FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS AND OTHER ANNUAL EVENTS IN Douala

Every year, numerous holidays are celebrated in Cameroon.
Below are the main dates for these festivities:

In Cameroon, January 1^st is a double occasion: the country enters the new year, but also celebrates its Independence from France, which was proclaimed on January 1^st, 1960. Lively atmosphere all around, especially in large cities like Douala and Yaoundé.

Cameroon celebrates the youths and students. School parades and sometimes public shows take place in the streets, dancing schools, choirs and sports clubs to express the nation's talents.

Cameroonian women are very attached to Women's Day. Official celebrations, women parades, marches: women are the talk of the town, especially in large cities, where many nightclubs are reserved for them. Gentlemen, on that day you will stay outside!

Labour Day is a public holiday for all Cameroonians. This day is spent on parades and worker marches.

Cameroon celebrates its foundation, and the transition from a federal state to a unitary one. Public marches and parades are a reason for popular rejoicing.

Every year, Cameroonians feverishly and grandiloquently celebrate the assumption of the Virgin Mary into Heaven.

The Ngondo takes place for a week and is held by the Sawa (coastal peoples). Miss Douala contest, dancing shows, pirogue races and many other activities follow the ceremony during which town inhabitants commune with their ancestors and the water spirits.

Cameroonians celebrate the birth of Christ. In a country where religious traditions are widespread, services are usually followed by family meals.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER IN Douala

Month	Min. Average Temperature (°C/F°)	Max. Average Temperature (°C/F°)	Average Rains (MM)	Best Time to Travel
January	27	32	51	Good period to go
February	28	33	58	Good period to go
March	28	33	119	Not the best period to go
April	27	32	173	Not the best period to go
May	27	32	187	Not the best period to go
June	26	30	236	Not the best period to go
July	25	28	347	Not the best period to go
August	25	28	468	Not the best period to go
September	25	29	390	Not the best period to go
October	26	30	236	Not the best period to go
November	27	31	108	Not the best period to go
December	27	32	30	Good period to go

THE DOUALA AND YAOUNDE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS

THE DOUALA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

• One terminal (Air France)

• By car:
  There are two car parks at the airport, outdoor and at basement level, with capacities of 334 and 133 vehicles. Both enjoy baggage handling services. 500 XAF per 2 hours, 2,500 XAF per 12 to 24 hours (outdoor) and 600 XAF per hour, 3,200 XAF per 12 to 24 hours (basement).Rentals: A car rental company is located in the arrivals hall.

• Hotel shuttles:
  Some large hotels organize their own shuttles from the airport. Check with your hotel ahead of time.
• Taxi:
  Yellow taxis are available at the ranks outside the airport to take you downtown Douala. Allow for a 15-minute trip and a 3,500 XAF fare. Before departure, you may also ask your hotel to arrange for a shuttle transfer or a PHV to pick you up. For all transportation within the city, besides traditional bush taxis taking multiple customers for varying fares, two private companies with AC cars were recently launched in Cameroon. They can be reached locally, so we advise you to go through your hotel to reserve a taxi. Fares to downtown Douala run about 10,000 XAF.
• Services:
  In the airport you will find ATMs, VIP lounges, newspaper stands and duty-free shops.
• Website: www.adcsa.aero/
• Phone: +237 233 42 35 77

THE YAOUNDE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

• Two terminals
  • T1
  • T2 (Air France)

• By car:
  There is an outdoor car park at the airport, with a 578 capacity. 500 XAF per 2 hours, 2,500 XAF per 12 to 24 hours.
  
  Rentals: A car rental company is located in the arrivals hall.

