1. Yaounde
Yaounde, the capital of Cameroon, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in West Africa, notwithstanding this fact. The city was meticulously built to be distributed over seven hills, resulting in long expanses of lush green and rising topography separating the city’s various structures. In addition to its design, the city has many attractions and is safe and secure. The local government buildings from the 1970s are, to put it mildly, unusual-looking and will appeal to cultural enthusiasts. Yaounde is the ideal city to include on any tour of the nation due to its strategic location.
2. Maroua
Maroua may not be as as lush and green, but it nevertheless has its own charms. The residents’ apparel adds a lot of color to the city despite the streets being noticeably red, sandy, and dusty and the buildings being a boring beige color. The vibrant markets of Maroua, one of the nicest cities in the nation, are a terrific way to see Cameroon culture. Travelers who want to visit the Mandara Mountains in the country’s north might make an excellent starting point at the city.
3. Limbe
The city of Limbe, which is located on the slopes of Mount Cameroon, an active volcanic peak, makes a fantastic base for tourists who want to enjoy the region’s natural beauties. Before visiting the adjacent waterfalls and national park, it is a fantastic idea to learn about the local wildlife and plants at the city’s botanical gardens. The mountain itself is a major challenge with a top elevation of more than 4,000 meters, however treks around the mountain’s base are still feasible for beginners without undertaking a full ascent. This region of Cameroon is ideal if you enjoy the outdoors and animals.
4. Douala
Douala has a reputation for being quite filthy and unsanitary, but this should not deter you from traveling there. In most respects, this is the largest city in Cameroon; its port, airport, and economic district are all among the biggest in the nation. You probably won’t have much time to unwind while you’re here because of all of these centers, which give the place a frantic and busy feeling. Despite this, the city is an excellent spot to see modern Cameroon and the few beauties it has to offer.
5. Waza National Park
Waza National Park is located around 180 km to the north of Maroua. The appearance of this park varies with the four seasons, but it is always an excellent site to see some of the most amazing animals the nation has to offer, including as elephants, giraffes, and hyenas. Self-drive cars are permitted in the park, although a guide is required. This is not always a negative thing because using a knowledgeable local guide increases your chances of seeing animals.
6. Bamenda
The enormous city of Bamenda, which serves as the capital of the north-western region of Cameroon, has all the services and amenities that tourists want. The city of Bamenda won’t likely hold your attention for more than a day or two, but it’s an excellent starting point for exploring the nation’s highlands, which are home to secluded communities and gorgeous, lush landscape. Finding some off-the-beaten-path guesthouses and eateries as well as mountain biking and hiking are all excellent activities in the area.
7. Foumban
The city of Foumban in Cameroon is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. The arts, music, and architecture are deeply ingrained in the city. Additionally, it is the Cameroonian city with the highest concentration of Muslims. With its Islamic influences, the city is very much like a fusion of North and West Africa. The city’s mosque is also worth a visit while you’re here, but the Royal Palace and the adjacent museum are the primary draws.
8. Bafoussam
This city may appear crowded and boring at first, but those who desire to explore will be rewarded. A superb, if not the greatest, example of a royal palace in Cameroon may be seen here, and the locals are highly kind to visitors. There are some truly hidden treasures to be discovered, and lodging in the city is reasonably priced. The city’s tribal museum, which is a part of the “Four Museums of Cameroon” initiative, is the primary tourist attraction.
9. Kribi
This is the home of paradise in Cameroon. The beaches here are stunning with white sand, blue sea and fresh fish served from the restaurants lining the seafront. There are plenty of hotels in the Kribi area and most are reasonably priced. If after lounging by the beach all day you are looking for something different to do, the Chutes de la Lobe waterfalls are just 8km due south from the town. The waterfalls cascade directly into the sea forming a truly memorable sight.
10. Korup National Park
With a vast evergreen forest covering 126,000 hectares, Korup National Park is a huge region. The park has permanent scientists, well-marked pathways, and is well-maintained. The park is home to several bird species, including hornbills and the incredibly uncommon red-headed rockfowl. Even though it’s unusual, visitors to the park can be fortunate enough to spot elephants or chimpanzees. The park’s road access can be challenging, particularly during the rainy season when the state of the roads deteriorates. It should be noted that it takes 7 miles to trek from the Mana footbridge to the chimpanzee camp, so be prepared.
11. Dja Faunal Reserve
One of the largest protected rainforest regions in Africa is the Dja Faunal Reserve. The Dja River, which serves as the reserve’s natural border, marks out 90% of the reserve’s undeveloped and protected woodland. 107 animals live in the reserve, including a wide range of primates for which it is most known. A local guide is advised because the location is not very accessible.
12. Mefou National Park
Mefou is a project run by volunteers just outside of Yaounde. The park is a rehabilitation centre for apes including chimps and gorillas. The staff at the national park are very helpful and can arrange a guided tour of the facilities if requested. The park is easily reached if you have your own vehicle. Just be sure to take enough food and drink for the day as the park’s facilities are limited in this respect.
13. Dschang
The population of this city, which is in Cameroon’s West province, has multiplied tenfold in the previous 20 years. The Museum of Civilization, which covers Cameroon’s past via its tribes and cultures, and the Center le Cinematique, a museum devoted to cinema, are the city’s top attractions. The Museum of Civilization is still a fantastic educational experience for tourists to Cameroon, despite the fact that the latter of these two attractions appears to have been overlooked recently.
14. Garoua
On the banks of the Benue River is where you’ll find Garoua, the northern region’s capital. The city is a bustling industrial center and a successful river port, shipping everything from crude oil to animal skins. Tourists frequently stay in Garoua and utilize the city as a base since there are several wildlife reserves in the nearby. While there aren’t many attractions in the city itself, there are utilities, guesthouses, and restaurants that make it a desirable spot to stay while visiting the nearby game reserves.
15. Campo Ma’an National Park
This enormous national park spans 264,000 hectares. The variety of the scenery included inside this huge region is as you might anticipate. Mammals, birds, and even sea turtles, who build their nests on the beaches in this area, call the varied scenery, which ranges from mountains to rainforest, home. The few modest hostels in the park are suitable for a few nights’ stay and are the best way to tour the area if you have your own car. The park is home to more than 300 different bird species throughout the year, in addition to more than 80 different types of animals. The WWF provides funding for the National Park, which is further supported by nearby plantations for palm oil and timber.
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