1

There is a huge amount of diversity in Cameroon; mountains, grasslands and crater lakes, ethnic villages, game parks and rainforest, chimps, gorillas and many other (unique) primates, pygmies, bird life, music and foods, white and black beaches, a railway through the rain forest, ad infinitum.

Get a copy of the Rough Guide or Bradt guide books and plan your time off to achieve the best results.

Dave

2

Have no doubts about my Country Cameroon.There is more to it than meets the eyes.Come and see for yourself.Besides the Guide books,you could ask me any question about Cameroon.I am ready to answer.
I am waiting.

3

Hi,
I will also go to Cameroon at the beginning of February, but I will stay until the end of May and I will also volunteer. I´m not so far away from Douala, I will be in Kumba. I´m preparing with the Bradt Travel Guides, which is pretty good. I thought to visit at the weekend places nearby, like the Korup National Park (nice rainforest with monkeys), the Mount Cameroon and the beaches of Limbe. If you like to join me on one or the other trip I will be happy, because I´ll also travel alone. Just send me a message.
Apart from this, I think Waza National Park is a thing one should definitely see.

4

Hi,
It sounds like you have a good plan too. I am learning that it is hard to take just a weekend excursion from Yaounde, as it takes quite some time to get anywhere on public transportation. I will hope to make it down to Kribi beaches on a weekend, maybe, then leave more time for other trips to Mt. Cameroon area, etc.
I also would really like to see Waza, but I had begun to think maybe it's not possible... it sounds like it is a very long way there, and there is not much set up for tourists. Perhaps it would be easier to arrange something with more people, so if you think about going, please keep me informed! Thanks.

5

I'm reading that it is quite difficult to take pictures in Cameroon, and the long list of suggestions of things NOT to take pictures of does not leave very much that sounds ok. Is that really true?
Also, the guide book makes it sound as if public transportation can be pretty dangerous... do you have any specific suggestions for agencies that are trustworthy, or the best way to get around?
Thanks.

6

To get to Waza is at least 36 hours of solid train and bus travel, best to allow 2-3 days to cover delays, derailments, bus crashes, etc. Arranging 4x4 transport from Maroua is simple if not cheap and the thatched huts just outside the park gates are an atmospheric spot to spend the nights (allow at least 1 night with an evening and early morning game drive). Returning to Yaounde takes a minimum of 2-3 days as an overnight stop in Ngaoundere is virtually obligatory. Once in the Extreme North there are several attractions that can occupy you for a week or two besides Waza.

Dave

7

Dave - thanks, good to know about Waza. I might not make it all the way up there in my month. Never enough time...
Anybody have ideas on the next best spot to see wildlife?

8

The North, and mostly extreme north region, is a great place to travel (highlights for me were the Mandara mountains, the Alantika mountains and the Maga-Pouss region), though it takes a long time to reach it from Yaounde, as the previous posters said.
In Maroua you can find 4x4 for hire, with driver and fuel, are around 40.000 CFA per day (60 Eur), but you might be asked for more. It depends how long is the distance and driving time, as if the fuel consumption is low, you can get it cheaper ( towards 30.000 CFA)

I did not go to Waza because everybody that I've met, including local guides, agreed that the number of animals is rather low and you mostly get to see antelopes and pigs, and have to be really lucky to see anything else. So, compared to the cost it did not seem a good choice.

About pictures - that's not a problem, but in certain areas people do not like to be photographed (the northern region bordering Chad)

About transport - I did not find it dangerous, just crowded, as anywhere in Africa. Riding taxi motos has risks, especially in heavy traffic or on rough roads, as you are not provided with a helmet, but I did see tourists carring their own helmet just to be safe on taxi motos :)

9

Good tips regarding Cameroon is available always, I suggest you contact our Tour Coordinator on this
email: touristguide@sjservice.biz to gather all information necessary for your sojourn in Cameroon.

I believe your visit to the Limbe Wild life center will be the best which after on you can visit Seme Beach Hotel (beside the black sand sea - mostly visited by expatriates during weekends to catch fun)

A. Jonathan

10

Hello there,
I am in Yaounde now - I have been here for a week and a half. I am ready to get out of the city and travel a bit. Have you seen some things in your time here yet? I would like to make it to Limbe area - have you been? If so, do you have any tips? If not, I may have a ride to Douala this weekend, maybe we could meet and go to Limbe?

Cheers,
tiffany