Cameroon Flag
"Africa in Miniature"
Why visit Cameroon?
Affluent adventurous traveler seeking beaches, coastal plains, coffee plantations, culture, deserts, game parks, grasslands, history, jungle rivers, mountains, rainforest, savannas and volcanic highlands.
At a Glance
- Souvenirs to Buy: Baskets, beadwork, brassware, ceramics, copper statues, embroidery, engraved abbia stones, glass beads, leather goods, masks, pottery, wood carvings and wood sculpture.
- Local Cuisine to Try: Kati Kati (grilled chicken). Koki Fritter (black-eyed peas). Kondreh (stewed plantains). Mbongo'o Tjobi (spicy soup). Ndolé (stewed nuts).
- Local Drink to Try: 33 Export (lager beer). Odontol (palm wine).
Mount Cameroon (Cameroon Mountain or Fako), South West Region, Cameroon. Photo Credit: rem734/Pixabay
Fun Facts
- In 1472, Portuguese sailors arrived.
- In 1884, became a German colony.
- In 1919, France integrated infrastructure and skilled worker improvements.
- In 1960, parts became independent.
- In 1972, abandoned federation.
- Since 1982, Paul Biya has been President.
- In 1986, a cloud of carbon dioxide seeping from underground springs killed thousands.
- In 1999, Mt Cameroon (volcano) erupted twice.
- In 2000, won a gold medal in the Olympics (Sydney, Australia).
- In 2008, transport union strike (Douala) was the worst violent protests.
- In 2017, open warfare about the Ambazonian state from the English-speaking territories (Northwest and Southwest regions).
- In 2018, declared victory against Boko Haram (Nigeria) ignited by the Chibok Schoolgirls Kidnapping wake.
- Since 2019, guerrillas and government forces continue to fight.
- In lieu of taxi fare or food payment a special bottle cap (valid for a free beer exchange) is used.
- Erected a self declared state, Ambazonia not internationally recognized.
- Has over 250 native languages.
- Portuguese referred to Wouri River "Rio dos Camarões" (Shrimp River).
- Since achieving independence there have only been two Presidents in office, elected by popular vote every seven years.
- One of the highest school attendance rates amongst Africa.
- Production of cocoa often includes Child Labor (5-14).
- A prevalent cultural tradition on girls is breast ironing performed by a close female figure using hard or heated objects to stunt breast development. In efforts, to prevent being forced into early marriage, rape or sexual harassment. Usually performed around dusk or dawn practice ranging from a week to months.
- Agriculturally grows bananas, cocoa, coffee, cotton, groundnuts, oil palms, rice, rubber, sugar, tea and tobacco.
- Witchcraft is widely believed, suspected witches endure violence.
Special Holidays/Occasions
- Annual Events: (February) Race of Hope, (July) Nyem-Nyem Festival, (August) Culture Week, (November) African Theater Festival (FATEJ) and (December) Ngondo Festival.
- Holidays: New Year's Day, Youth Day, Labour Day, National Day, Assumption Day, Christmas Day, Good Friday, Ascension Day, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha and Mawlid.
Photo Credit: Edouard TAMBA/Unsplash
Good to Know
- Register with the embassy upon arrival.
- Be tolerant and anticipate delays and inconveniences.
- Corruption is known to exist in all levels of government.
- Known to circulate counterfeit currency.
- Bandits target tourists. Roadblocks are common to collect traveler bribes.
- Avoid all demonstrations/protests.
- Do not swim or wade in fresh water to avoid bilharzia (parasite).
- Tumbu Flies lays eggs in moist/wet clothing once hatched larvae burrows into your skin. Ironing will kill any larvae.
- During Dry Season (July - October) it's very dusty.
- During Rainy Season (April - November) roads become impassable.
- Do not walk barefoot to avoid fungus infections and worms.
- To avoid camera confiscation and permit disputes (as not required) obtain a copy Cameroon Photography Regulations (Yaounde).
- Do not buy animal skins, it's illegal customs reentry.
- Never step into a prayer circle.
- Rail service available between major towns. However, it's recommended to avoid all travel by public transportation for safety reasons.
- Official languages are English and French.
- English-speaking people are often discriminated against.
- Same-sex sexual acts is banned, punishable from 6 months - 5 years in prison.
- Cholera, Dengue Fever, Filariasis, HIV/AIDS, Leishmaniasis, Malaria, Meningococcal Meningitis, Polio, Schistosomiasis, Sleeping Sickness and Tuberculosis are present.
- Discrimination and violance is common against common.
- Terrorist organizations, Boko Haram and ISIS actively exist.
- Avoid using credit cards and ATM's. Cash is widely used (Central African franc (XAF), Euros and U.S. dollars is accepted).
- Customs strictly enforces all import and export regulations on goods.
This international destination requires:
- A valid passport with six months of validity upon return and one blank page for entry stamp.
- Tourist VISA required.
- Vaccination Required: Yellow Fever.
- Currency Restrictions for Exit: $3,000,000XAF/+.
(School Classroom), Cameroon. Photo Credit: David Mark/Pixabay
- Best Time to Visit: December - March
- Coldest Month: October
- Hottest Months: June - September
- Peak Season: June - August
Your Must-See & Do
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Bidzar, Diy-Gid-Biy, Dja Faunal Reserve and Sangha Trinational.
(Fishing Village), Cameroon. Photo Credit: u_3njs8uaf/Pixabay
Ready to embark on custom and personalized services, your journey begins with Louvet Travel?
Your one stop source: Accommodations I Air I Car Rentals I Cruises I Disney I Excursions I Tours I Transfers I Travel Insurance I Villa Rentals
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" ~ Saint Augustine
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Subject to change without notice.
No comments:
Post a Comment