The southern parts of Cameroon has tropical rainforests and deserted golden beaches, whilst the northern parts have great expanses of desert, vast lakes and savannah, and volcanic mountains in-between. Wildlife is scattered throughout the country, with ample opportunity to view elephants, lions and other creatures large and small.
With such diversity and the possibility of game-viewing, it comes as a surprise to many that Cameroon is not a more frequently visited tourist destination. Yet poverty continues to blight the country and much of Cameroon's infrastructure is underdeveloped, from transport to accommodation.
Cameroon Travel Guide
Full Name
Republic of Cameroon
Former Name
French Cameroon
Capital City
Yaounde
Government Type
unitary republic; multiparty presidential regime (opposition parties legalized in 1990)
Area Size
At 475,442 square kilometres (183,569 sq mi), Cameroon is the world's 53rd-largest country.
Time Zone
UTC/GMT +1 hour
Climate
The climate varies according to the region. In the south, the dry season runs from November to February, the little rainy season from March to June and the big rains come between August and September. The average temperature is 26
Geography
sometimes referred to as the hinge of Africa; throughout the country there are areas of thermal springs and indications of current or prior volcanic activity; Mount Cameroon, the highest mountain in Sub-Saharan west Africa, is an active volcano. Cameroon is divided into five major geographic zones distinguished by dominant physical, climatic, and vegetative features. The coastal plain extends 15 to 150 kilometres inland from the Gulf of Guinea and has an average elevation of 90 metres. Exceedingly hot and humid with a short dry season, this belt is densely forested and includes some of the wettest places on earth. The South Cameroon Plateau rises from the coastal plain to an average elevation of 650 metres. Equatorial rainforest dominates this region, although its alternation between wet and dry seasons makes it is less humid than the coast. An irregular chain of mountains, hills, and plateaus known as the Cameroon range extends from Mount Cameroon on the coast
Languages
24 major African language groups, English (official), French (official)
Culture
Each of Cameroon's ethnic groups has its own unique cultural forms. Typical celebrations include births, deaths, plantings, harvests, and religious rituals. Music and dance are an integral part of Cameroonian ceremonies, festivals, social gatherings, and storytelling.Traditional dances are highly choreographed and separate men and women or forbid participation by one sex altogether.Traditionally, music is transmitted orally. In a typical performance, a chorus of singers echoes a soloist. Musical accompaniment may be as simple as clapping hands and stomping feet, but traditional instruments include bells worn by dancers, clappers, drums and talking drums, flutes, horns, rattles, scrapers, stringed instruments, whistles, and xylophones. Popular music styles include ambasse bey of the coast, assiko of the Bassa, mangambeu of the Bangangte, and tsamassi of the Bamileke. Cuisine varies by region, but a large, one-course, evening meal is common throughout the country. A typical dish is based on cocoyams, maize, manioc, millet, plantains, potatoes, rice, or yams, often pounded into dough-like fufu (cous-cous). This is served with a sauce, soup, or stew made from greens, groundnuts, palm oil, or other ingredients. Meat and fish are popular but expensive additions. Dishes are often quite hot, spiced with salt, red pepper, and Maggi. Water, palm wine, and millet beer are the traditional mealtime drinks, although beer, soda, and wine have gained popularity. Traditional arts and crafts are practices throughout the country for commercial, decorative, and religious purposes. Woodcarvings and sculptures are especially common. The high-quality clay of the western highlands is suitable for pottery and ceramics. Other crafts include basket weaving, beadworking, brass and bronze working, calabash carving and painting, embroidery, and leather working. Traditional housing styles make use of locally available materials and vary from temporary wood-and-leaf shelters of nomadic Mbororo to the rectangular mud-and-thatch homes of southern peoples. Dwellings made from materials such as cement and tin are increasingly common. National policy strongly advocates sport in all forms. Traditional sports include canoe racing and wrestling, and several hundred runners participate in the 40 km Mount Cameroon Race of Hope each year. Sport in Cameroon is dominated by football.
History
The former French Cameroon and part of British Cameroon merged in 1961 to form the present country. Cameroon has generally enjoyed stability, which has permitted the development of agriculture, roads, and railways, as well as a petroleum industry. Despite a slow movement toward democratic reform, political power remains firmly in the hands of an ethnic oligarchy headed by President Paul BIYA.
Travel Information
Yaounde Nsimalen International Airport (NSI) - The airport is situated 12 miles (20km) from Yaound
Accommodation
Good accommodation of international standard is available in Bamenda, Douala, Garoua, Maroua and Yaounde. The good hotels (government-rated 2-star and above) have air conditioning, sports facilities and swimming pools; most rooms have showers. Some large hotels will accept major credit cards. Rates are for the room only. Cheaper accommodation is also available. Accommodation for the popular Waza National Park, in the far north of the country, is available at the Campement du Buffl
Visa Requirements
Visa is required for citizens from the following countries; EU, Australia, Canada and USA.Note: Nationals not referred to are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements. Passport valid for a minimum of six months required by all nationals above, except those in transit continuing their journey on the first or same aircraft within 24 hours provided holding onward tickets and not leaving the airport. A yellow fever vaccination certificate must be presented on arrival by all travellers. Apply to Consulate or consular section at embassy. Visas are also available on arrival for countries where Cameroon has no diplomatic representation.
Getting Around
Flying is the most efficient means of national transport. There are daily flights between Douala and Yaound
Health & Safety
Traveller's diarrhoea is the most common complaint and precautions should be taken with regard to food and drink. Tap water should be avoided. There is a risk of malaria throughout the country and prophylaxis is recommended for all travellers. Recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, yellow fever, polio, meningococcal diseases and rabies. There are regular outbreaks of cholera, particularly between December and June. Visitors should avoid bathing in stagnant, fresh water due to the risk of bilharzia. HIV/AIDS is prevalent. 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. Occurrences of banditry and mugging are serious problems throughout the country, and car hijacking and robbery along roads has resulted in several deaths. Travellers are advised to avoid the Meiganga-Ngaoundere road and the Belel area. Incidents, often armed, are common in towns and cities and visitors should be vigilant in public places. Visitors should be cautious in the area surrounding the Mount Febe Hotel in Yaound
National Holidays
1 January - New Year's Day 11 February - National Youth Day 1 May - Labour Day 20 May - National Day 15 August - Assumption 1 October - Unification Day 25 December - Christmas Day
Currency
CFA Franc (BEAC) (XAF)
Electricity
220v AC
