There are a number of festivals, holidays and other events celebrated in Cameroon each year. The main ones are listed below.
January 1: New Year's Day and Independence Day (national)In Cameroon, January 1st is a double occasion: the country enters the new year, but also celebrates its Independence, proclaimed on January 1st, 1960. Lively atmosphere all around, especially in large cities like Douala and Yaoundé.
February 11: Youth Day (national)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.
May 1: Labour Day (national)Labour Day is a public holiday for all Cameroonians. This day is spent on parades and worker marches.
May 8: International Women's Day (national)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!
May 20: National DayCameroon celebrates its foundation, and the transition from a federal state to a unitary one. Public marches and parades are a reason for popular rejoicing.
August 15: Assumption (national)Every year, Cameroonians feverishly and grandiloquently celebrate the assumption of the Virgin Mary into Heaven.
First week of December: Ngondo (only in the Douala area)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.
December 25: Christmas Day (national)Cameroonians celebrate the birth of Christ. In a country where religious traditions are widespread, services are usually followed by family meals.
Month | Min. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Max. Average Temperature (°C/F°) | Average Rains (MM) | Best Time to Travel |
---|---|---|---|---|
January | 27/80 | 32/90 | 51/2.0 | Good period to go
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February | 28/82 | 33/91 | 58/2.3 | Good period to go
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March | 28/82 | 33/91 | 119/4.7 | Not the best period to go |
April | 27/80 | 32/90 | 173/6.8 | Not the best period to go |
May | 27/80 | 32/90 | 187/7.4 | Not the best period to go |
June | 26/79 | 30/86 | 236/9.3 | Not the best period to go |
July | 25/77 | 28/82 | 347/13.7 | Not the best period to go |
August | 25/77 | 28/82 | 468/18.4 | Not the best period to go |
September | 25/77 | 29/84 | 390/15.3 | Not the best period to go |
October | 26/79 | 30/86 | 236/9.3 | Not the best period to go |
November | 27/80 | 31/89 | 108/4.2 | Not the best period to go |
December | 27/80 | 32/90 | 30/1.2 | Good period to go
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Douala International Airport
The Douala International Airport is located 7 kilometres (4 miles) from Douala's city centre.
Uncertain bus routes, heavy traffic and 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.
Traffic is very dense and heavy in Douala and Yaoundé, and finding where to park difficult. We advise you to use a taxi.
There are four bus lines in Douala, run by the Socatur company. They cross town, starting at the Ndokoti intersection. The ticket is XAF 150.
In Yaoundé, the Socatur company started a few bus lines. But be careful, service is uncertain, ill-equipped and unsafe.
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 an XAF 250 fare during daytime and XAF 300 at night.
Two private companies with AC cars offer secure transportation. Fares run about XAF 3,500 during daytime and XAF 4,000 at night. To get around the city, it is simpler to ask your hotel to reserve the taxi for you.
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.
The currency used in Cameroon is the Franc CFA (XAF).
EUR 1 = XAF 656
The above exchange rate is given for information because is variable.
See your doctor before you travel. It is also recommended to take out insurance covering medical expenses and repatriation before your trip. Douala and Yaoundé count several hospitals and medical institutions, as well as quality medical practitioners and health specialists.
VaccinationsVaccination 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). Vaccination against rabies and meningococcal meningitis may also be advised.
For more information, contact the Air France Vaccination Centre:
To maintain good hygiene, it is recommended:
It is recommended to drink only from sealed bottled water.
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/
To enjoy peace of mind during your stay in Douala and Yaoundé, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country.
Here are a few useful phrases in French and English, which are the two official languages in Cameroon.
Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon: Bonjour (morning)
Thank you very much: Merci beaucoup
I don't understand: Je ne comprends pas
Could you repeat ?: Pouvez-vous répéter ?
What time is it ?: Quelle heure est-il ?
Sorry: Pardon
Excuse me: Excusez-moi
I'm looking for (…): Je recherche (…)
How much is (…)?: Quel est le prix de (…) ?
Do you have (…)?: Avez-vous (…) ?
Where can I find (…)?: Où puis-je trouver (…) ?
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 note that tipping is the only income for some professionals such as baggage handlers at the airport.