
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Cameroon Consulate, Sydney, Australia: +61 2 9989 8414.
- In Ireland:
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Cameroon Consulate, Dublin, Ireland: +353 83 031 2631
- In South Africa:
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Cameroon High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 460 0341.
Foreign Embassies in Cameroon
- American Embassy
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United States Embassy, Yaoundé: +237 2220 1500.
- Canadian Embassy
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Canadian High Commission, Yaoundé (also responsible for Australia): +237 222 50 39 00.
- British Embassy
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British High Commission, Yaoundé: +237 222 22 07 96.
- South African Embassy
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South African High Commission, Yaoundé: +237 2220 0440.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Cameroon
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hide Vaccines and Medicines
Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
| | Find Out Why | Protect Yourself |
All travelers You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel. |
| Routine vaccines | Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. |   |
| Yellow Fever | Required if traveling from a country with risk of YFV transmission and ≥9 months of age, including transit >12 hours in an airport located in a country with risk of YFV transmission.1 Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months of age. |  |
Most travelers Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting. |
| Hepatitis A | CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Cameroon, regardless of where you are eating or staying. |  |
| Malaria | You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria. See more detailed information about malaria in Cameroon. |  |
| Typhoid | You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Cameroon. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater. | |
Some travelers Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US. |
| Polio | If you will be doing work in Cameroon that might put you in contact with someone who has polio (for example, in healthcare facilities, refugee camps, or other humanitarian aid settings), you may need a polio vaccine before your trip. (There have been cases of polio in neighboring Nigeria, and there is a risk of cross-border transmission.) - If you were vaccinated against polio as a child but have never had a polio booster dose as an adult, you should get this booster dose. Adults need only one polio booster in their lives.
- If you were not completely vaccinated as a child or do not know your vaccination status, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated.
| |
| Cholera | Cholera is a risk in parts of Cameroon. CDC recommends this vaccine for adults who are traveling to an area of active cholera transmission. Most people do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission. Avoiding unsafe food and water can also prevent many cholera infections. Cholera is rare in travelers but can be severe. Certain factors may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease (more information). | |
| Hepatitis B | You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures. |   |
| Meningitis (Meningococcal disease) | CDC recommends this vaccine if you plan to visit parts of Cameroon located in the meningitis belt during the dry season (December–June), when the disease is most common. | |
| Rabies | Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Cameroon, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups: - Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to Cameroon
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
|  |
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Required if traveling from a country with risk of YFV transmission and ≥9 months of age, including transit >12 hours in an airport located in a country with risk of YFV transmission.1
Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months of age.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Cameroon, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria. See more detailed information about malaria in Cameroon.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Cameroon. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
If you will be doing work in Cameroon that might put you in contact with someone who has polio (for example, in healthcare facilities, refugee camps, or other humanitarian aid settings), you may need a polio vaccine before your trip. (There have been cases of polio in neighboring Nigeria, and there is a risk of cross-border transmission.)
- If you were vaccinated against polio as a child but have never had a polio booster dose as an adult, you should get this booster dose. Adults need only one polio booster in their lives.
- If you were not completely vaccinated as a child or do not know your vaccination status, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated.
Cholera is a risk in parts of Cameroon. CDC recommends this vaccine for adults who are traveling to an area of active cholera transmission. Most people do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission. Avoiding unsafe food and water can also prevent many cholera infections. Cholera is rare in travelers but can be severe. Certain factors may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease (more information).
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
CDC recommends this vaccine if you plan to visit parts of Cameroon located in the meningitis belt during the dry season (December–June), when the disease is most common.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Cameroon, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
- Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to Cameroon
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
Key
- Get vaccinated
- Take antimalarial meds
- Eat and drink safely
- Prevent bug bites
- Keep away from animals
- Reduce your exposure to germs
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Top
Hide Stay Healthy and Safe
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Cameroon, so your behaviors are important.
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
- Food that is cooked and served hot
- Hard-cooked eggs
- Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
- Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
- Food served at room temperature
- Food from street vendors
- Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
- Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
- Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
- Unpasteurized dairy products
- ”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
- Bottled water that is sealed
- Water that has been disinfected
- Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
- Carbonated drinks
- Hot coffee or tea
- Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
- Tap or well water
- Ice made with tap or well water
- Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
- Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Hide Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Cameroon. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
- Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
- Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
- Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
- DEET
- Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
- IR3535
- Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
- Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
- Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?
Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.
For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.
Note: Zika is a risk in Cameroon. For more information, see Zika Travel Information.
Hide If your travel plans in Cameroon include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
- Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
- Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
- Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
- Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
- If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
- Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
- Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
- Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
- Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
- Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
- Do not dive into shallow water.
- Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
- Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
- To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Cameroon. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.
Hide Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
- Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
- Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
- Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
- Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
- If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
- Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
- Go to a doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Hide Reduce your exposure to germs
Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
- If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
Hide Avoid sharing body fluids
Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.
