Must See

Yaounde

The capital is built on seven hills. The mountains rise to 1,000 metres, and are covered in lush jungle vegetation. Its altitude ensures a pleasant climate. The city has numerous markets, with the market at Mokolo being one of the biggest. The national football team plays frequent matches in the Ahmadou Ahidjo (or Omnisport) stadium. The presidential palace and compound is in the Etoudi neighbourhood, and the National Museum of Yaoundé is also worth a visit.

Compared to the hotter, noisier Douala, Yaounde is cooler and somewhat more easy-going, with an excellent selection of nightclubs and restaurants; however, the traffic can be a nightmare for the tourist. The city also boasts some unusual and surprisingly modern architecture, particularly with regards to many of the government ministries.

Mont Febe has been turned into a tourist resort overlooking the city, with attractions such as the Benedictine Monastery's Musée d'Art Cameroonais, a collection of traditional arts and crafts. A small population of lowland gorillas inhabit Moloundou, an area outside of the city teeming with wildlife.

Douala

The economic capital of the country, only 24 kilometres from the sea, lies alongside the Wouri River under the shadow of Mount Cameroon. The city holds a number of attractions for the visitor, including the craft market or Artisanat National, Deido market, the harbour, the museum, and Wouri bridge. The restaurants and live music are some of the best in west Africa.

Buea

A town full of character on the eastern slopes of Mount Cameroon (west Africa's tallest mountain at 4095 metres). Buea was the colonial capital city of the German Kamerun from 1901 to 1909, then of the Southern Province of British Cameroons (1949-1961). The city still has a handful of colonial era buildings, notably the palatial former residence of the German governor, Jesko von Puttkamer. The city also hosts the University of Buea, the only Anglophone University of Cameroon.

Rhumsiki

This village, framed by the soaring Kapsiki mountains, features a maze of paths linking a number of small farms. The village is home to the Kirdi, whose customs and folklore, including crab sorcery, have not changed for centuries.

Waza National Park

Covering over 400,000 acres, this is the largest park in Western Africa and is located in the north of the country. It contains forest, grassland and wet plains where elephants, giraffes, antelopes, hartebeest, cobs, lions, cheetahs, warthogs may be spotted. The Park is also teeming with various bird species, such as maribous, eagles, guinea-fowl, crested cranes, ducks, pelicans and geese.

Korup National Park

Africa's oldest and most biologically diverse rainforest, and home to numerous species of primates, birds, trees and plants. Many new species have been discovered here recently. However, travellers to the park should be aware that they need to prepare for 100% humidity and may need to cross waist-high pools.

Bouba Ndjidah National Park

Situated on the banks of Mayo Lidi River in the far north of the country, visitors may be able to see wildlife including the black rhinoceros, elephants, lions, buffalo and elan.