How to summarize Cameroon? Because, let’s be honest, despite its appearance as an isolated country on the global tourist scene, Cameroon is home to incredible wonders!
Located in the heart of Central Africa, Cameroon is divided into 10 regions and shares its borders with the Central African Republic, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, and Chad. Covering an area of 475,442 square kilometers, it is home to a bilingual population of over 27.9 million people, with French and English as its official languages.
Composed of over 200 ethnic groups, the country offers a true blend of cultures, making it a miniature Africa. With its coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, Cameroon boasts beautiful beaches and breathtaking landscapes. If you’re considering traveling to Cameroon, here are some places you absolutely should visit.
The beaches of Kribi
For beach enthusiasts, a visit to Kribi is a must, as it is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Cameroon. To get there, you simply need to spend around 5000 FCFA at a travel agency in Yaoundé or Douala. On the way, you’ll have the opportunity to taste mintumba (a dish made from cassava dough, palm oil, and salt, all wrapped in banana leaves) and mabang (a type of dried fish with chili, which is known to make you cry).
The city offers numerous accommodations, including hotels, motels, furnished apartments, and villas, all suited to different budgets. The restaurants line the seafront, serving freshly caught fish from local fishing boats. You can visit the famous fish market and buy fresh seafood, as well as explore the Kribi Autonomous Port. Not far from there are the Lobé Falls, where, aboard a canoe, you can witness one of the rare phenomena in the world where the sea and the river meet without mixing. Finally, don’t forget to stay hydrated with some coconut juice by the beach
Mount Cameroon
If you’re an adventurer at heart, then this place is perfect for you! Located in Limbe, another paradise-like city, Mount Cameroon is one of the highest peaks in the country. At 4,000 meters above sea level, it is a prime destination for hikers seeking thrilling experiences. The ascent takes you through dense equatorial forests and vast meadows. You can complete the climb and descent in a single day, or opt to spend a night in one of the lodges situated over 2,000 meters up. The climb is generally challenging, covering 27 kilometers round trip. Beginners might choose to stick to the lower slopes of the mountain.
Campo Ma’an National Park
Located in the South Region along the Gulf of Guinea, this park is a natural wonder worth visiting in Cameroon. Nature lovers will find rare and exotic species here. While the park is home to endearing pachyderms, giant elands, unsettling crocodiles, fascinating lions, and a multitude of birds, it is especially known for its primates.
Indeed, Campo Ma’an is home to chimpanzees and gorillas thriving in a range of diverse yet confined landscapes. Did you know that Campo Ma’an National Park is funded by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and is recognized for its timber and oil palm plantations? Established as a national park in 2000, it was created to protect its biological diversity from the impacts of deforestation and pipelines. To date, the species inventory includes approximately: 1,500 plant species, 80 large and medium-sized mammals, 390 invertebrates, 249 fish species, 112 reptiles, 80 amphibians, and more than 302 bird species. With this impressive number of birds, Campo Ma’an National Park is classified by BirdLife International as an “Important Bird and Biodiversity Area.
The Kola gorges
Located in the far north, the Kola Gorges are one of the main natural attractions in the Northern Region of Cameroon. Shaped by the artistic genius of nature, they are a gigantic open-air work of art that houses a lovely waterfall. The name of the gorges comes from the original inhabitants of the area, known as the Kola, a Daba tribe from the Diamaré department.
The gorges consist of rocks smoothed by the flow of water. This rocky passage, 700 meters long and 200 meters wide, is also called the “Little Canyon of Cameroon,” through which the Mayo Louti, a seasonal river tributary of the Benue, meanders. It is a corridor with steep walls 30 meters deep, best visited when water levels are low, as it is not accessible during the rainy season. If you visit Kola, you will likely hear about the terrifying legend of the Kola Gorges, which tells that the devil has a chamber in one of the caves of the gorge. This cave is known as the “Devil’s Apartment,” and many Fulani rites have been performed there to drive the devil away. In any case, you will leave with wonderful memories.
The Dschang climate center
Located in the Western Region of Cameroon, the Dschang Climate Center is the first vacation village in Central Africa and is part of the city’s architectural heritage. The facility served as a place of acclimatization and rest for French colonists. The site offers numerous accommodations, including traditional boukarous (thatched huts). You can relax and enjoy the large swimming pool and tennis court, but the most amazing feature is the beautiful view of the city from the gardens of the Climate Center. In Dschang, you will also have the privilege of visiting the magnificent Museum of Civilizations located at the entrance of the city near the lake. There, you will find over 500 artifacts, explanatory panels, maps, and audiovisual displays that allow visitors to rediscover Cameroon and its tribes.
The Ekom Nkam Falls
The Ekom Nkam Falls are the most beautiful waterfalls in Cameroon. They feature two cascades: one that flows continuously regardless of the season, and the other only during the rainy season. For a bit of trivia, some scenes from the film Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan starring Christophe Lambert were shot at this location. It’s easy to see why this film chose the site for filming—it is a natural oasis where the water is surrounded by lush vegetation. The Ekom Nkam Falls are located between Nkongsamba and Melong, not far from Bafoussam, the third largest city in Cameroon. Before embarking on a hike to the falls, you should visit the tourist information center, pay a small fee for entry, and hire a guide to take you there.
Cameroon is full of numerous destinations perfect for your vacation. Whether you’re seeking new experiences or thrills, you will undoubtedly be satisfied. If you can’t make the trip yourself, you can send money to your loved ones so they can go on vacation. Just use Transfergratis to send funds; withdrawals in Cameroon can be made via MTN Mobile Money, Orange Money, or bank deposit. It’s fast, reliable, and most importantly, free!
