Cameroon, on the Gulf of Guinea, is a Central African country of varied terrain and wildlife. A country buzzing with life and soul in abundance. Its inland capital, Yaoundé, and its biggest city, the seaport Douala, are transit points to ecotourism sites as well as beach resorts like Kribi. The terrain here is as varied as the language with over 230 local languages complementing the English and French speaking regions. Here’s our guide to the most beautiful cities and towns to visit in Cameroon – hope they’ll inspire you to take a trip.
We also recommend our guide to the best souvenir markets in Cameroon.
Douala
By any measurement but political power, Douala is Cameroon’s main city. Beauty aside, Douala is an extremely important city, with its port handling the majority of the country’s and CEMAC export and import activities. Home to Central Africa’s largest port and its major international airport, Douala International Airport, it is the commercial and economic capital of Cameroon and the entire CEMAC region. Douala with its large number of beaches and local markets has ample potential to be one of the most regular tourist destinations.
Kribi
Kribi is home to Cameroon’s best beaches – the sand is fine, the water crystal clear. Kribi is a resort town and port in the South Province of Cameroon. It’s known for its sandy beaches. To the south, Tara Plage is a beach with strong Atlantic surf. Nearby, the Chutes de la Lobé waterfall plunges directly into the sea. Kribi is equally very popular for its roasted fish and one of the most beautiful cities in Cameroon.
Yaoundé
Yaoundé is the capital of Cameroon and, the second largest city in the country after the port city, Douala. Beautifully spread over seven hills, the ever expanding city of Yaoundé features a host of art decor. Its lush and hilly setting makes the air cool – a combination that makes the city a pleasant place to visit. The presidential palace and compound is in the Etoudi district. The city centre houses government offices, some hotels, and the central market. The Bastos district, with most homes owned by Cameroonians, is home to foreign embassies and the expatriate European, American and other continental communities.
Bamenda
Bamenda, also known as Abakwa and Mankon Town, is a city in northwestern Cameroon. As a regional centre, the city has numerous markets, banks, and offices. The local museum and shops display a wide variety of local baskets, beads, woodcarvings and bronze statues. The mountainous terrain around the city affords scenic views such as that from the mountain Sabga over the Ndop plain, making it one of the most beautiful cities in Cameroon.
Limbe
Limbe is a beach town in western Cameroon. It’s known for its black sand beaches and Atlantic surf. This fascinating city is blessed with a fabulous natural position between the rainforest-swathed foothills of Mt Cameroon and the dramatic Atlantic coastline. The Limbe Wildlife Centre rescues and rehabilitates primates, such as lowland gorillas. Mount Cameroon National Park protects endangered mammals, including forest elephants. Limbe Botanic Garden has a herbarium and diverse plant species. This is also one of the most beautiful cities in Cameroon.
