Cameroon, in West Africa, is a mixture of desert plains in the north, mountains in the central regions, and tropical rain forest in the south. Cameroon’s tourist industry is a victim of geography. It is bordered by some problematic countries. But this shouldn’t put you off, as Cameroon really has everything a traveler could want. One of the most culturally diverse countries on the continent, its people include ancient tribal kingdoms, Muslim pastoralists and forest-dwelling pygmies.
The landscape is no less dizzying in its diversity. Mount Cameroon (4095m) is the highest peak in West Africa and attracts plenty of trekking interest. A still-active volcano, it rises almost straight from the sea in a spectacular manner.
You may enjoy with some fine palm-fringed beaches and fantastic seafood, throw in a cold beer or two, some lively home-grown makossa music and the Indomitable Lions of the national football team, and you’ll be revelling in your discovery.
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- Cameroon
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- Cameroon Highlands
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- Cameroon Map
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- Hilton Hotel Cameroon
Dangers:
The major cities, Douala and Yaoundé, both have reputations for petty crime, especially in the crowded central areas. The roads pose a greater risk, with plenty of badly maintained vehicles driven at punishing speeds.
Facts about Cameroon:
- Time: GMT/UTC +1
- Population: 16.4 million
- Borders: Nigeria, Chad, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Central Africa Republic (CAR) all open; borders with Democratic Republic of Congo sometime closed, check in advance
- Seasons: Hot year-round; north: wet (April to September); south: heavy rain (June to October)
- Telephone: Country code 237, international access code 00
- ATMs: At banks in large cities, linked to Visa
- Budget: US$40 per day
- Visas: Required by all, available in neighbouring countries for US$60
- Capital: Yaoundé
- Languages: French, English and many local languages
- Area: 469,440 sq km (a little smaller than Spain, a little bigger than California)
- Religion: Indigenous beliefs, Christian, Muslim
- Currency: CFA franc (Central African CFA; US$1 = CFA498)
- Life Expectancy: 48
- GDP per Capita: U.S. $1,700
- Literacy Percent: 79
