Popular Destinations in Cameroon
Douala
The largest city in Cameroon, Douala is the commercial hub of the country.
Home to the largest port in Central Africa, Douala is among the most
important economic centres in the region. Formerly under Portuguese,
German, and French rule, visitors will find here many buildings constructed
in the classical Prussian and late art nouveau architectural styles. The
coastal city is dotted with historic landmarks, such as Palace of the King
Manga Ndumbe Bell, Native Baptist Church, Bonakouamouang Chimney, Governor
Residency, Villa Mandessi Bell, Chamber of Commerce, and Cathedral of
Saints Peter and Paul. Douala is lined with top-notch museums such as the
Douala Maritime Museum which showcases photos, maps, sculptures, videos,
paintings, documents, multimedia animations, and archives. The city has
some pristine beaches and is in close proximity to the Lobeke National
Park, a semi-evergreen forest characterized by an enormous variety of
plants and diverse wildlife. The cosmopolitan city has a sizeable migrant
population from Nigeria Chad, and Mali.
Yaounde
Capital of Cameroon, Yaounde is spread across seven hills. Located in
southern Cameroon, the city is over hundred years old. The 20th
century Notre Dame des Victoires Cathedral is emblematic of the city. The
city centre encompasses government offices, hotels, and the central market.
The upscale Bastos District is home to foreign embassies and hence has a
concentration of American, European, and other expatriate communities. In
the Lake Quarter, the former presidential palace houses the National
Museum. The National Museum houses a vast collection of handcrafted tools,
masks, art, accessories, instruments, paintings, tribal objects, wooden and
bronze statues from all over the country. The Benedictine Monastery located
north of Yaoundee is home to the Musee d’Art Camerounais. The museum’s
extensive collection includes bronze and wood artefacts, traditional masks,
and pottery. Nature lovers can head southwards to Mefou Wildlife Sanctuary
and Mfou Reserve, a shelter for lowland gorillas and orphaned chimpanzees.
Foumban
Situated north east of Bafoussam, Foumban is renowned for its political
significance in Cameroon's history. It is considered to be a major city
owing to its cultural and economic potential. Foumban is among nation's
major attraction and an important centre of traditional African art. The
city has a great artistic and musical legacy. Foumban is home to Cameroon’s
largest Muslim population and the city’s architectural style is a blend of
West and North Africa with Islamic influences. Foumban is home to the
elegant Palais Royal, which is the seat of power for the Bamoun people. The
early 20th century palace houses Sultan's Museum, which
showcases a multitude of arms, musical instruments, royal gowns, statues,
jewellery, and masks.