Protect yourself:
- Use latex condoms correctly.
- Do not inject drugs.
- Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
- Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
- If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
Hide Know how to get medical care while traveling
Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:
- Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
- Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
- Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
- Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Cameroon’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
- Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Malaria is a risk in Cameroon. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.
Hide Select safe transportation
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
- Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
- Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
- Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
- Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
- Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
- Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
- Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
- Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
- Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
- Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
- Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
- Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
- Wear a seatbelt at all times.
- Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
- When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
- Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Cameroon may be poor.
- Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
- Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
- If you choose to drive a vehicle in Cameroon, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
- Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
- Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
- Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
- If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
- Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.
Hide Maintain personal security
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Before you leave
- Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
- Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
- Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
- Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
- Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
- Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
- Follow all local laws and social customs.
- Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
- Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
- If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
Hide Top
Hide Healthy Travel Packing List
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Cameroon for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
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Hide Travel Health Notices
Be aware of current health issues in Cameroon. Learn how to protect yourself.
Alert Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions
- Polio in Nigeria July 21, 2017 The Nigerian Ministry of Health has reported several cases of poliovirus in the state of Borno in northeastern Nigeria. CDC recommends that all travelers to Nigeria be fully vaccinated against polio. Because of the risk of cross-border transmission, CDC recommends a one-time booster dose of polio vaccine for fully vaccinated adults traveling to Niger, Cameroon, or Chad to work in healthcare facilities, refugee camps, or other humanitarian aid settings.
Top
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.
For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.
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Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The official currency is the Central Africa CFA Franc (XAF), which is divided into 100 centimes. Cash is fairly easy to exchange, and Euros are by far the easiest currency to change for CFA francs. Credit cards have limited acceptance in Cameroon and most towns have ATMS.
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Exchange rate for 1 XAF - Central African CFA Franc
|
0.00 BMD
Bermudan Dollar
|
0.00 EUR
Euro
|
0.00 USD
U.S. Dollar
|
0.00 GBP
U.K. Pound Sterling
|
0.19 JPY
Japanese Yen
|
0.00 CAD
Canadian Dollar
|
0.00 CHF
Swiss Franc
|
0.00 AUD
Australian Dollar
|
0.04 UAH
Ukrainian Hryvnia
|
0.57 KZT
Kazakhstani Tenge
|
2.56 LBP
Lebanese Pound
|
0.00 LYD
Libyan Dinar
|
0.01 BOB
Bolivian Boliviano
|
0.18 NPR
Nepalese Rupee
|
0.00 OMR
Omani Rial
|
0.01 QAR
Qatari Rial
|
0.00 SGD
Singapore Dollar
|
0.01 SEK
Swedish Krona
|
0.01 TTD
Trinidad Tobago Dollar
|
0.02 VEF
Venezuelan Bolivar
|
0.08 DOP
Dominican Peso
|
0.01 HRK
Croatian Kuna
|
0.03 MXN
Mexican Peso
|
1.00 XOF
West African CFA Franc
|
0.01 PGK
Papua New Guinean kina
|
0.00 BSD
Bahamian Dollar
|
0.00 FJD
Fiji Dollar
|
0.04 HNL
Honduran Lempira
|
0.19 DZD
Algerian Dinar
|
2.03 MMK
Myanma Kyat
|
0.02 BWP
Botswana Pula
|
0.01 PEN
Peruvian Nuevo Sol
|
1.18 CLP
Chilean Peso
|
0.81 AMD
Armenia Dram
|
0.04 CZK
Czech Koruna
|
0.03 MDL
