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Traveling to Cameroon is a fantastic opportunity, but it’s important to be prepared for the realities of the country. This list will give you the information you need to make informed decisions about your trip. Be sure to check it out before you go!
The Republic of Cameroon, known as “Africa in miniature,” is a country in west central Africa. It is bordered on the north by Chad, on the south by Gabon and the Republic of Congo, on the west by Nigeria, and on the east by Equatorial Guinea and the Central African Republic. Its population of 28 million people speaks 250 different native languages. Its economic and political capitals are Douala and Yaoundé, respectively, with Paul Biya as its head of state.
1. Languages
French, English, and Pidgin English are all recognized as official languages in Cameroon.
2. Currency
For now CFA FRANC is the currency used in Cameroon. (Communauté Financière Africaine)
- €1 is approximately 655FCFA
- $1 is approximately 600FCFA
Ensure to always refer to the latest convention rates due to fluctuation.
3. Documents
Before traveling to Cameroon, you must possess the following:
- A valid passport for a minimum of six months after the date of entrance into Cameroon or
- A laisser passer
- A PDF version of a negative coronavirus PCR test obtained within 72 hours of boarding your flight to Cameroon is available and
- A certificate for yellow fever.
NB: Cameroon does not recognize adults who have dual nationality. You should not attempt to enter Cameroon using a Cameroonian passport if you are an adult who once held Cameroonian citizenship but now holds British citizenship or if you are still in possession of that passport due to the fact that it is against the law to do so.
4. Climate
In the nation, the dry and wet seasons rotate; each lasts for six months, with the dry season typically lasting from November to April.
5. Religion
Christianity, Islam, and traditional beliefs are all practiced in Cameroon.
6. The 10 regions
Adamawa
This region, which includes Ngaoundere as its capital, is a hilly border territory between the Southern woodlands and savannahs of Northern Cameroon. Since it is the source of many of the major rivers in the country, it is constantly referred to as Cameroon’s watershed. This province can only be compared to the American Far West because of its abundance of wide areas and ranches that transform it into a large grazing zone. The Adamawa region is the place to come for individuals who like soya kilichi and big game hunting.
Centre
The capital of this area is Yaoundé, which also serves as the nation’s political center. Trekking, camping, picnics, ecotourism, agrotourism, and exploration are all great things to do here. The Ebogo site, which is around 60 kilometers outside of Yaoundé and close to Mbalmayo, is the main tourist attraction in the region.
East region
Due to the presence of huge trees in the area, Bertoua, which acts as its capital, is also known as “the country of the rising sun.” A substantial agropastoral zone for cattle, sheep, and goats exists in this region. This region is also suitable for exploration, ecotourism, legal hunting, photo safaris, and other activities.
Far North
Maroua serves as this province’s capital. The landscape of the area is dominated by steppes and grassland savannah, and Waza National Park is remarkable for being the most well-liked and well-known dark in all of French-speaking Africa.
Littoral
Douala, Cameroon’s economic capital, also serves as the region’s capital. Along the littoral region, often known as the Coast, colonial architecture and monuments can be found. Because of its beautiful bays and white-sand beaches, this location is ideal for beach vacations.
North
Garoua is the regional city of this area. The three national parks (Benoue, Boubandjida, and Faro) that comprise this area contain the most distinctive species of Cameroonian . There are other options for sport fishing, hunting, and photographic expeditions.
North West
This region, which has Bamenda as its capital, is one of the country’s English-speaking areas. The climate in the area encourages tourism. This area’s grassland environment is highlighted by mountain ranges, deep valleys with intermittent rivers and waterfalls, and numerous rivers. It’s a breathtaking sight.
South
The region’s capital is Ebolowa. As you visit this area, you may take in the beauty of the surrounding natural forest, engage with the Pygmies who were the forest’s first residents, view stunning waterfalls, and learn about the early missionaries and the history of Cameroon’s colonization.
South West
This is the country’s second English-speaking region, and has Buea as the regional capital. Due to substantial agro-industrial activity and abundant rainfall, this region is characterized by a rich, green vegetation cover. This area is ideal for/rich in tourist attractions; you can appreciate the colonial structures and monuments, lovely botanical gardens, national Parks, and lovely.
West
The province’s capital is Bafoussam. In compared to the French Auverge region, the West region is the origin of the Bamileke and is rich in natural traits of this species.
7. Ways of transportation
Residents and visitors have access to trains, roads, rivers, airplanes, and pipelines, but the principal modes of transportation in cities are taxis and motorbike taxis, also known as bendskins.
Cameroon has four international airports:
- Douala international Airport,
- Yaoundé Nsimalen international Airport
- Garoua and Maroua Airports.
Among the airlines that fly out of Douala and Yaoundé airports are Camair-co, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Air France, Royal Air Maroc, Turkish Airlines, Swissair, and Brussels Airlines.
8. Health
- In Cameroon, there is a cholera outbreak. To avoid it, follow the safe food and water instructions and wash your hands frequently
- Confirm that your COVID-19 vaccines are up-to-date before traveling to Cameroon.
- The following vaccinations are recommended for Cameroon by the CDC and WHO: hepatitis A and B; typhoid; cholera; yellow fever; rabies; meningitis; polio; measles; Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis); mumps and rubella (MMR); chickenpox; shingles; pneumonia; and influenza.
9. Cameroun Dishes
Cameroon’s cuisine includes Ndole, fufu, and eru; Njamah Njamah; Sangha; yellow soup; and Achu; Mbongo chiobi; Egusi pudding; Kondre; pilé; Kwacoco; Ekwang; Mpou fish; and poisson braisé (roasted fish).
10. Cameroon’s important days
- 1st of January: New year’s Day
- 11th February: Youth Day
- 15th of April Good Friday
- 17th of April Easter Sunday
- 1st of May: Labour Day
- 2nd of May: Eid al-Fitr
- 3rd of May: Labour Day Observed
- 20th of May: National Day
- 26th: Ascension Day
- 9th of Juliet: Eid al-Adha (feast of sacrifice)
- 15th of August: Assumption of Mary
- 8th of October: The Prophet’s Birthday
- 25th of December: Christmas
- 26th of December: Christmas Day Observed