With its long rainforests stretching to the Atlantic Ocean and beaches close to the warmth of the equator, Cameroon is a charming place for eco-tourism. French colonial style architecture still stands, while traditional African art and music still fill the galleries. There are also large groups of animals coming to local watering holes, including elephants and giraffes.

Cameroon bounded by lakes, rivers and mountains and to a large extent forests offers very interesting places to tourists exploring Cameroon, especially the adventure lovers. Cameroon's culture and tradition are embedded in all the places you visit in Cameroon. A well-known tourist's destination for people visiting Africa, the places to visit in Cameroon can keep vacationers glued to the spot.

From the Waza National Park with diverse animal species like lions, elephants, giraffe, hippos, etc through the UNESCO nominated World Nature heritage site, The Dja Fauna Reserve, Cameroon has almost all. No doubt Cameroon is referred to as "all Africa in one".

Below is a shortlist of the hundreds of places to visit: Visit several online sites for a more detailed information about Holidays ideas in Cameroon. You can also contact the Ministry of Tourism.

Benedictine Museum of Mont-Febe in Yaounde

A vacationer's description: "Abbias, intricate carvings on a dried fruit shell, are the pride of this small but fascinating museum".

Attraction type: Art gallery

National Museum of Yaounde (Le Musee National de Yaounde)

Cultural and ecological treasures are housed in this former residence.

Attraction type: Museum

Down Beach Limbe

Attraction type: Beach

Limbe Botanic Garden

Location: Limbe, Cameroon

Attraction type: Garden by the Atlantic Ocean. Cameroon's "Garden of Eden". Very green, fresh and extremely beautiful. This may be exactly what you need if you're looking for a romantic beach holiday or a place where no one else matters

Mount Cameroon (Volcanic: 4100 metres high)

This is the highest mountain in West and Central Africa. It has about 1500 plant species, thus rich with flora and Fauna. An ideal idea for hikers. Every year around January, there is an International Marathon organized from the bottom to the summit. This is called "The International Race of Hope".

Korup National Park: This was established in 1986 and it was the first and foremost national park of Cameroon. Initially the Korup National Park was designated as a forest reserve. The specialty of the park lies in its capacity to hold the maximum number of plant species other than any African rainforest. Korup National Park is located in the western Cameroon and lies against the Nigerian border. The rainforest stretches to an area of about 1259 square kilometer. The area of the Korup National Park receives large amount of rainfall and receives relatively low amount of sunshine.

Korup National Park houses the unique plant species "Ancistrocladus korupensis" and this plant species is said to have the factors to fight against the life threatening HIV or AIDS. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has undertaken the project of Korup National Park and it is the largest project under WWF.

Korup National Park of Cameroon is the very part of Korup project and the project also includes three forest reserves as well as a buffer zone for agricultural purpose. Other forest reserves are namely the Nita-Ali, Ejagham and Rumpi Hills respectively. Hence the Korup National Park is not an independent body and the project developers often face frictions with the adjacent villagers.

●Musa Heritage Gallery

●Campo Ma'an National Park etc

For some, the idea of a sublime beach holiday can only be tied with ultimate luxury: wonderful beaches, air and sea combined with the highest quality in decor, great hotel services, impeccable pools, and of course, a decadent spa. If you are of this category, the black sand and Gemme beaches of Limbe and the spectacular beaches of Kribi welcome you.

For others to whom a Cameroonian beach holiday might not be their taste, there is so much plenty to do.

Islands: Of course, the little uninhabited islands a few hundred meters from the Limbe Down beach can equally be all about you need for a unique adventure with the birds and the bats. From there you can even plunge into the ocean if that is your dream. These islands are ideal for divers, fishermen and the adrenaline junkies. For bird watchers...what a place?

Family holidays have their own criteria for success. Great entertainment for the kids is provided by sightseeing that appeals to the whole family throughout Cameroon. There are plenty of wild flowers to play with and genuine tropical fruits.

Resorts, such as the ones found in Yaounde, Douala, Limbe, Kribi, Buea, Waza etc are a fantastic way of having a hassle-free beach holiday. Plenty of fun activities including excursion and all your meals are taken care of. Why would you ever want to leave?

