Cameroon Travel Information

Cameroon has a tropical climate, with temperatures varying depending on the region. The country experiences two distinct seasons: a rainy season from May to October and a dry season from November to April. Here is an overview of the climate and best time to visit Cameroon.

Climate

Cameroon's climate varies greatly depending on the region. Coastal areas experience high temperatures and humidity year-round, while inland areas are generally cooler. The northern region of Cameroon experiences hot and dry weather, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F) in the hottest months. The central and southern regions of Cameroon experience a tropical climate with frequent rain and high humidity.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Cameroon is during the dry season, from November to April. During this time, the weather is generally dry and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing. The coastal areas of Cameroon can be visited year-round, although it is best to avoid the rainy season from May to October when there is a risk of heavy rainfall and flooding. The northern region of Cameroon should be avoided during the hottest months of the year, from March to May, due to the extreme heat. It is worth noting that Cameroon's weather can be unpredictable, and sudden rainstorms can occur even during the dry season. Visitors should come prepared with appropriate clothing and gear to handle unexpected changes in weather.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

Cameroon has a range of hotels, from budget-friendly options to luxury hotels. Many of the hotels are located in major cities and offer amenities such as swimming pools, restaurants, and bars. Prices vary depending on the location and the level of luxury.

Guesthouses and Bed and Breakfasts

Guesthouses and bed and breakfasts are a popular accommodation option for visitors to Cameroon, particularly those on a budget. These types of accommodations are typically family-run and offer a more intimate and personalized experience. They are often located in residential areas and can be a great way to experience local culture.

Camping and Eco-Lodges

Cameroon has a range of camping and eco-lodge options for visitors looking to experience the country's natural beauty. Many of these accommodations are located in national parks and offer a unique and immersive experience in nature. Facilities can vary, with some offering basic camping facilities and others offering luxury tents or treehouses.

Homestays

Homestays are becoming an increasingly popular option for visitors to Cameroon. This type of accommodation involves staying with a local family in their home and experiencing their daily life and culture. It can be a great way to gain a deeper understanding of the local culture and customs.

Short-Term Rentals

Short-term rentals, such as apartments or vacation homes, are also available in Cameroon. This type of accommodation can be a good option for visitors who prefer more space and privacy or for those traveling with a group.

Hostels

Hostels are a budget-friendly option for travelers visiting Cameroon. They are typically located in major cities and offer dormitory-style accommodations with shared facilities such as bathrooms and kitchens. Hostels can be a great way to meet other travelers and exchange tips and advice for exploring the area.

Public Transport

Public transport in Cameroon consists of buses, minibusses, and shared taxis. These are generally the most affordable option for getting around, but they can be crowded and uncomfortable. Buses and minibusses are typically used for longer distances, while shared taxis are used for shorter distances within cities.

Private Taxis

Private taxis are available in most major cities in Cameroon. They are a more expensive option than public transport, but they offer a more comfortable and convenient way to get around. Taxis can be flagged down on the street, or arranged through a hotel or taxi stand.

Car Rentals

Car rentals are available in major cities in Cameroon, and they offer the most flexibility for visitors who want to explore the country at their own pace. However, driving in Cameroon can be challenging, particularly in urban areas, due to heavy traffic and poorly maintained roads. Visitors should also be aware that car theft is a common problem in Cameroon.

Motorcycle Taxis

Motorcycle taxis, known as "okadas," are a common mode of transportation in Cameroon. They are often used for short distances and can be a fast and convenient way to get around in heavy traffic. However, motorcycle taxis can be dangerous, particularly for visitors who are not familiar with the roads and traffic conditions in Cameroon.

Trains

Trains are available for longer distances in Cameroon, and they offer a comfortable and scenic way to travel through the country. However, train travel in Cameroon can be slow and unreliable, and visitors should be prepared for delays and cancellations.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.