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Located just south of Nigeria, this relatively small, mostly-French-speaking country of 28 million is people is a lesser known gem of Central Africa, especially for its natural riches, and its name derives from that given to the region by the initial Portuguese explorers in the 15 century, Rio dos Camarões (Shrimp River), and in addition to France, Cameroon was also colonized by Germany, from 1884 till the end of World War I. It´s known for having one of Africa´s best soccer teams, and like most African countries its people comprise a gumbo of dozens of ethnic groups, such as the Bamileke, Babum, Duala, Fula, Nso, and Tikar. Sadly, also like a number of the continent´s other countries, been under the longtime thumb of a now geriatric strongman – in this case Paul Biya, who has clung to power, usually thanks to election fraud and persecution of his opposition, since 1982. But the people are friendly, and there´s plenty to interest visitors. So here´s a little taste:
Yaoundé
With just under three million residents, set among seven lush green hills, Cameroon´s inland capital (above) is known for its vibrant street life and cultural sites and opportunities. Spend a while at the National Museum (occupying the onetime presidential palace) to gain an appreciation of the country´s history and art; visit the impressive, 69-year-old Cathedral of Our Lady of Victories; explore the Benedictine Museum of Mont Fébé with its collection of traditional arts collection such as masks, stools, pipes, drinking horns, ornaments, musical instruments and beaded statues; learn more about the country´s traditional art and culture at the Blackitude Museum; check out bustling Mfoundi Market and Central Market.; and take in a traditional music or dance performance or two.
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Douala
The country´s largest city (above and top, with a population around five million), economic hub, and site of its international airport, Douala is located on the Atlantic coast, a 2½ hour flight from Yaoundé or 3½ hours by road. Its allures include lively markets and nightlife, as well as appealing waterfront views along the Wouri River. Highlights include the 88-year-old Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul; the Douala Maritime Museum for a look at the region’s seafaring history; Espace Doual´art, a center showcasing the country´s contemporary artists; the Doulala Central Market, where traders from across the country as well as neighboring countries sell produce, household items, and handicrafts; and the UNESCO World Heritage Palace of King Bell, built in 1905 for southern Cameroonian King Augustus Manga Ndumbe by the Germans (who were colonial rulers here from 1884 till World War I), designed in eclectic style and dubbed “the Pagoda.”
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Bamenda
Nestled in Cameroon´s Northwest Region – a 3½-hour flight and 4 ½-hour drive from Douala and 5 ½ hours by road from Yaoundé – this smaller city (pop. 600,000) is known for its scenic, hilly landscape, cool climate, vibrant culture, and the fact that it and its region are English-speaking (albeit mostly the dialect known as Cameroonian Pidgin English) – which has actually led to some amount of local separatist unrest in recent years, albeit nothing serious enough to trouble visitors. Check out the Bamenda Market for local crafts sold alongside fresh produce, and there´s plenty of interest in the immediate vicinity, as well, including scenic lakes, waterfalls and the village of Bafut, home to the Fon´s Palace (above), the compound of the traditional local chieftain which now includes a museum showcasing local culture.
Foumban
Another small city (pop. 820,000) , about 3½ hours southeast of Bamenda, is another historical stronghold, capital of the Bamoun kingdom founded in the 1394 and still headed by a traditional hereditary sultan. Apart from a colorful market and craft center, the key landmarks here are the Royal Palace (above), built in 1917 in a blend of traditional and Germcan architectural styles (remember, at the time Cameroon was still a protectorate of Germany), and the new Museum of Bamoun Arts and Traditions, with thousands of artifacts reflecting the culture of the kingdom and a most arresting design - based on a giant spider crouched atop to two-headed snake.
Swoonworthy Beaches
Some 2 ½ hours south of Douala, this town of around 55,000 is Cameroon´s premier beach resort, and you can also explore the nearby Lobé Waterfalls, where the river cascades directly into the ocean, as well as arrange visits to villages inhabited by pygmies living a largely traditional lifestyle. A little farther north, more stunning beaches can be found in Limbe against a backdrop of rainforests (fantastic for hiking) and the cloud-wreathed summit of Mount Cameroon (see below), along with Limbe Wildlife Centre, which rehabilitates rescued primates. The area also offers marvelous rainforest hiking.
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Mount Cameroon
Speaking of hiking, just 13 miles north of Limbe, at 13,250 feet this active volcano is western and Central Africa´s highest peak, and offers some superb treks through its villages, banana plantations, and cloud forests, with excursions run by outfitters and local guides.
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Dja Faunal Reserve
Down south, one of Cameroon´s two UNESCO World Heritage Sites is one of Africa´s largest and most unspoiled rainforest reserves, covering just over 2,000 square miles with a wealth of wildlife (hence the "faunal" in the name), including buffalo, elephants, and leopards, along with primates such as chimpanzees, gorillas, and mandrils. Dja is also known as the home of notable human mammals, specifically the Baka pygmies, and you can visit them in their villages. It´s 113 miles from Yaoundé and visitable via multiday tour from there and Douala.
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Lobéké National Park
Also visitable via multi-day tour packages, the country´s other UNESCO site (actually part of the Sangha Trinational site shared with the neighboring Central African Republic and Congo-Brazzaville) is a 2178km, semi-evergreen-covered swath of the Congo Basin located over in its southeastern corner. It too is home to buffalo, chimps, elephants, and gorillas, as well as crocodiles, leopards, and myriad other mammal, amphibian, reptilian, and bird species.
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Waza National Park
A haven for wildlife enthusiasts, the semi-arid plains of this 660-square-mile UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere Reserve in the sliver of Cameroon´s far north are home to antelopes, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, hyenas, leopards, lions, and 350 species of birds. It´s accessible only by multi-day guided tours, from Yaoundé or Douala.
More info: DiscoverCameroon.net.
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