• Hotel shuttles:
  Some large hotels organize their own shuttles from the airport. Check with your hotel ahead of time.
• Taxi:
  Yellow taxis are available at the ranks outside the airport to take you downtown Douala. Allow for a 15-minute trip and a 3,500 XAF fare. Before departure, you may also ask your hotel to arrange for a shuttle transfer or a PHV to pick you up. For all transportation within the city, besides traditional bush taxis taking multiple customers for varying fares, two private companies with AC cars were recently launched in Cameroon. They can be reached locally, so we advise you to go through your hotel to reserve a taxi. Fares to downtown Douala run about 10,000 XAF.
• Services: In the airport you will find ATMs, a restaurant, newspaper stands, a post office, handicraft and duty-free shops.
• Website: www.adcsa.aero/
• Phone: +237 222 21 22 21

GETTING AROUND Douala

Uncertain bus routes, heavy traffic, non-existent car parks in some neighbourhoods: getting around Cameroon's two major cities can be a hassle. We advise you to use a taxi.

By car

Traffic is very dense and heavy in Douala, and finding where to park difficult. We advise you to use a taxi.

Traffic is very dense and heavy in Yaoundé, and finding where to park difficult. We advise you to use a taxi.

Bus

There are four bus lines in Douala, run by the Socatur company. They cross town, starting at the Ndokoti intersection. The ticket is 150 XAF.

In Yaoundé, the Socatur company started a few bus lines. But be careful, service is uncertain, ill-equipped and unsafe.

Taxi

Taxis remain the best solution for tourists and inhabitants alike to navigate the city.
Traditional bush taxis take multiple customers in and around Yaoundé for varying fares: bargain with the driver.
Some official taxi cabs, the “yellow taxis”, also drive through the city. Expect a 250 XAF fare during daytime and 500 XAF at night.
Two private companies with AC cars offer secure transportation. Fares run about 3,500 XAF during daytime and 4,000 XAF at night. To get around the city, it is simpler to ask your hotel to reserve the taxi for you.

Visitor information

There is no proper Tourist Information centre in Cameroon. For information on how to prepare your trip, we advise you to get in touch with the Tourist Information Centre for Europe in Paris, France.

Douala is the commercial and economic capital of Cameroon, while Yaoundé is the political one. Ministries and administrations are therefore all in Yaoundé. It may be possible to get in touch with the Department of Tourism and Leisure to find more information.

Immeuble Rose – 237 Yaoundé

+237 22 22 29 36

Currency and Exchange Rates

The currency used in Cameroon is the central african cfa franc (FCFA).

EUR 1 = XAF 656

The above exchange rate is given for information because is variable.

Medical information

There are several private and public hospitals in both Douala and Yaoundé, as well as quality general practitioners and medical specialists.
In case of illness or accident, international health insurance, particularly repatriation insurance, is recommended before flying to Cameroon.

Vaccination for yellow fever is mandatory before flying to Cameroon. Proof of vaccination is required upon arrival.

It is recommended to have updated vaccines as usually required (diphtheria, typhoid, tetanus, polio, hepatitis A and B).

Vaccine against rabies may also be advised.

For more information, contact the Air France Vaccination Centre:

• Address: 38, quai de Jemmapes 75010 Paris
• Website: www.vaccinations-airfrance.fr
• Telephone: +33 (0)1 43 17 22 00
• You can come with or without an appointment. Appointments can be made:
  – by Internet : vaccinations-airfrance.fr/eappointment/form
  – by telephone: +33 (0)1 43 17 22 00

Peel your fruit, drink only pasteurized or boiled milk, do not use ice cubes or drink fresh squeezed juices, make sure that all meats, fish, and crustaceans are well cooked, and wash your hands frequently.

It is strongly advised to drink water from sealed bottles that you open yourself or that are opened in front of you, or drink water that has been made drinkable with, for example, a water purification tablet.

Administrative formalities

Whatever your nationality, a visa is mandatory to enter Cameroon.

For more information, visit the website of the Ministry of Tourism of Cameroon: www.mintour.gov.cm/en/

Essential phrases

Good to know

00 + 237

00 + country prefix + number without the 0

0 : 00
of time difference with
Dublin

No Daylight Savings Time

Banks

Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Government offices

Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

220 V / 50 Hz

TIPPING

Tipping is customary in Cameroon. If the service is appreciated, a good rule of thumb is to leave an extra 5 to 15%. Please remember that tipping is the only income for some professionals such as baggage handlers at the airport.