Cameroon or Cameroun in West Africa has a population comprising more than 130 ethnic groups with traditions that date back over a thousand years and a biodiversity characterized by forest, savannah and mountains.

Tucked tight into the hook of Africa, Cameroon is a true West African country with great beaches, game parks, lively cities and colorful craft markets.

Climbing Mt Cameroon
Mount Cameroon, an active volcano, is the highest mountain in West Africa, rising more or less straight from the Gulf of Guinnea, through the tropical rainforest to a stark and chilly summit that is occasionally brushed with snow. In spite of its height, the climb is much less strenuous than Mt. Kilimanjaro or Mt. Kenya. No special equipment is needed to climb this mountain. Hikers' huts are located at convenient points en route. Guides and porters are readily available in Buea (1000 m) where the climbs usually start.

Cities and towns to visit in Cameroon
Like many African cities, Yaoundé is a bustling urban centre. Yaounde is set in a lushy vegetated area and is unique among West African capitals for its hilly environment. A few kilometres north of the city centre is the Benedictine Monastery's Musée d'Art Cameroonais. It is small, but, has one of the best collections of Cameroonian art in the world.

Doula is Cameroon's largest city with over 2 million inhabitants is located on the Wouri River, a few miles from the Atlantic Coast. Relax on the terrace of the Hotel Akwa Palace and people watch with a coffee and a book. For culture visit the Musée de Douala.

Limbe is a beach resort about an hour by taxi from Douala. Kribi has better beaches and is located some 80 km south of Doula.

Ebodje village is some 50 km from Kribi, on the road to Campo. This fishing village has beautiful beaches for walks and swimming.

Foumban, is one of Cameroon's major attractions and an important center of traditional African art and culture. Visit the Palais Royal, seat of power for the Bamoun people. A highlight is the colorful Grand Marche in the town center.

Maroua, Cameroon's northernmost major town, is popular with travelers and is a good starting point for exploring the nearby Mandara Mountains. It has a lively market, especially for leather work and other crafts.

Rumsiki is a mountain village in the north of the Cameroon at the end of a large valley that opens into northern Nigeria. Around Rumsiki you can see the many striking peaks of the Kapsiki mountain range. There are guesthouses, hotels, camp sites, bars, restaurants and shops in the village .... and a lot of boys offering to be your guide.

National Parks and Reserves in Cameroon
Waza National Park in Northern Cameroon where Savannah meets Desert near Lake Thad.

Korup National Park, it is situated in the South West Province of Cameroon. It has a surface area of 1,259 square km and is considered to be one of the oldest and most beautiful tropical rain forests in the world.

The Dja Forest Reserve is situated in Southern Cameroon and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. Animals include elephant, gorillas and chimpanzees.

Tip: ATM's are only found in the big cities - see that you have enough cash on you.