Moldova Lei
|
0.21 ISK
Icelandic Krona
|
5.00 UZS
Uzbekistan Sum
|
0.01 ILS
Israeli New Sheqel
|
0.00 JOD
Jordanian Dinar
|
0.00 KWD
Kuwaiti Dinar
|
0.05 UYU
Uruguayan Peso
|
0.06 MUR
Mauritian Rupee
|
0.05 NIO
Nicaraguan Córdoba
|
0.01 NOK
Norwegian Krone
|
0.01 PLN
Polish Zloty
|
0.01 SAR
Saudi Riyal
|
0.25 LKR
Sri Lanka Rupee
|
0.06 THB
Thai Baht
|
0.01 AED
U.A.E Dirham
|
0.01 BRL
Brazilian Real
|
0.01 RON
Romanian New Leu
|
0.01 HKD
Hong Kong Dollar
|
38.25 VND
Vietnamese Dong
|
0.02 ARS
Argentine Peso
|
0.00 XCD
East Caribbean Dollar
|
0.01 GTQ
Guatemalan Quetzal
|
0.02 MAD
Moroccan Dirham
|
0.00 BHD
Bahrain Dinar
|
0.00 PAB
Panamanian Balboa
|
0.00 AZN
Azerbaijan Manat
|
5.31 COP
Colombian Peso
|
0.12 KGS
Kyrgyzstan Som
|
0.48 HUF
Hungarian Forint
|
0.01 TJS
Tajikistan Ruble
|
23.29 IDR
Indonesian Rupiah
|
0.02 EGP
Egyptian Pound
|
2.03 KRW
South Korean Won
|
9.65 PYG
Paraguayan Guaraní
|
0.01 MYR
Malaysian Ringgit
|
0.92 CRC
Costa Rican Colón
|
0.00 NZD
New Zealand Dollar
|
0.18 PKR
Pakistani Rupee
|
0.11 RUB
Russian Rouble
|
0.03 ZAR
South African Rand
|
0.00 TND
Tunisian Dinar
|
0.00 BBD
Barbadian Dollar
|
0.00 BGN
Bulgarian Lev
|
0.01 TRY
Turkish Lira
|
0.08 PHP
Philippine Peso
|
0.06 TWD
New Taiwan Dollar
|
0.33 NGN
Nigerian Naira
|
0.18 XPF
CFP Franc
|
0.01 GHS
Ghanaian Cedi
|
0.21 JMD
Jamaican Dollar
|
0.00 ANG
Neth. Antillean Guilder
|
0.00 BND
Brunei Dollar
|
0.19 RSD
Serbian Dinar
|
0.01 CNY
Chinese Yuan
|
33.86 BYR
Belarussian Ruble
|
0.01 DKK
Danish Krone
|
0.01 TMT
New Turkmenistan Manat
|
0.11 INR
Indian Rupee
|
|
|
|
Exchange Rate for
U.S. Dollar to Central African CFA Franc
Exchange Rate for
Euro to Central African CFA Franc
Exchange Rate for
Canadian Dollar to Central African CFA Franc
Exchange Rate for
U.K. Pound Sterling to Central African CFA Franc
Exchange Rate for
Australian Dollar to Central African CFA Franc
Exchange Rate for
New Zealand Dollar to Central African CFA Franc
Exchange Rate for
South African Rand to Central African CFA Franc
Yaounde Nsimalen International Airport (NSI)
Yaounde Airport
Location: The airport is situated 12 miles (20km) from Yaounde.
Time: Local time is GMT +1.
Getting to the city:
There are taxi services available to the city and some hotels offer shuttles.
Car rental:
Car rental is available at the airport.
Airport Taxis:
Facilities:
Facilities include a bank and currency exchange, restaurants, bars, post office, various shops and duty-free, a tourist help desk, and a business centre.
Parking:
Short and long-term parking is available.
Douala Airport (DLA)
Douala International Airport
Location: The airport is situated six miles (10km) from Douala.
Time: Local time is GMT +1.
Getting to the city:
There are taxi services available to the city.
Car rental:
Car rental is available at the airport.
Airport Taxis:
Facilities:
Facilities include a bank, post office, shops, a restaurant and bar, and duty-free shopping.
Parking:
Overview of the Attractions in Cameroon
Cameroon has a lot to offer tourists and the country has comparatively good infrastructure, making getting around easier than it is in much of West and Central Africa. The country is also considered comparatively safe for travellers, but the serious unrest in neighbouring Nigeria has led travel authorities to advise against travel to the extreme north of Cameroon and areas along the Nigerian border.
Unfortunately, many of Cameroon's best tourist attractions are in the north, including the Waza National Park with its wealth of wildlife, and the scenic splendour of the Mandara Mountains, a great favourite with hikers. Tourists intent on exploring the north of Cameroon will therefore have to take every possible safety precaution.
The cities of Yaounde and Douala are still popular with visitors and each offers a string of sightseeing opportunities and some good restaurants and hotels. The coastal getaway of Limbe is probably the most popular destination with foreigners in Cameroon and apart from the lovely beaches the town has an old-world colonial atmosphere which enchants visitors.
Cameroon deserves the affectionate adage of 'Africa in One Country' and is one of the gems of the African tourism scene, with beaches, mountains, wildlife, and rolling savanna enough to delight almost anybody.
Limbe
A popular tourist haunt, Limbe is a gorgeous seaside city located on Cameroon's west coast. Set within a beautiful bay, against the backdrop of an imposing mountain range, Limbe was an important port city in colonial times and retains vestiges of this history, most notably in the form of a magnificent German-built Bismarck Tower overlooking Down Beach.
Down Beach, with its black sand and warm sea temperatures, is a favourite place for tourists to kick back and relax, while the nearby Limbe Wildlife Centre and Botanical Gardens are also worthwhile day trips. The tourism infrastructure is comparatively good in this little city and the people are friendly and interesting.
Limbe is said to boast the best nightlife of any Cameroonian city and tourists are sure to find it a fun-filled city as well as a relaxing stopover on their great African adventure; it is also a good base for excursions out into some of the country's wilderness areas, including Mount Cameroon, which looms above the city.
