Sightseeing in Cameroon

The Central African Cameroon is often referred to as Africa in miniature because of its natural diversity. The country has the Bay of Bonny coast on the Atlantic Ocean, with the Mont Cameroun an active volcano and with 4,070 m the highest mountain in West and Central Africa, also has semi-deserts, savannas, thorn bush steppes and tropical rainforest. To explore the landscape, trekking tours in the mountain regions are just as good as forays through the national parks and reserves… although not all of them are accessible to visitors in Cameroon. Two well-known national parks are the Waza National Park, located in the Sahel zone and popular for its diverse fauna, and Boubandjida National Park on the Mayo Lidi River, or the Dja wildlife reserve. As diverse as the landscape is the culture of Cameroon, in which over 200 ethnic groups of different languages ​​and religions live together and in which – due to the colonial past – German, French and British influences can be recognized. Traces of the German colonial era can be found in the south of the country. In the French part of Cameroon, the colorful, fun-loving flair of West Africa prevails, whereas in the English-speaking part it is quieter to more sedate. In general, however, it can be said that visitors to Cameroon are very welcome everywhere and can feel invited to get to know the traditions and customs of the people… whether with the people of the Kirdi, who live in fortress-like round huts in the Mandara Mountains, in those around Rhumsiki scattered farms, at the impressive national holiday parade or in the capital Yaoundé with its numerous markets. Nowhere else in Africa can you find so much variety.

Campo Ma´an National Park

The Campo Ma’an National Park is 2640 km² and is located in the south of Cameroon. The entire, huge area consists of rubber and palm oil plantations, protected forest areas, forestry units, an agroforestry zone and the national park itself. The Campo Ma’an National Park borders Equatorial Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean and is known for its diverse flora and fauna. Tourists who visit the park can spend the day here amidst various plants and animals. Elephants, lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, hippos, mandrills and black colobus monkeys can be found here. The park is a nature lover’s paradise with 80 species of mammals, including endangered elephants and gorillas. Chimpanzees, as well as at least 300 species of birds, 122 species of reptiles, more than 80 species of amphibians,

However, it is the local population that makes this area so special. The communities living near the park are keen to protect their natural resources. The nature and environmental organization WWF works with them to promote non-profit nature tourism in the park.

If you want to visit the national park, you should take a few days to really see as much of the beauty of the area as possible. If you hike through the park with a guide or tracker, you will definitely meet the lowland gorillas who love to hike. The animals usually rest during lunchtime, so it is now easy to observe and photograph them. To see buffalo and forest elephants, tourists have to drive a long distance through the national park until, if they are lucky, they can spot one of the herds

Douala

The city of Douala is located on the Atlantic coast in Cameroon. With 1.5 million inhabitants, it is the largest city in the country. Until 1920, Douala was also the capital of Cameroon, now it is Yaoundé. The port city of Douala was named after the “Douala people”, a tribe of locals. The economic metropolis of Douala is the most important commercial, financial and cultural center in the country. The city’s infrastructure is excellent. The “Douala International Airport” is the largest airport in Cameroon. Many European vacationers come here, which is why the city is also known as the “crossroads of Africa”. A large number of buses are available for visiting attractions. The big city is networked with the neighboring cities via shared taxis.

One of the main attractions of the city is the Roman Catholic St. Peter and Paul Cathedral, to the south of the city center. This dates from 1936 and was built in the neo-romantic style. There are also several museums in Douala, such as the “Musée de la Marine”, where you can learn more about the history and colonial history of the country and the city. The spacious and clean beaches of the big city, which is located directly on the Atlantic Ocean, are a real insider tip for beach holidaymakers. Hotels in the area are usually very cheap and the beaches here are considered to be the most beautiful in the country.

Yaoundé

founded by a German officer

Framed by a dense rainforest, Cameroon’s capital Yaoundé presents itself with its modern facade as a cultural center and an economic metropolis. In 1888 this city was founded by the German officer Richard Kund as a research station. Yaoundé gained importance when the tobacco and wood industries settled here and the ivory trade flourished. Today about 1.3 million people live there.

The view from the top of Mont Fébé

One of the sights of Yaoundé is the former presidential palace in the Quartier du Lac from 1919. It is the snow-white stone reminder of the time of the French administration. The Monument de la Réunification in Ngoa-Ekele was erected in honor of the reunification of the French and British parts of the country. The image of the city center is shaped by the country’s ministries on the elegant Boulevard du 20 mai. If you want to get an impression of Yaoundé, you should go to Mont Fébé. The view of the city from the summit is impressive.

A city on seven hills

Similar to Rome, Yaoundé was built on seven hills. The city is suitable as a starting point for excursions in the surrounding area and to the Boumba-Bek National Park, where, in addition to gorillas and elephants, you can still find a number of pygmies as indigenous people of West Africa, very scattered. The historical and optical center of the capital is the cathedral “Notre Dame” on Rond Point de la Poste. It is the seat of the archbishop. Yaoundé is a young city thanks to its large number of students. The university in Ngoa Ekéle is the largest in Cameroon and dates back to 1962.

Numerous colorful street markets

The numerous colorful street markets convey the lifestyle of this lively city in the rainforest, whose international airport can be found just outside the center. The Bastos district is the flagship of Yaoundès, as numerous embassies and high-income earners have settled in their beautiful villas on the slopes. There is also a golf course in the area.