Are you looking for an off the beaten track African destination away from the tourist crowds? Choose Cameroon!
Climate and Best Time to Visit
Cameroon has a sub-tropical climate. The average temperature in Cameroon is 23 Celsius throughout the year, although in the highlands where the project is based it can feel slightly cooler at times, especially in the evening and a sweater, trainers/walking boots and anorak are also needed along with hot weather clothes for during the day.
The sun can still be very strong through, despite cooler temperatures than drier African countries so do bring sun screen with you for the middle of the day when the sun is shining. Dress is fairly conservative, with jeans or cotton trousers and short sleeved shirts/normal t-shirts being the most practical and culturally sensitive clothes to wear although the country is open to all faiths and religions.
The hottest time of year is between January and April with average temperatures in the lowlands of 29 Celsius although again, cooler in the hills.
Best Things to Do in Cameroon
Whatever your area interest there are lots of places to explore in Cameroon.
Walks in the Forest
Bring good strong shoes/walking boots to take advantage of walks in the stunning forests of Cameroon. You can book wildlife trips to see exotic and endangered animals in their natural habitat.
Beaches
There are two main resort areas in Cameroon; Limbe and Kribi. Whilst Limbe is the biggest with its black sand following a volcano and English speaking, Kribi, is fast becoming a popular hang out with wealthy Cameroonians, expats and foreign tourists. In contrast to Limbe, Kribi boasts white sand beaches and the Lobe Waterfalls which drop straight down into the sea. Local people speak French.
Royal Palaces
Cameroon is full of Royal Palaces which are still lived in. They are well worth visiting and a Prince might show you round. The Bafut Palace north of Bamenda was originally the English author Gerald Durrell’s house. Prices are £1 for admission, £1.5 for cameras and £2.20 to get in the museum.
Ekom Falls
Take a drive past the spectacular Ekom Falls where the 1984 Legend of Tarzan film was filmed. You will need to hire a driver to see this untouched wonder of nature but the whole road is equally stunning with lush green rainforest all along the route.
Cameroon Travel Tips
Time difference from UK
GMT 0 or +1hrs
Do I need a visa for Cameroon?
All visitors to Cameroon require a visa. We will provide all the supporting documentation from Cameroon you will need. It is a good idea to allow at least 8 – 12 weeks to allow for processing time. All visa applications now require a visit in person to the Embassy in London to complete applications. If you are not in the UK, it is a good idea to check with your nearest Cameroon Embassy to see what their requirements are.
What do I need to pack?
I recommend you bring a mosquito net, DEET mosquito repellent, layered clothing for warm days and cool nights including anorak and umbrella, strong walking shoes or sturdy trainers suitable for muddy footpaths and wet grass out of town footpaths.
Language
French and English and ‘Cameroon English’ are spoken in Cameroon along with many hundreds of tribal languages and dialects. In most towns, English and ‘Cameroon English’ are widely spoken with only a few people who speak French.
What do I need to know about money?
The currency in Cameroon is the CFA Franc divided into 100 Centime. The currency code is XAF. There are places to change money on arrival in Douala. It is always a good idea to carry both cash and a VISA debit card as back up. Most shops and cafes do not accept cards. Having cash also means you do not need to regularly travel to collect money when you run out. If you run out of money completely, family can send money to Cameroon via a money transfer service like Western Union. There are many agents in Cameroon where you can collect the transferred funds.
Will I need any jabs
All visitors to Cameroon will need some jabs and boosters. It is also essential to take malaria tablets and these need to be started before travel. The usual advice is to have Diptheria, Hep A, Tetanus and Typhoid. Yellow Fever is also often advised. Rabies and cholera is not needed. Check for latest updates regarding this.