Unique touristic attractions and beautiful cities in Cameroon are among the best things for nationals or foreigners looking to visit Cameroon.
Cameroon is referred to as the heart of Africa. She is a buzzing country with soul and life in abundance. The spacious and industrious cities here are complemented by vast mountains, rainforests, sand beaches, etc. The Cameroonian terrain boosts over 250 indigenous languages, completing the English and French-speaking regions.
The variety of wildlife at many natural parks in the country provides nature lovers with plenty of chances to spot rare and exotic creatures. For example, gorillas are common in Limbe and in the country's south in the Campo Ma'an National Park. Furthermore, elephants and giraffes make an appearance at other parks.
Hiring and driving your own vehicle here is much easier than in other parts of Africa due to the excellent road conditions. Public transport isn't so great in many other African countries.
Overall the epic terrain and more culture than you can possibly hope to soak up make Cameroon a great place to visit in Africa, and it is immediately apparent that you are at the very epicenter of this fascinating continent.
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Famous and Beautiful Places/Cities to Visit in Cameroon (Best Touristic Attractions)
The comprehensive list below enumerated the 14 best and recommended places to visit in Cameroon:
- Yaounde
- Mefou National Park
- Limbe
- Douala
- Waza National Park
- Kribi
- Bafoussam
- Foumban Palace
- Korup National Park
- Garoua
- Campo Ma'an National Park
- Bamenda
- Dja Faunal Reserve
- Maroua
1. Yaounde
Cameroon's capital Yaounde certainly is one of the most beautiful cities in West Africa. The city is immaculately planned to be spread over seven hills meaning that the numerous buildings in the town are separated by stretches of lush green and rising terrain.
In addition to its layout, the city is clean and safe, with plenty of points of interest. The 1972s government buildings here will appeal to culture buffs and are unusual looking, to say the least. Given the central location of Yaounde, it is also a perfect city to include in any tour of the country.
2. Mefou National Park
Mefou is a project run by volunteers just outside of Yaounde. The park is a rehabilitation center for apes, including chimps and gorillas.
The staff at the national park are accommodating and can arrange a guided tour of the facilities if requested. The park is easily reached if you have your own vehicle. Just be sure to take enough food and drink for the day as the park's facilities are limited in this respect.
3. Limbe
Occupying the slopes of Mount Cameroon, an active volcanic mountain, Limbe is a city that acts as an excellent base for travelers looking to explore the area's beauty. In addition, Limbe holds the accolade of the cleanest town in Cameroon.
The botanical gardens in the city are a great place to learn about the nature and plants in the area before exploring the nearby waterfalls and national parks.
The mountain has a summit height of over 4,000m and is a severe challenge, but walks for novices are still possible around the mountain's base without making a complete ascent. So if you are a lover of nature and wildlife, this is the place for you in Cameroon.
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4. Douala
Douala has a reputation for being insecure and insalubrious, but this should not put you off visiting. On the contrary, this is the principal city in Cameroon in most aspects; the airport is amongst the biggest in the country, as is the port and the business center here is the main one in the country.
These hubs result in a chaotic and overactive feel, and, likely, you will not relax much while you are here. With that being said, however, the city is a great place to witness modern Cameroon and the few charms it offers.
5. Waza National Park
About 180 miles to the North of Maroua is Waza National Park. This park looks very different during the four seasons but is always an excellent place to witness some of the country's most spectacular wildlife, including elephants, antelopes, giraffes, and hyenas.
Self-drive vehicles can explore the park, but you will need a guide. This is not necessarily bad as you are much more likely to see the wildlife with a local guide that knows their stuff.
6. Kribi
This is the home of paradise in Cameroon. The beaches are stunning, with white sand, blue sea, and fresh fish served from the restaurants lining the seafront. There are plenty of hotels in the Kribi area, and most are reasonably priced.
If you are looking for something different to do after lounging by the beach all day, the Chutes de la Lobe waterfalls are just 8km due south of the town. The waterfalls cascade directly into the sea, forming a truly memorable sight.
7. Bafoussam
Although this city can seem busy and uninspiring at first glance, it will reward those who choose to explore. The people here are amicable and welcoming to tourists, and the palace here is a great, if not the best, example of a Royal Palace in Cameroon.
The accommodation in the city is affordable, and there are some true hidden gems to be found. The main tourist attraction is the tribal museum in the town.
8. Foumban Palace
For art lovers, Foumban is a must-see city in Cameroon. The town has its roots in arts, music, and architecture. It is also the city in Cameroon with the largest Muslim population. The town is much like a blend of North and West Africa with its Islamic influences.
The Royal Palace and its adjoining museum is the main attraction here, although the city's mosque is also worth a visit while you are here.
9. Korup National Park
Korup National Park is a vast area comprising 125,000 hectares of evergreen forest. The park is well maintained with resident scientists and well-marked trails. Many species of birds can be found in the park, including hornbills and the extremely rare red-headed rockfowl.
Visitors may even be lucky enough to see elephants or chimps, although these are rare. The road access to the park can be tricky, especially in the wet months when the road conditions deteriorate. It is worth noting that the Chimpanzee camp is a 7-mile hike from the Mana footbridge, so come prepared.
10. Garoua
Garoua, the capital of the North, is located on the banks of the Benue River. The city is a hive of industry and thrives as a river port exporting everything from petroleum to animal hides. In addition, several game reserves in the area mean that tourists often stay within Garoua and use the city as a base.
The city itself has few attractions but does have amenities, guesthouses, and restaurants, making it a worthy place to stay when visiting the local game reserves.
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11. Campo Ma'an National Park
This massive national park covers an area of 263,000 hectares. The landscapes confined within this enormous area are as diverse as you would expect. From mountains to rainforest, the diverse landscape is home to mammals, birds, and even sea turtles which make their nests on the beaches here.
The National Park is funded by the WWF and is supported further by timber and palm oil plantations in the area. More than 80 species of mammals at the park and more than 300 bird species pop up here throughout the year. Having your own vehicle is the best way to see the site, and the few basic hostels in the park are fine for a few nights' stay.
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12. Bamenda
Bamenda holds the title of being the capital of Cameroon's northwest and is a large city with all the amenities and facilities needed by travelers. The city of Bamenda is not likely to keep you interested for more than a day or two, but Bamenda is a great place to reach the country's highlands which offer beautiful lush scenery and hidden villages.
The surrounding landscape is an excellent place for mountain biking, hiking, and finding some off-the-radar guesthouses and restaurants.
13. Dja Faunal Reserve
The Dja Faunal Reserve is one of Africa's largest protected rainforest areas. 91% of the reserve consists of unspoiled and protected forest marked out by the Dja River, a natural border.
The reserve is home to 107 mammals, including a large variety of primates, for which the reserve is best known. However, the area is not easy to access, and a local guide is advisable.
14. Maroua
Nowhere near as lush and green, Maroua still has an appeal of its own. The streets are remarkably red, sandy, and dusty, and the buildings are a dull beige color, but the colors of the local's clothing bring plenty of color to the city.
Maroua is a great place to experience the culture of Cameroon, and its bustling markets are some of the best in the country. The city is also an excellent base for travelers wishing to visit the Mandara Mountains in the North of the country.
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