Limbe is about 190 miles (300km) west of Yaounde, on the N3 national road, and only 33 miles (53km) from Douala. It is generally considered the best Cameroonian city for tourists to visit and is certainly the most popular.
Yaounde
The capital of Cameroon and the second largest city in the country, after the port city of Douala, Yaounde is situated almost in the centre of the country, and is well positioned as a travel hub. It was founded in 1888 by German traders and later occupied by Belgian troops during World War I, after which it became the capital of French Cameroon.
The city remains the administrative, if not the commercial, hub of Cameroon, and the most popular city with tourists. It enjoys a higher standard of living and security than the rest of the country and has a number of decent hotels and restaurants as well as some interesting landmarks and tourist attractions.
Those interested in churches should visit the Cathedrale Notre Dame des Victoires, and the beautiful Basilique Marie-Reine-des-Apotres, said to be built on the site of the first missionary church in Cameroon.
The city has a wonderful art museum, the Musee d'Art Camerounais, which is housed in a former Benedictine monastery and showcases a valuable collection of masks, bronzes, and pottery. The National Museum is less impressive and rather small and neglected, although it is housed in the old presidential palace. The Mvog-Betsi Zoo is one of the better zoos in West and Central Africa and visitors can see gorillas, chimpanzees, lions, snakes, and a number of other animals that have been rescued from poachers.
Those keen to shop should try the Mfoundi and Mokolo markets and the Centre Artisanal, a government-owned craft market which boasts some wonderful wares but tends to be expensive. Yaounde has an international airport and is linked by rail to Douala and N'Gaoundere to the north. There are also a number of bus companies operating in the city and linking it to other destinations in Cameroon.
Waza National Park
Waza National Park is one of Cameroon's greatest assets for tourists; it is the country's most famous wildlife reserve and the most easily accessible one. The park is in the Logone-et-Chari department in the far north of Cameroon. It is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and renowned for its wealth of wildlife.
Visitors can expect to see elephants, giraffes, hippos, a variety of antelopes, monkeys and abundant birdlife, including ostriches. Although the park is known for its lions, the population has sadly been decimated by poachers, and although the majestic animals are still present they are now harder to find and sightings are considered lucky. The terrain of the park is mostly flat, made up of rolling plains and open savanna forests, meaning that it is great terrain for game viewing.
The park is inaccessible during the rainy season and is usually open to visitors between 15 November and 15 June, although there is no guarantee that these exact dates will be adhered to. The best time to visit Waza National Park is between March and April, when the animals congregate around waterholes and are easily observed. There is no accommodation within the reserve, but there are camps right by the entrance and there is accommodation in the nearby village of Waza. Guides are compulsory within the park.
Mandara Mountains
The Mandara Mountains are a volcanic range extending about 125 miles (200km) in northern Cameroon, along the border with Nigeria. Hiking in the remarkably beautiful landscapes of the Mandara Mountains is one of the most popular activities for tourists exploring Cameroon.
The spectacular rock formations and lush valleys and hills are interspersed with traditional villages with round huts, where visitors can experience authentic local culture. The Mofu ethnic group dominates the region and the hillside villages subsist mainly through terrace farming, with sorghum the principal crop.
One of the most famous of these villages is Rhumsiki, which is stunningly situated in rugged mountain scenery. Other notable villages worth a visit include Djingliya, Tourou, Koza, Maga, and Mora. Foreigners are likely to be welcomed warmly in all these villages and the best way to explore the lovely region is by trekking from village to village.
Unfortunately, the British Foreign Office, and a number of other travel authorities, warn against travel to the far north of Cameroon and particularly along the northern section of the Nigerian border. The Mandara Mountains are not considered safe for tourists because of the ongoing conflict just across the border in Nigeria, which may spill over into the otherwise peaceful mountains. Those adventurers who choose to ignore this advice and enjoy hiking in the region should take every possible safety precaution.
Public Holidays in Cameroon
| |
2020 |
2021 |
| New Year's Day |
Wed. January 1 |
Wed. January 1 |
| Youth Day |
Tue. February 11 |
Tue. February 11 |
| Good Friday |
Thu. April 10 |
Wed. April 2 |
| Labour Day |
Thu. May 1 |
Thu. May 1 |
| National Day |
Tue. May 20 |
Tue. May 20 |
| Ascension Day |
Wed. May 21 |
Tue. May 13 |
| Djouldé Soumaé |
Sat. May 24 |
Tue. May 13 |
| Tabaski |
Mon. August 11 |
Thu. July 31 |
| Assumption Day |
Fri. August 15 |
Fri. August 15 |
| Christmas Day |
Thu. December 25 |
Thu. December 25 |
