Cameroon - Country Information

Cameroon is located in Central Africa, but is often also counted as part of West Africa. It is a culturally diverse country, where over 200 ethnic groups live, each with their own language, customs, and cultural specifics.

In southeastern Cameroon, in the tropical forests, lives the Baaka people, known for their hunting traditions. The northwestern regions are covered with savannas and are home to the historic kingdom of Bafut. Here you can visit the „Von-Bafut-Palast“, a complex of mud brick buildings that houses historical artifacts from the German colonial period, displayed in a local museum.

On the border with Nigeria is the 676 km² large Takamand National Park, where the rare Cross-River gorillas and other endangered species live, including unique reptiles like the robust crocodile and rare turtle species. Cameroon is known for its amazing biodiversity, from forest elephants and chimpanzees to the more than 350 bird species that live in the various ecosystems.

Cameroon is a country where there is something interesting to see for every traveler. Historical palaces, ethnic settlements, rainforests, and reserves with an amazing biodiversity create an unforgettable atmosphere for discoveries.

We have compiled information about Cameroon to help you plan your trip. Here you will find information about the specifics of the climate and culture of the country, rules of conduct and other useful recommendations. And the professional services of our visa service will help you prepare for your trip and save you time and effort. Start your unforgettable journey to Cameroon with us!

Cameroon is a Central African country located near the equator. Since temperatures vary only slightly throughout the year, the year is divided not into seasons, but into dry and rainy seasons. In tropical countries, the rainy season can bring very heavy rainfall, hot temperatures, and high humidity. From April to October, particularly on the coast and in the south of Cameroon, there are heavy rains. In the north of the country, little precipitation falls throughout the year. The best time to visit Cameroon is the dry season. This lasts in the north of the country from October to April, in the south from December to February, and on the coast from November to February

As three different climate zones stretch across the country, the climate of Cameroon is very diverse. The south of the country is characterized by tropical rainforests and equatorial Guinea climate. Near the coast, there are numerous high mountains and volcanoes. Mount Cameroon, with a height of 4095 meters, is the highest mountain in the country and is one of the rainiest areas on earth. In contrast, the savannah landscape of the north has a semi-desert climate.

The different landscapes provide a home for many exotic animals and plants. In Cameroon, numerous endemic species are native, which do not occur in other parts of the world. In particular, in the north of the country, you can expect a diverse and unique flora and fauna. In the animal reserves, you can encounter giraffes, elephants, antelopes, leopards, and numerous other wildlife up close.

The national currency of Cameroon is the Franc de la Coopération Financière en Afrique Centrale, abbreviated as CFA Franc BEAC. The national currency is available in banknotes of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10,000 CFA Francs, as well as coins of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 500 CFA Francs. Currently, you get about 655 CFA Francs BEAC for one Euro. You can find the exact exchange rate on the internet.

The import of foreign currencies into Cameroon is unlimited. However, amounts exceeding the equivalent of 1,000,000 CFA Franc must be declared before entry. The export of foreign currencies is limited to the amount declared upon entry, minus exchanged amounts. Tourists may only bring in and take out up to 20,000 CFA Franc in national currency. Business people may bring in and take out amounts up to 450,000 CFA Franc.

In the larger cities of the country, there are numerous exchange offices and banks available for exchanging Euros into the national currency. Currency exchange can also occur upon arrival at the airport. Outside the larger cities, currency exchange is not always possible. In the cities, there are ATMs where cash in the national currency can be withdrawn. Since credit cards are only accepted in larger hotels and some restaurants and shops, travelers should always carry a sufficient amount of cash.

Due to the high temperatures, it is advisable to wear light and airy clothing made of natural fibers such as cotton or linen in Cameroon. For good protection against the Central African sun and mosquitoes, you should always wear long sleeves and long trousers if possible. It is also advisable to wear sturdy sandals, a hat, and sunglasses.