Cameroon is where it all began: home of the famous Football legend Roger Milla, goal keeper Thomas Nkono and Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o Fils. Football is religion and still, Cameroon holds the record of the only African country to have reached the semi-finals at the world cup. Maybe by chance, you might meet the legend who still holds two records with both (Guinness and FIFA) for the oldest player to have played in a World cup match and the oldest player to have scored a goal at a football World cup competition at the age of 42. .

Cameroon is famous for its very rich upland areas like several mountains e.g Mount Cameroon, Rhumsiki Mountain, Manenguba mountain, Mount Oku (3011m high), Tchabal Mbabo (2460m), Chappal Wadi (2419m), Dimlang (2042m), Mont Ngaoui (1410m) etc as well as Adamawa plateaux and plains like the Mbo and Ndop plains.

Above all it's the wildlife that attracts the safari traveler to some of Africa's best-known national parks, including the Waza, Korup, Campo Ma'an National Park etc and ofcourse the incredible Dja Faunal Reserve that is the biggest attraction for adventurers and environmentalists due to its almost 90% untouched jungle.

Timing your trip to coincide with the Limbe canoe race, or the SONARA Marathon, or the mount Cameroon race of hope, or yet the Garoua horse race will be an unforgettable experience.

Cameroon is also a country full of pleasant surprises. Where else can you find a country so diverse in culture with about 250 ethnic languages, two official languages(English and French) and even diversity in plant, animal and soil types from region to region?

So, what to expect on a Cameroonian safari holiday? Well, you'll have the choice of staying in a range of fine accommodation; anything from mobile safari tented camps to fine old lodges steeped in tradition and spanking new, state-of-the-art hotels.

As for actually seeing the country, taking a holiday to Cameroon is the best way to get a good overview of what this big, diverse country has to offer.

If you're looking for more ideas, why not combine your Cameroon trip with gorilla trekking in

The Deng Deng National Park, which covers 224 square miles (580 square kilometers), an area the size of Chicago. This park was recently created by Cameroon to protect a population of 600 gorillas, along with other threatened species such as chimpanzees, forest elephants, buffaloes, and bongo.

The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), a group that played an instrumental role in identifying the area for protection, welcomed Cameroon's decision.

Don't miss Cameroon's variety of beer if you are a beer drinker or a chance to visit the great Rubber, banana, cocoa, palm, tea, and coffee plantations spread across the country. Do not also miss the chance to play golf in Yaounde at the Mont Febe Golf Course, or the CDC Tiko golf course.

Le Cameroun est l'un des anciens pays de l'Afrique et a donc beaucoup de la CITES qui peut prétendre à être étiquetés comme sites du patrimoine mondial. Il ya plusieurs attractions riche, historique, culturelle et insolite au Cameroun qui font partie du patrimoine du Cameroun.

Réserve du Dja: Il s'agit d'un naturel de l'UNESCO du patrimoine mondial du site inscrit en 1987. Couvrant la partie Sud-Est du pays, ce parc national est l'une des plus grandes forêts tropicales et les mieux protégés dans le pays. Avec environ 90% de la superficie toujours calme et bordée naturellement par le fleuve Dja, qui presque complètement l'entoure, la diversité biologique et la diversité des primates de cette réserve méritent une mention spéciale. Avec 5 espèces menacées, il existe 107 espèces de mammifères dans cette réserve. Il ya plus de 1.500 espèces de plantes connues dans la réserve et plus de 320 espèces d'oiseaux dans le parc. La Réserve de faune du Dja couvre 5.260 km ².

La chefferie de Bafut ou Fon Palace: A demandé culturels du patrimoine mondial du site, ce site est situé près de Bamenda. Cette région compte environ 50 bâtiments, dont la plupart sont en terre cuite structures, aux toits de tuiles. La structure centrale dite "Achum" est architecturalement et religieux les plus importants. Ce compte parmi l'une des plus anciennes architectures traditionnelles au Cameroun
Vestiges archéologiques de Shum Laka: Ce site à l'abri d'un énorme rocher de 1200 m² est situé à proximité de Bamenda. Un site archéologique a vestiges d'une terre forestière typique, où les restes squelettiques des hommes vivant à des milliers d'années ont été découverts. L'appartenance à la Communauté de Baforchu, ce site donne une vue de la façon dont l'humanité a évolué dans cette partie du monde.

