Here’s a list of the famous touristic sites to visit in Cameroon. Cameroon is located between West and Central Africa, along the Gulf of Guinea.
Here’s a list of the famous touristic sites to visit in Cameroon. Cameroon is located between West and Central Africa, along the Gulf of Guinea.
Cameroon is bounded by a host of countries, notably Nigeria to the West, the Republic of Chad to the north and the Central African Republic to the east. The southern border of Cameroon shares international boundaries with Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Congo Brazzaville.
With a coastline that forms part of the Gulf of Guinea, it is strategically located in the western part of Africa. However, it can also be considered central Africa. All of Africa in one place! Cameroon is very often referred to as Africa in miniature. Did you get that?
What Language is Spoken in Cameroon?
Cameroon is a bilingual country with French and English as the two official languages. Pidgin English is also a widely spoken language in the country. Yaoundé and Douala are the two largest cities, the former being the political capital. Douala is the central economic hub of Cameroon and is located in the coastal region, hugging the Atlantic Ocean.
What are the Famous Touristic Places to visit in Cameroon?
There are tons and tons of fascinating sites to visit in Cameroon. There are over 250 ethnic groups that make up this country. Ranging from Natural attractions like seas, mountains, and forests to beautiful landscapes and destinations of significant historical and cultural significance.
For the purpose of this article, we have classified the famous touristic places to visit in Cameroon into 2 categories:
- Natural Attractions
- Zoos, Parks and Gardens
Famous Touristic Sites to Visit in Cameroon (Natural Attractions, Museums, Zoos, Parks and Gardens)
A. Natural Attractions
Cameroon is blessed with many Natural resources ranging from majestic waterfalls and graceful rivers to the intimidating Atlantic Ocean, which hugs the coastal part of the country.
1. Mount Cameroon
High on our list of top places to visit in Cameroon is Mount Cameroon. The active volcanic mountain is located in the South West region of the country and peaks at an astonishing 4040m above sea level.
Mt Cameroon, situated along the Cameroon Volcanic Line, is an active volcano and boasts the highest point in Sub-Saharan Africa. Also called the Fako Mountain or Chariot of the gods, Mount Cameroon is home to a variety of spectacular fauna and flora, including elephants, Chimpanzees and red-eared monkeys. It is a must-visit for lovers of nature in Cameroon.
The mountain also contains many volcanic features like craters, crater lakes and caves. The flora is characterized by more than 2000 species of plants belonging to 200 different families (M. Cheeks,1998: Mount Cameroon’s plants-a conservative checklist). Also, it is well suited for camping, hiking and excursions.
2. The Lobe Falls
The Lobe fall is found in Kribi, a coastal town about 150 km from Douala. It is a fascinating natural attraction and should be on your list of places to visit in Cameroon.
The fall empties into the Atlantic Ocean, collecting its course from several small streams and rivers that run for several kilometres before reaching the highest point of the falls, which is about 20m tall.
The Lobe fall was submitted by the government of Cameroon to be considered a UNESCO world heritage site owing to its very significant cultural and historical importance, especially to the indigenes of the area, predominantly the Batangas. It will be the ideal place for a private or romantic getaway where u can enjoy some fresh fish and take a ride in the traditional canoes and motorboats.
3. The Menchum Falls (Warning! Do not go too close to the falls)
The Menchum fall is a majestic yet imposing jewel of nature along the otherwise calm river Menchum. Located some 45 kilometres from the city of Bamenda, this fall is one of the largest in West Africa. It has the potential to produce Hydroelectric power in unprecedented quantities (estimated at 72 megawatts).
The closest mini urban settlement is Wum, the divisional capital of Menchum. Although not well developed as a tourist attraction, travellers along the Wum – Bamenda highway will do well to make a brief stop to view this 80 to 90-metre-high waters tumbling into the rocky pool beneath before continuing its course along the Menchum river.
The Menchum division also has numerous natural attractions, like the lake Wum, Lake Nyos and the Kimbi game reserve.
You may also want to visit some important lakes and rivers like the Lake Barombi-Kang in Kumba, the river Nyong, river Sanaga, river Woui, and impressive rocky features in the northern part of Cameroon.
B. Zoos, Parks and Gardens
1. Limbe Wildlife Centre
Found in the Bota neighbourhood in Limbe, this zoo is a charming home for animals like chimpanzees and gorillas. You will enjoy the guided tour and explore your connection with the wild in a largely safe and secure zoo.
2. Waza National Park
The Waza National Park, found in the Far North region of Cameroon, is one of the most famous touristic places to visit in Cameroon. Created as a hunting reserve in 1934, it was elevated to the status of a National Park in 1968.
The Waza National Park was recognized as a UNESCO heritage site in 1979. Boasting one of the most diversified faunas and flora collections in Africa, it is home to over 30 species of mammals, including elephants, lions, giraffes and hyenas, amongst others. In fact, there are no less than 350 bird species, among which ostriches and geese.
Also, do well to enjoy the view of large herds of the African bush elephant and exceptional pride of lions, among other famous predators like leopards. For best experience and safety, it is advisable to always be in the company of a guide whether you choose to take the Safari tour or walking tour of the park.
3. Mefou National Park
The Mefou National Park is an absolute must-visit site when you visit Cameroon! It is situated on the outskirts of Cameroon’s capital Yaounde. This ape sanctuary is one of the top places to visit in Cameroon.
The park is run by the NGO Ape Action Africa, dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned Apes. It has over 300 primate populations catered for, like monkeys, gorillas, and chimpanzees. It is the home to some very rare and endangered species, rescued from poaching and pet hunting. You will have the unique experience of seeing rescued animals in their natural habitat.
The tour is highly personalized and will be enjoyed if you make the trip with a group of 6 to 12 people. Endeavour to make reservations ahead of time, make sure the park is open, and arrange for transport for the hour-long rough and tricky journey between Yaoundé and Mefou.
Other notable Reserves are the Dja Reserve in the South Region of Cameroon and the Lobeke National Park.
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