8 Top Things to do in Cameroon

Douala is the hub of Cameroon. It’s the stronghold of the country where the economy, business and diplomatic life meet, thereby birthing top things to do in Cameroon. 

The capital is the heart of the country, which is bustling with life. It has the biggest airport in the country as well as the most important port. This is where everything happens. It may seem like an unlikely place to travel to and enjoy because it is mostly a business hub, but there are some memorable experiences and adventures in Douala.

What are the Top Things to do in Cameroon?

See Africa Today brings you the top things to do in Cameroon.

1. Visit Mt Cameroon

From Douala, you can go hiking up West Africa’s highest peak, which is also an active volcano, Mount Cameroon. This adventure can take over four days with a professional tour guide. The Summit of Mt Cameroon is about 4095m, and there is a lot to see on your way up. This trail is also used for the Guinness Mt Cameroon International Race.

It’s among the top things to do in Cameroon. On this tour, you can go through the Equatorial forest as well as the savanna. There is wildlife to see, including monkeys, elephants, chimpanzees, and drills.

If you are a bird lover, then you will encounter different bird species too. There is an opportunity to trek through craters caused by eruptions and see the unique lava fields, and you will finish by camping at Maan’s Spring Camp. This is an experience of a lifetime.

2. Visit Lobeke National Park

If you feel like a national park tour, you can take a day trip from Douala and visit Lobeke National Park. It is one of the top things to do in Cameroon. You will be able to enjoy a day in beautiful nature with rich flora and fauna, and be among some spectacular wildlife. There are buffaloes, leopards, Colobus monkeys, chimpanzees, elephants and even some gorillas. You will not be disappointed by this trip.

3. Musee Maritime de Douala

If you want to go around the city and get to know it better, including its history, culture, and Cameroon’s heritage, you should visit the Maritime Museum of Douala. It is a beautifully designed building that houses three floors with a beautiful view of the port.

You will learn about the Cameroonian tropical coast’s maritime landscape and history when you visit the museum.  Some exhibits portray the evolution of the port city, with paintings, sculptures, maps used by the ships that sailed to the port, and models of the vessels used for trade. It is easily accessible from several hotels; one can even take a walk.

4. Doual’Art

If you are an art enthusiast or curious about Cameroon’s artistic and cultural practices, then this is the place to visit. This art centre is there to support local creations and showcase local talent. The art is contemporary and meshes well with the urban settings. You can buy a few pieces and play a part in supporting a local artist.

5. Villa Mandessi Bell

The Villa Mandessi Bell is a historical architectural gem. It was built between 1904 and 1909. It represents a time when Germany occupied Cameroon. The Villa Mandessi Bell was constructed to show the owners’ affluence and power. You can take a walk and view this historical building, and take in the craftsmanship that went into building it.

6. Cathedral of St Peter and Paul Bonadibong

One of the historical sites that is a must-visit in Douala is the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul. It is a unique historical site. You can admire the architecture and also take some great shots. The gardens are beautiful, and some people sell relics and books to take away with you.

7. La Pagode

Kings’ Place is the meaning for La Pagode, it was built in 1905 and named by Louis-Ferdinand Celine, who was a writer. It is a beautiful building built by the Germans and has a lot of history. It has now been converted into a classy restaurant where you can enjoy classical music and good food. There have been some renovations, but it has maintained its style and its beauty.

8. Limbe

When you feel like spending some time on the beach, you go from Douala to Limbe.  This bubbly town adds to the top things to do in Cameroon. You can relax and enjoy the view on the sandy beaches, and there is usually great weather. There is also a lot to do like visit the botanical garden if you love plants or the zoological garden that has endangered animals and offers them a sanctuary.  There are restaurants to try out and lots of other historical sites to visit.

What to Eat in Douala

There is a lot to discover food-wise in Douala. Being a port city, a lot of traditions and cultures have come through and have for centuries. There is a mix of traditional Cameroonian dishes, some Pan-African influenced cuisines that should be tried. You will also find Mediterranean dishes as well as those from the Middle East.