Les gravures rupestres de Bidzar: Les pétroglyphes Bidzar sont situés près du village de Bidzar, sur la route Maroua-Garoua vers Guider. Une zone de dalles de marbre qui s'étend autour du village vers 2.5 km du nord au sud, et à un kilomètre d'est en ouest affiche près de 500 figures gravées au total. Le marbre est d'un type de calcaire appelée cipolin, il a une composition idéale pour la gravure, présentant une faible résistance au frottement et à briser facilement. Les chiffres ont été gravés dans le marbre à l'aide d'un marteau et un outil de gravure. Les chiffres sont pour la plupart géométrique, constitué par des groupes de cercles, les uns isolés et certains dans les groupes. Il a été spéculé que la gravure représente des concepts ou des histoires de mythes, ou élaborer une cosmogonie.

L'âge des gravures s'est avéré difficile à déterminer. La datation radiométrique a produit une série d'estimations, datant sculptures différentes entre 300 et 3000 ans. Le site de pétroglyphes a été découvert en 1933 par un chercheur français du nom de Buisson.

L'âge des gravures s'est avéré difficile à déterminer. La datation radiométrique a produit une série d'estimations, datant sculptures différentes entre 300 et 3000 ans. Le site de pétroglyphes a été découvert en 1933 par un chercheur français du nom de Buisson.
Dans le vingtième et vingt premiers siècles, le marbre calcaire sur lequel les gravures stand a été extraite pour une utilisation à proximité du ciment et des usines de marbre. Cela met en danger l'activité des gravures, qui a reçu la protection provisoire lorsque le site a été inscrit dans la catégorie culture de la Liste indicative du patrimoine mondial de l'UNESCO, le 18 avril 2006
Le Diy-Gid-Biy du Mont Mandara: "Eye of the chef au top 'Sens, ce site archéologique est faite de pierres sèches. Cette structure indique ce domaine a été habité plus de trois siècles par certaines tribus autres que celles qui habitent la terre aujourd'hui. Il s'agit d'un patrimoine architectural.

Les chutes de la Lobé: 310 km de Yaoundé cette tombe est caractérisé par un ensemble d'armes légères progresse dans une série de petites chutes, certains allant jusqu'à 15 m et large de 100m, directement tomber dans le grand Océan Atlantique. Le long de la série de chutes d'un grand nombre des populations tribales se trouve à résider.

Parc national de Korup: Créé en 1986, ce parc situé dans le sud du pays. Elle est caractérisée par de fortes pluies. Les quatre types de végétation particulière à cette forêt sont - Le biafrèene forêt atlantique, la forêt marécageuse, la submontagnarde et la forêt de piémont. Il abrite 1700 espèces de plantes, 410 espèces d'oiseaux représentant 53 familles, 480 espèces de papillons, 82 espèces de reptiles et 161 espèces de mammifères.
Limbe botaniques et zoologiques Jardin: Internationalement reconnu comme l'un des jardins les plus actifs dans les régions tropicales de l'Ouest et Afrique centrale, ce jardin comme une porte d'entrée naturelle de la région du Mont Cameroun.

Mont Cameroun: Situé au sud-ouest de la province du Cameroun, cette montagne volcanique active est le plus élevé en Afrique occidentale et centrale. Soutenir les forêts tropicales de montagne et environ 150.000 hectares de plaines, il abrite de vastes réserves de biodiversité, hébergeant plus de 1500 espèces différentes de plantes, ainsi que les espèces animales. Son sol volcanique noir, il est et les régions entourant l'un des endroits les plus fertiles au Cameroun.
Babungo Musée: Une fois les plus importants centres de travail du fer au Cameroun. Il abrite des objets très bien conservés dans le riche héritage culturel et artistique de la tribu Babungo du Cameroun dans la province du Nord-Ouest. Les objets d'art sont des indications claires sur les différents aspects de la vie sociale et le patrimoine artistique du royaume. Bien que toute une gamme d'objets n'étaient pas disponibles pour la préservation, ceux qui restent encore parler de la riche tradition et le patrimoine de Babungos.

