The unitary Republic of Cameroon is a country which connects western and central Africa. Surrounded by Nigeria on the west side, and east side with the Central African Republic, Chad on the northeast side and Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and the Republic of Congo on the south side. The Bight of Bonny is the costal line of Cameroon which is the part of Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Guinea. This country is also called as “Africa in miniature” for its cultural and geological diversity. There are many beaches, deserts, mountains, savannas and rainforests and Mount Cameroon is the highest point which is located in the southwest. Garoua, Yaounde, Douala are the largest cities of Cameroon. There are more than 200 different linguistic and ethnic groups. This country is branded for its indigenous style of music like bikutsi and makossa. It is also well known for its national football team. Sao civilizations and the Baka hunter gatherers near Lake Chad were the early inhabitants of this country.
In the 15th century the Portuguese reached at this place and gave the name to this place as Rio dos Camaroes which means “River of Prawns” and from this name the country got its name as Cameroon. This became a German colony in the year 1884. In the year 1950 the French took over Cameroon and the colonial rule was kept on hold and it came under the French rule in 1958 and got independence on 1st January 1960. This country is an example of colonial powers because of its tribal boundaries or geography. It was divided and given up to European countries in the colonial era and established in the year 1961. The leader named Ahmadou Abhidjo was the leader of one of the independence parties in Cameroon until the year 1982. Cameroon was divided into two parts with Bamenda and Nigeria.
In the year 1982 Paul Biya came to Cameroon and adopted many of the policies of Ahidjo’s multi party democracy. The conflict started after the World Cup of 1990 which gave time to Biya and he was forced to legalize 25 opposition parties when the demands regarding freedom started. These parties suspended when the limitations of legalization came upon them. The elections held in the year 1992 with Cameroon Democratic People’s Movement led by Biya. The power with the support of democratic parties, and the elections repeated in 1999 and again 2004. Cameroon today represents the country enriched with cultural diversity. The heritage offers a variety in culture and shows the cultural side of Africa. The originality of this country can be seen in its culture. It is a beautiful country where people live in harmony and tourists are always welcome.
There are around 250 ethnic groups with different lifestyle and culture. The North and the West regions are most popular among tourists because of culture. All the ethnic groups live peacefully with democratic central power, economy and human values, modernity and customs. Every cultural group has chiefs which play an important role in cultural and political fields and also maintain a moral and harmony across Cameroon.
Weather in Cameroon
The north side of the Cameroon has rains in September/October and in April/May. March and May are the hottest months in central and has dry heat. The south has rains throughout the year and from June to October is the wet season here. November to February is the driest months throughout Cameroon and these are the best months to visit Cameroon. Months from July to October are worst as it rains throughout Cameroon.
How to reach Cameroon
Cameroon Airlines is the local airlines in Cameroon, the airports of Douala and Yaounde are links Cameroon with the major cities in Africa and Europe. Cameroon Airlines is connected with major cities in central and West Africa. There are many international flights which are connected with Cameroon. You can also reach Cameroon by road from route via Garoua-Boulai and another alternative is traveling from Kenzou, south of Bataouri. Busses and rental cars are also available from different destinations to reach Cameroon. Ferry sails twice a week are available from Limbe to Calabar to reach Cameroon.
Cameroon is “Africa in miniature” as described by government because of its climate, culture, and geography. Cameroon’s wildlife safari attracts attention of people as it is the home for many animals like elephants, giraffes, cheetahs, chimpanzees, gorillas, etc. The cities, coast, the western highlands, and the north Cameroon are the places of tourist attractions here. There are two beach resorts Limhe with volcanic sand and Kribi with white sand beaches. The hikers and climbers are attracted towards the highest mountain coast Mount Cameroon in Central and West Africa. Buea city is the starting point of climbing of Mount Cameroon where guides are available for the tourists.
Accommodation in Cameroon
All types of accommodation are available in Cameroon. Basic hotels, international style hotels, guest houses, lodges, cottages etc all are available on reasonable rates. Five stars hotels to two stars, mid-range, expensive range and low range hotels are available. There are thousands of camp sites in Cameroon. Accommodation is huge and widely spread in whole Cameroon.
Seaside attractions and National Parks
Tourists enjoy the beautiful beaches in the sunny atmosphere near the coasts of Atlantic. There are many islands, natural sandy beaches, waterfalls, and picturesque bays. When we pass from Douala there are two major sea resorts, Kribi also called as “The Cameroon Cote D’Azur” there is forest vegetation all around this resort. In the south of this town there is river which is called as The Lobe River and has stunning waterfalls into Atlantic Ocean. Another sea resort is the Limbe also called as “The Deauville” there is amazing sandy beaches in this sea resort and it is a volcanic landscape it is also said that this black sand has magic powers. There are many palm and banana trees in this beach.
Cameroon is well known for Safari tourism, there are many reserves and modern parks with magnificent fauna. This country was also called as “the heaven of birds”. The beautiful sites are Mozozo Gokoro, Waza Park, Korup Park, Faro Park, and Benour Park etc.
Events and Festivals
There are many events and festivals in Cameroon the Ngondo Festival of the Sawa is celebrated every year in the first week of December. It is celebrated on the banks of River Wouri which includes music, dance handicraft exhibition, carnival, canoe parade etc. There is a unique festival which is like an event which the people organize to solve the land disputes and celebrated once in two years in the second week of December followed by horse parades. Nyem- Nyem is also a popular annual festival celebrated every year in January on top of the Mount Djim and Medumba Festival is held every two years in July basically to promote the Medumba Language and culture.
Useful information
- The currency of this country is CFA Franc, accepted currency for exchange are Euro and U.S. dollar.
- Tourist visas are compulsory with valid ticket to enter into this country.
- International certificate of vaccination of yellow fever is compulsory.
- It is also advised to carry light clothes on you tour to Cameroon and don’t forget to carry raincoat.
