Day 1: Arrive in Douala
Welcome to Cameroon! Land in Douala, the largest city in the country. After dealing with immigration and grabbing your luggage, take it easy and settle into your accommodation.
Spend the afternoon exploring the lively streets. Douala is an economic hub, so you’ll see lots of markets, restaurants, and vibrant activity. If you’re hungry, try grilled fish (“poisson braisé”) or “ndole,” Cameroon’s national dish made of bitter leaves, nuts, and beef or shrimp.
In the evening, perhaps enjoy a drink at a local bar and soak in the local atmosphere. Be sure to rest; the adventure is just getting started!
Day 2: Visit Douala’s Highlights
Get ready for a day of exploration. Start with a trip to the Douala Maritime Museum to get a sense of the maritime history of Cameroon. It’s an insightful look into the country’s rich history with the sea.
Afterward, head to Place de l’Indépendance in the city center, where local stories and history come to life. Here, you can pause for photos and observe locals going about their day.
For those into art, the Doual’Art Gallery showcases contemporary African artists and is a great stop before heading for lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring the city’s sprawling markets. The Marché des Fleurs is a colorful and fragrant spot perfect for shopping for local spices and souvenirs.
Day 3: Travel to Limbe

It’s time to hit the road to Limbe, a coastal city about an hour away. The drive is scenic and you’ll pass lush landscapes. Once you arrive, Limbe’s black sand beaches will greet you with a relaxed, laid-back vibe.
Base yourself in Limbe for a few days and use it as a launching point for the surrounding attractions.
Spend the afternoon at the Limbe Wildlife Centre. Here you can see rescued chimpanzees, gorillas, and other primates that were saved from poachers. It’s an important conservation center that’s well worth the visit. In the evening, enjoy fresh seafood by the beach and listen to the waves before turning in for the night.
Day 4: Mount Cameroon Trek
Today is all about adventure. Mount Cameroon, West Africa’s highest volcano, awaits! If you’re an avid hiker, you can embark on a guided trek. Choose a one-day hike if you’re not ready for the full summit.
The trails are scenic, and you’ll pass through diverse ecosystems, from rainforests to savannah. Make sure you’re prepared with proper hiking gear, as the climb can be intense, but the views will be stunning.
If you prefer a more chilled-out day, you can explore the botanical gardens of Limbe or simply relax on one of the beaches.
Day 5: Explore Limbe
Take a break from hiking, and enjoy what Limbe has to offer. Begin your day with some relaxation on Limbe’s famous black-sand beaches. Seme Beach is particularly well-known for its volcanic sands.

Spend the day swimming or renting a boat to explore the shorelines of this coastal region. In the afternoon, take a trip to the nearby coastal town of Bimbia, where the historic slave trade port offers a humbling look into the region’s history during the transatlantic slave trade.
Day 6: Travel to Buea
Move on to Buea, a historic town nestled at the foot of Mount Cameroon, and known for its colonial buildings. Get a sense of early European influence here as you walk by the German colonial buildings and old governor’s lodge.
Spend your day exploring the streets and interacting with locals. Buea has a cooler climate than coastal Cameroon, making it a refreshing stop on your journey.
Wrap up your day with some local Cameroonian dishes and chat with travelers who are preparing for or just returned from Mount Cameroon.

Day 7: Douala to Yaoundé
Head to Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon! The drive is about five hours, but the landscapes are worth the trip. Once you arrive, settle into your accommodation before venturing into the city’s heart.
After landing in Yaoundé, explore the green hills surrounding the capital. Spend the evening strolling through the city’s laid-back neighborhoods. This is the administrative core of the country, but you won’t feel rushed here. The city has a certain calmness to it, and it gives you a chance to recharge.
Day 8: Yaoundé’s Museums and Markets
Dedicate today to exploring Yaoundé’s cultural highlights. Start by visiting the National Museum, housed in the former presidential palace. It gives an in-depth look at both the country’s contemporary political history as well as anthropology.

Later, head to Marché Mokolo, one of the biggest markets in the city. It’s a bustling space where you can buy everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. Practice your bargaining skills, chat with the vendors, and maybe grab some “soya” (grilled beef skewers) to snack on.
In the afternoon, if you’re interested in art, the Blackitude Museum is dedicated to traditional crafts and jewelry. It’s a more niche stop, but great if you’re interested in learning about local traditions.
Day 9: Day Trip to Mefou Primate Park
Take a day trip outside of Yaoundé to Mefou Primate Park. It’s less than an hour away, but it offers a wild experience. This sanctuary is home to various species of primates, including gorillas and chimpanzees. It’s also another example of the nation’s conservation efforts to protect endangered species.
Spend your day walking the trails, listening to the forest sounds, and observing these majestic creatures up close. Return to Yaoundé in the evening, and unwind over a traditional meal.
Day 10: Drive to Bamenda
It’s time to take a road trip to the culturally rich city of Bamenda, located in the northwestern region of Cameroon. The drive is lush, filled with green hills, and will take you about six hours.
Once you arrive, Bamenda offers travelers a more serene experience. Spend the evening wandering the streets and observing daily life in this quieter part of the country. Grab dinner at a local restaurant where you can try more Cameroonian dishes like “eru” (a leafy green stew) or “corn fufu.”
Day 11: Explore Bamenda’s Culture
Bamenda deserves time to explore. Start with a visit to the Bamenda Handicraft Cooperative Society, where you can admire and purchase traditional art pieces, carvings, and decorations.
The Fon's Palace in Bali is another hidden gem nearby, where you’ll get a glimpse into traditional local structures and learn about the cultural importance of the Chiefdom system in Cameroon.
The region is known for its natural beauty, so if you’re craving more nature, the surrounding countryside in North-West Cameroon offers opportunities for short hikes and cultural village tours.
Day 12: Travel to Foumban
Next stop: Foumban. This city is known for its rich tradition of arts and crafts. It’s about a four-hour drive from Bamenda, so plan to arrive mid-day.
This city is one of the significant cultural hubs in Cameroon. Spend the afternoon touring the Palace of the Sultan, which showcases the history of the Bamoun people. Don’t miss the Foumban Artisan Market, where you can browse an amazing variety of local crafts and handmade items.
Day 13: Relax in Foumban
Foumban has a slower pace, perfect for those who want to embrace relaxation and culture. Spend your day at leisure. Maybe join a pottery-making workshop or enjoy traditional music performances by local groups.
In the afternoon, indulge in more local dishes at one of Foumban’s small eateries. Take a stroll around the city to sink into the artistic energy that permeates Foumban.
Day 14: Return to Douala
Your final road trip: from Foumban back to Douala. It’s about a five-hour journey, and once you arrive, take the remainder of your day to unwind.
You can do a final round of gift-shopping in Douala’s markets or chill by the waterfront. Enjoy your last local meal and soak in all the memories from your incredible two weeks in Cameroon.
Tomorrow it’s time to catch a flight home, but you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of this incredible country and its hidden gems!
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