Musa Galerie du patrimoine: Nommé dans la mémoire des artistes camerounais Daniel et son fils John Musa, cette galerie du patrimoine conserve des oeuvres des artistes et s'est ensuite propagée en outre à couvrir les arts et l'artisanat du Cameroun westerns champs d'herbe. Plus de 400 objets divers et variés sont collectés et conservés dans le musée.

Mankon Musée: La production culturelle et artistique du Royaume de Mankon des hauts plateaux du Cameroun occidental ou de la prairie est conservée dans ce musée. Les artefacts et les objets démontrés en disent long sur la culture du royaume et la façon dont il a contribué à la culture du pays. Les objets parlent beaucoup de leurs utilisateurs et l'utilisation.

Mefou National Park: Situé à environ une heure et demie de la capitale, ce parc national couvre environ 1044 hectares de terres forestières. Il abrite les chimpanzés, les gorilles, les babouins et les diverses autres espèces de singes.

Musée de Bandjoun: Bandjoun a été l'un des centres importants de la création artistique et de la tradition dans le Grassland camerounais et les expositions du musée plus d'une centaine d'objets importants illustrant ce patrimoine culturel. Rares vestiges et merveilleux symbolisant l'art africain peut être vu dans le musée.

Parc National de Waza: Ce parc est la faune la plus accessible et enrichissante expérience de visualisation du Cameroun. Un grand nombre d'éléphants, girafes, hippopotames, antilopes, des singes et une abondance d'oiseaux de bienvenue aux visiteurs de cette réserve naturelle. Avec un peu de chance et un début très précoce, on peut même avoir la chance de rencontrer un lion dans l'enceinte du parc.

Prepare for your Cameroon trip with our practical tips. Learn about our currency, how to call home, keep safe, shop responsibly and travel in style. Then you're ready to go. All travelers to Cameroon or any country should consider health insurance. Take advantage of our many beaches but always remember to follow basic water safety regulations.

MEDICAL (VACCINATIONS)

Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to Cameroon, and advisable for return to the Netherlands from a yellow fever zone. All other W.H.O recommended vaccinations are advisable including:

Cholera
Typhoid
Hepatitis A and B
Tetanus
Polio
Protection against malaria. In West Africa the most reliable protection is Doxycyclene. Doryx capsules cause fewer side effects, being slow release.

The public hospital system in Cameroon is modern, and there are high quality private hospitals and clinics. However, away from the main cities treatment is unreliable, and personal equipment should be taken. The public hospital system uses disposable syringes.

Suggested travel pack

Diarrhea - Lomotil is most effective there, and strongly recommended
Nausea - Maxolon works well.
Analgesics - Your preferred brand.
Broad spectrum antibiotics - for any unexpected infection. Ask your doctor
Cold and flu tablets also work well against regional fevers.

Dust and smoke is a problem in the dry season, (November - May), take asthma and sinus medication if a sufferer. This is a problem throughout Africa, where burn off is a traditional way of preparing for planting crops.

Sunscreen - Cameroon is close to the Equator, and Doxycyclene makes the skin more susceptible to sunburn.

Current and Electricity:

The electrical current in Cameroon is 220-240 volts, AC 50Hz. The Cameroon three-pin power outlet is not different from some other countries so you may or may not need an adaptor depending on your appliance. Cameroon uses the European plug. Don't forget an adapter if you have UK or Australian appliances for it is not possible to find adapters for such systems.

WATER and toiletries:

Tap water unlike other water supplies is safe to drink in many parts of Cameroon but we advise you to get a supply of readily available bottled water. This can be purchased throughout the country. Note: Supermarkets and small local stores sell the usual range of toiletries and the general goods, and are located in major centres.

