Travel guide – cameroon

cameroon
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Overview

Situated on the Gulf of Guinea, on the west coast of Africa, Cameroon is sandwiched between its powerful neighbour Nigeria to the north and Equatorial Guinea to the south.

The area was a German protectorate until after World War I when it was divided between the British and the French, with the French receiving the larger share and Britain controlling the northernmost strip along the Nigerian border. French Cameroon achieved independence in 1960 and the largely Christian southern third of British Cameroon voted to join the Republic of Cameroon the following year. The northern two-thirds of British Cameroon, mainly Muslim, eventually joined Nigeria.

Tourism is limited, but those who venture to Cameroon will find a nation of remarkable diversity, from its varying landscapes of tropical rainforests and beaches, mountains and desert, to its assortment of people and cultures. National parks and reserves lay claim to some of the richest flora and fauna in Africa. Southwest Cameroon is a mountainous region dominated by the highest mountain in West Africa, and Africa's highest active volcano, Mt Cameroon, which sits on the edge of the Gulf of Guinea and is a popular mountaineering destination. On the coast there are beautiful beaches around Limbé and at Kribi while the north of the country boasts Cameroon's most famous national park, Waza National Park, with its huge numbers of elephant, giraffe, lion, antelope and birdlife (open from mid-November to mid-June). Yaoundé, the capital city situated on seven hills, has modern hotels, shops and markets, but it is Douala that is the biggest city and Cameroon's economic capital, positioned on the Wouri River a few miles from the coast.

Whether going to the cities, the beaches or exploring its natural resources, visitors to this land they call 'Africa in One Country' can be sure that they will be pleasantly welcomed by a people whose custom is to receive strangers as if they were friends, a country where hospitality is the golden rule.

Climate

The climate varies according to the region. In the south, the dry season runs from November to February, the little rainy season from March to June and the big rains come between August and September. The average temperature is 79°F (26°C). The tropical coastal areas receive a lot of rain that can reach in excess of 30ft (9m). In the north the rainy season is spread out from May to the end of September, but receives very little over the year and drought is a way of life in the far north.

Health

Traveller's diarrhoea is the most common complaint and precautions should be taken with regard to food and drink. Tap water should be avoided. There is a risk of malaria throughout the country and prophylaxis is recommended for all travellers. Recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, yellow fever, polio, meningococcal diseases and rabies. There are regular outbreaks of cholera, particularly between December and June. Bird flu has been detected in the Cameroon, but no human infections have been reported. The risk to travellers is low, but as a precaution close contact with live birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked. Visitors should avoid bathing in stagnant, fresh water due to the risk of bilharzia. HIV/AIDS is prevalent. Medical facilities are very limited with frequent shortages of medication and outdated equipment; visitors should ensure they have comprehensive medical insurance, which includes emergency air evacuation. Doctors and hospitals generally expect immediate cash payment.

The basics

Time

Local time is GMT +1.

Electricity

Electrical current is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin attachment plugs are in use.

Language

French and English are the official languages, although French is more commonly spoken and is the language of business. There are also numerous other African dialects.

Tipping

If service charges are not included then 10% is customary.

Safety

Occurrences of banditry and mugging are serious problems throughout the country, and car hijacking and robbery along roads has resulted in several deaths. Incidents, often armed, are common in towns and cities and visitors should be vigilant in public places. Armed highwaymen operate in the provinces of Adamaoua, the North, and the Far North and it is advisable to travel in convoy and during daylight hours only. In Douala, incidents of rape and robbery have occurred against the European community and travellers are advised to keep all windows and doors locked, particularly at night. Valuables should be kept out of sight when in public. Petty theft is common on public transport and travellers should try and avoid travelling alone in taxis, especially at night. In the towns and cities, all large public gatherings, rallies and demonstrations should be avoided. The area bordering Nigeria near the Bakassi Peninsula should be avoided due to high tensions between the two countries, and travel to the area bordering the Central African Republic is dangerous. Travel in the Garoua Boulai-Meiganga-Yarimbang/Yatiua triangle is dangerous and should be avoided. Visitors to Lake Chad are advised to hire a guide. The Nyos and Monoum volcanic lakes in the west of Cameroon have unexpectedly released poisonous fumes in the past, which killed many people in the 1980s, and could do so again without warning. The safety and reliability of internal flights in Cameroon cannot be vouched for.

Customs

Law requires that everyone carries identification at all times. It is forbidden to take photographs of ports, airports, government buildings and military sites.

Communications

The international dialling code for the Cameroon is +237. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). International phone calls can be made from CAMTEL offices. A GSM network provides cellphone coverage mainly in Yaoundé, Douala and the southwest of the country. Internet cafes are available in the main towns.

Duty Free

Travellers to Cameroon do not have to pay duty on 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 5 packs tobacco; 1 bottle of alcohol; and 5 bottles perfume. Entry to the country with sporting guns has to be accompanied by a license.

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