If you are planning a trip to Cameroon's coast, you should also pack a raincoat and an umbrella. For safaris, you need closed footwear and clothing in natural colors like brown, beige, or dark green. On excursions into the wild, clothing in bright colors should be avoided.

In the tourist areas of Cameroon, petty crime is widespread. To avoid attracting the attention of potential thieves, valuables should not be displayed openly. Jewelry should be deposited in the hotel safe if possible. For security reasons, it is advisable to always carry a certain amount of cash to satisfy thieves in the event of a potential robbery. During a robbery, travelers should not resist to avoid provoking violence.

In the darkness, travelers should move on illuminated main roads and only in groups if possible. Taxi rides should be avoided during the night as they often lead to robberies. When driving a rental car, careful driving should be ensured, as the roads are often in poor condition. Particularly in the northern regions of the country, highway robbery is common. The main roads of the country provide greater security as the military and police control the traffic.

The official languages of Cameroon are French and English. The country gained independence in 1960, but the languages prevalent due to colonization have remained as official languages to this day. To promote language skills among Cameroonians, numerous bilingual schools have been established in the country. A small portion of the population speaks both French and English. In particular, most young people have basic knowledge of one of the two official languages.

However, many residents of Cameroon still speak exclusively their African mother tongue to this day. The country is characterized by great cultural diversity and is home to 230 different languages - including 55 Afro-Asiatic languages, 173 Niger-Congo languages, and 2 Nilo-Saharan languages. About 40% of the population speak one of the 130 different Bantu languages. In addition, various Creole languages based on English or French are widely spoken. The English-based Creole language Kamtok is especially prevalent in the west of the country and the capital Yaoundé. It is spoken as a second language by about 50% of the people in these areas. Kamtok primarily serves to facilitate communication between different peoples.

Especially in rural areas of Cameroon, power supply is not always guaranteed. Power outages often occur, usually lasting a few hours, and less frequently, even a few days. However, most hotels have a relatively stable power supply.

In Cameroon sockets of types C and E are used, so you do not need an adapter for your devices on your trip. Since the mains voltage at 220 V is almost identical to that in Germany (230 V), you can use your electrical appliances without any problems. Manufacturers of electrical appliances take this voltage tolerance into account.

The country has a relatively well-covered mobile network. In areas with network reception, it is easily possible to make calls and send SMS with German mobile phones. However, since this can be associated with high roaming costs, it is advisable to buy a local SIM card. Cards from Cameroonian providers Orange Cameroun and MTN Cameroun are sold in all major cities in official stores. The prepaid cards cost around one euro and can be topped up with credit. Alternatively, you can order a SIM card before starting your trip. Online, cards are available with a validity of up to 60 days and with up to 3 GB of data volume. These also work in some other Central African countries.

The internet is now widespread in Cameroon. In larger cities, there are numerous internet cafes, which are particularly used by the locals. Also, most larger hotels and some restaurants and cafes have a WLAN connection. However, when traveling to less populated areas, it may happen that neither an internet connection nor a mobile network is available.

Due to the difficult cable laying, the landline network in Cameroon is only weakly developed. In larger places, there are usually public telephone booths. For the use of the telephone booths, you need a telephone card, which you can purchase in special stores. In addition, there are phones in larger hotels, some restaurants, and in post offices. In post offices, stamps are also available. Airmail to Europe usually takes about a week in most cases.

Medical care in Cameroon is far below European standards. However, in the capital Yaoundé and in the port city of Douala, it is significantly better compared to the interior of the country. There are numerous public and private hospitals as well as medical offices there. Unfortunately, public hospitals often experience shortages in the supply of medications, bandages, and other medical items. Travelers should therefore carry a well-equipped travel pharmacy. In case of doubt, a tropical medicine specialist can assist in compiling it. In the larger cities of Cameroon, there are numerous pharmacies where usually all important medications from French production are available.