For further information on any aspect of travel to Cameroon, do not hesitate to call the Consulate office.

HOW TO GET TO CAMEROON

There are several Airlines that fly from European cities to the Douala (DLA) and the Yaounde-Nsimalen International Airports. Departure cities in Europe include Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, London, Dusseldorf etc. Air France and Cameroon Airlines also fly from Brussels and Paris to Douala and Yaoundé. SN Brussels airline also flies from Brussels to Douala. Check online or consult your travel agency for more updated information of existing flights and new airlines that fly to Cameroon. Other airlines that fly to Cameroon are: AFRIQIYAH Airways from Germany, Kenyan Airways (via Nairobi), Ethiopian airways, Swisair, and Lufthansa. (Check travel agencies for updated information as this is just a summary).

CURRENCY and MONEY

Cameroon is one of a group of nations in West Africa using the CFA franc. For official purposes in Cameroon, the exchange rate is CFA 655 to the €1. The currency is usable outside the country but only in 5 other countries that with Cameroon form the CEMAC countries. Created in March, 1994, the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC), previously known as UDEAC (Customs and economic Union of Central Africa), is a customs and monetary union among the former French Central African countries including: Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Congo (Brazzaville), Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. Along with the Western CFA Zone, it is one of the important regional groupings in Africa.

Just like the Euro zone, each country in the FCFA union prints its own notes. The Cameroon CFA is fixed to Euro through an arrangement where France originally maintained parity with the French Franc to support the CFA.

Currency, exchange and credit Cards:

In Cameroon the currency is CFA Francs. The most acceptable credit cards are: American Express, Bankcard, Diners Club, MasterCard, Visa, JCB, AMEX and their affiliates. Currency exchange is available at banks, hotels and international airports. Cameroon has a cash economy. The use of credit cards is limited, and care must be taken to have adequate cash/traveller cheque resources.

There aren't many ATM's. The existing ATM's are exclusively linked to local banks. For the use of credit cards, always find out first before using a service or purchasing a product or item if the business accepts payments from credit cards or provides credit card services.

Euro travellers' cheques, from Visa/MasterCard are the most widely used and strongly recommended. Most of the main banks will exchange these. Whilst some banks are open on Saturdays, this does not include foreign exchange services. Banks close at 3:00pm Monday to Friday.

To draw cash against credit cards at banks or hotels, please first find out if that service is available at location since not all Hotels or banks accept drawing cash against credit cards.

The quickest way to transfer money in an emergency is by Western Union or Money Gram which has offices in several towns and cities.

Note: Remember to keep CFA 10,000 or€16.00 for departure tax at the airport.
Departure tax on internal flights is CFA500, or about €0.90 (cents)
Due to the exchange rate, it is cheaper to pay in CFA.

For business accounts, Standard Chartered Bank is established in Douala, and Yaounde. Minimum account balances apply (Contact Banks). In July 1998, Citibank opened in Douala, Cameroon. Another bank reliable bank is the Union bank of Cameroon.

HOTELS:

DOUALA
Douala is Cameroon's major seaport and the commercial capital. It is a city of more than 3.5 million inhabitants. There is a wide selection of hotels of varying standard.

The AKWA PALACE is right in the commercial heart of the city. The hotel has reliable quality rooms and services, and they take most credit cards and cash travelers cheques in most major currencies. Rooms run from about € 51.00 per night. This represents the best value in town. The hotel has a secluded garden area and pool at the rear. Akwa 1, the older, renovated building, and quite adequate, is €37.00 per night. .(Please confirm with Hotel for current prices).

The MERIDIEN is also very good quality, but more expensive. It has lovely grounds, and very good security. Rooms range from about €67.00 per night.

The IBIS is also a very nice secure hotel at a reasonable rate. It is a popular business hotel.

The SAWA has delightful surroundings. They do take most credit cards.

YAOUNDE

Yaoundé is 700m above sea level and therefore has a much cooler climate than Douala. Yaoundé is the capital of Cameroon, inhabited by more than 1 million people.

