Cameroon

I was only in Cameroon a couple of days.  And I was there visiting a friend – which means I got to see a lot of the local sights but it means I didn’t have to navigate things like finding transportation.  But since I found so little about Cameroon, I’d like to share what I did learn ….

Cameroon has a lot to offer.  It has the second highest mountain in Africa – Mount Cameroon.  It has the world’s oldest rainforest.  It has amazing agricultural products and supplies much of Africa with fresh fruit.  Their pineapple was the best I’ve ever had.  And Cameroon is a refreshing mix of traditional and modern.  It is not a tourist destination – it is just people living their lives. 

Cameroon is not the easiest place to visit.  Even though it borders Gabon, there are not direct flights every day.  American’s (and most countries) need a visa to visit and it is a fairly long list of requirements.  I completed the checklist, had everything I needed, got my cashier’s check, mailed everything with tracking plus a return envelope that also had tracking.  My package was returned less than a week later because the visa fees had more than doubled, less than a week earlier (I will note that months after the change the website had still not been updated).  I then repeated the process. I was able to get a visa, but my mom’s was returned twice and she was unable to go. For visas, make sure you plan ahead, follow the instructions and make sure you leave yourself plenty of time. 

I then needed all of the same documentation and a lot of patience to get my boarding pass and check in for the flight.  I was there 3 hours early and needed every minute.  There was general surprise and confusion to see a tourist on the flight.

The official languages are both English and French.  But I found most people default to French and many did not know English.  But there should be enough English if you don’t know French. 

In Douala, I stayed at the Faya Hotel.  It was clean, very affordable and friendly.  No frills.  I would recommend an interior room because it directly across the street from a mosque and the call to prayer is loud.  Akwa Palace is one of the older colonial hotels and is centrally located near some cafes and nightlife.  Starland and K are more upscale and were recommended to me by my friend. 

Musee Maritime de Douala was worth a visit. In Yaoundé the independence monument, unification monument, artisanal market and the National Museum of Yaoundé are all good stops.    

In Yaoundé even though the Hilton was recommended and more central, I stayed at Noah’s Village.  I loved the vibe, and if I am ever back, that is where I will stay again!