In most Central African countries, there is an increased risk of infection from diseases transmitted through contaminated food and beverages. Therefore, on your trip, you should pay attention to good food and drinking water hygiene. Water should be boiled or otherwise sterilized before drinking or brushing teeth.

If you are traveling from Germany to Africa, it is advisable to take out travel insurance. For vacationers from Germany, trip cancellation insurance is offered for flights and hotels, which comes into effect, for example, when current travel warnings apply or if you fall ill before the start of the trip. The international health insurance covers treatment costs that are not covered by your health insurance. In case of illness, the repatriation to Germany is organized. The official currency of Cameroon is the CFA Franc (Äquatorial XAF). You can also pay with US dollars at many places.

Since medical care in Cameroon is significantly below German standards, a rescue flight to Germany may be necessary in case of severe illnesses and accidents. Before starting your trip, you should clarify with your health insurance whether the insurance coverage includes costs for home transport, hospital stays, and special treatments. In many countries of Africa, it is common for the costs of medical treatments to be paid before discharge or even before treatment. Without sufficient insurance coverage, high costs can arise on-site, which must be borne by travelers themselves.

Before departure, you should consult the Foreign Office for current security advice and travel warnings. The Bakassi Peninsula should be completely avoided due to the problematic security situation. In coastal towns, pirate attacks occasionally occur. However, most tourist areas in Cameroon are considered relatively safe.

Tourists can generally move freely in Cameroon. Throughout the country, however, there are controls where passports and travel documents must be presented as necessary. Occasionally, bribes are also demanded at checkpoints. To avoid any official problems, travelers should comply with such demands.

Some public buildings, military security areas such as barracks and airports are not allowed to be photographed. Wearing clothing in military style and same-sex relationships can also be penalized by Cameroonian authorities. Violations of the drug law can even result in multi-year prison sentences in Cameroon.

In Cameroon, the public holidays New Year's Day, Easter, Labor Day, Ascension Day, Assumption Day, All Saints' Day, and Christmas are celebrated on the same days as in Germany. Additional holidays include Youth Day on February 11, the Islamic festival of sacrifice Eid al-Adha in February or March, the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr in May or June, National Day on May 20, and Independence Day on October 1.

Cameroon is located on the West African coast, immediately at the equator. Due to its scenic and cultural diversity, the country is nicknamed Africa in Miniature. Travelers can meet over 200 different ethnic groups, marvel at a diverse flora and fauna, and discover impressive, versatile landscapes. The country hosts three very different types of landscapes: from high mountains with tropical forests in the south, volcanic massifs and plateaus in the center and west, to a desert-like savanna in the north of the country.

On tours through this fascinating Central African country, you can discover particularly many sights. The capital Yaoundé and the port metropolis Douala are modern metropolises, where you can visit numerous museums and historic buildings, but also lively markets. In the villages of the country, you can observe traditional African life and witness ancient cultures. Nature lovers particularly get their money's worth in Cameroon. You will find picturesque mountain landscapes with peaks over 4000 meters high, tropical rainforests, and savannas where exotic wildlife is native.

On your journey to the African country, you can enjoy the local cuisine in the so-called "Circuits" and gain authentic insights into the country's eating culture. The classic ingredients of Cameroonian cuisine are yams, cassava, plantains, rice, millet, and corn. The staple food of the population is "Fufu". This is a mash made from yams or cassava and plantains, cooked and served with a soup of vegetables and cashews or peanuts.

The most popular dishes in Cameroon are Ndolé and Bâton de Manioc. The national dish Ndolé consists of bitter spinach, onions, nuts, and spices and is served with fried plantains or yams, occasionally also with meat, fish, or crabs. Bâton de Manioc is also called Bobole. It consists of stick-shaped leaves of the cassava plant filled with steamed cassava mash.

Alongside water, people in Cameroon traditionally drink millet beer and palm wine with their meals. Nowadays, however, soft drinks, beer, and wine are also becoming increasingly popular.