At the top of the range is the magnificent five star Yaounde Hilton Hotel, with the best of service. It is located in the heart of the Government district. It has excellent restaurants and bars, although quite expensive. Meals are superb. A tin drum band plays in the foyer every afternoon. The Cameroon Hilton Hotel structure is exquisitely beautiful. It is one of the tourist attractions in the capital city. Swissair and Cameroon Airlines have offices in the complex.

The hotel resort of Mont Febe Sofitel is a 15 minute drive from the heart of town, and in the Presidential Palace district. It commands magnificent views over Yaoundé, and has its own 9 hole golf course. Food and services are good, and rooms start at about €98.00.(Please confirm with Hotel for current prices). As with the Hilton, they take most credit cards. Taxis from there to the C.B.D. are expensive.

The Hotel des Deputes is in the centre of the Government District, and rear rooms have a pleasant view over a small lake, with the Prime Minister's residence, and other exclusive homes in the background. It is primarily for the use of Government Deputies when the Parliament is in Session. It is of modest standard, but has a huge lounge / bar / restaurant area, which is a popular meeting place for business people. Mini suites at about €48.00 per night are good value. (Please confirm with Hotel for current prices). Security is very high, and there is always a taxi to be had at the door. The hotel takes credit cards.

The Central Hotel: This is a 3 Star two storey Hotel with basic quality rooms, however prices are only about €23.00 to €28.00 per night for single rooms and €31.00 to €37.00 for double /Twin Bed, including continental breakfast. They also have a few good quality suites at about €41.00, which have a fridge, and separate lounge room. There is a delightful roundhouse in the yards for meals, although food is basic. It is an ideal place to stay. It has 24 hour room service, Air conditioning, Bar, Conference facilities, Mini bar in rooms, Modem point, Car parking, Restaurant, Secretary service, Phone, Satellite television etc. The Central Hotel is very close to the Hilton.

The Prestige is a basic hotel, with rooms, units, and small apartments, close to the C.B.D. It is in a noisy location, with small grounds, but boasts good security. Rooms start at a modest US$22, cash only. It is very popular with visiting businessmen, and is usually booked out.

The Royal is a basic hotel, with reasonable restaurant, located in the C.B.D, but a little too close to the massive produce markets. Taxis cruise past the door day and night. Rooms are very basic, but adequate. Rooms are from about US$26, and they do reluctantly take Visa. One interesting feature is a cluster of cabanas on the flat roof, which can be used for meetings. They have no safe deposit facilities.

Out of Town Hotels

There are several good Hotels out of the two major cities as well. They are usually clean, and with good quality food. In the major Eastern regional city of Bertoua, the Hotel Manza is another good example of a typical nice single storey hotel. Rooms average €16.50 (cash only). Bafoussam, Mbalmayo, Bamenda, Limbe, Garoua, Edea, etc have good quality hotels too. Cameroon is known for its taste and these are all reflected in services provided by the hotel industry.

Every small town and many villages have small hotels, motels or inns where rooms can be had from €4 to €10, and these are usually presentable.

Telephone:

Our country code is +237. We have services for all mobile (cell) phones. Internet access is available at many Internet cafes, accommodation and libraries. Cameroon is one of the few countries in Africa with a reasonable percentage of mobile phone users comparatively.

Shopping:

Shopping plays a large part of travelling. Whether you are shopping or sightseeing, there is always a place to shop or purchase souvenirs. In Cameroon you are covered by Cameroon consumer protection laws which require businesses to treat you fairly.

Transportation: (So how do you get around Cameroon?)

Rental cars are available if you choose to self-drive in Cameroon. Learn about insurance, Cameroon road safety and tolls before your arrival. If you need taxis there are plenty of the yellow cabs in most major cities. This is to say, the main taxi colour in Cameroon is yellow. Taxis do not have taxi meters so you have to pay a standard fare or make a proposal to the driver depending on the distance. This system varies a little depending on where you are. The biggest cities, like everywhere else in the world, turn to have a slightly different culture and practice.

Alternatively you may prefer someone else to do the navigating for you. If this sounds like your style of holiday then find out more from several online travel agencies or travel agents. Major cities in Cameroon are served by a wide variety of public transport buses.