About Cameroon

Cameroon is a diverse country with a wide range of cultural influences and attractions. Cameroon budget travel offers the best of West Africa travel, with a host of highlights for travelers to enjoy.

Cameroon Budget Travel

Below is a list of Cameroon's top destinations, click on the link to view all details and tours.

Limbe, Yaounde

Fast Facts

Currency

Communauté Financière Africane Franc (CFA)

Dialing Code

237

Airports

Cameroon airports are: • Yaounde Nsimalen International Airport • Douala International Airport • Garoua International Airport

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Birdlife

Cameroon birdlife is rich and abundant, despite the threat of habitat loss which has caused a marked decrease in certain species. There are a large number of endangered or near extinct species of bird in Cameroon, which makes the country one of Africa’s top birding destinations due to the rarity and beauty of the fragile ecosystems in the remaining rainforests.

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Conservation

Cameroon conservation is vital to protect the country’s natural resources against further damage and ecosystem loss. Currently, Cameroon has one of the most fragile environmental statuses in Africa, and faces major threats from land abuse, deforestation, poaching, overfishing, overgrazing, fires, volcanic activity, insect swarms and pollution. Conservation efforts to balance these factors are being implemented however.

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Culture

Cameroon cultures include the following: • Performing arts and music play an important role in festivals and gatherings • Arts and crafts are practiced around the country and vary per tribal group • Cameroon cuisine has a strong social element • Literature and film have European and African influences • Local customs and traditions are present in all ethnic groups

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Health

Cameroon health issues should not affect your travels, but basic precautions are essential to stay healthy on your visit. With very basic healthcare facilities which can only be found in larger towns, and a number of infectious and / or serious diseases in the country, it is essential to take these precautions when travelling in Cameroon.

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AIDS

The Cameroon HIV/AIDS condition is extremely prevalent, and affects a large percentage of the population. A large number of adults and children are living with HIV or AIDS, and despite awareness and treatment campaigns, extreme poverty and overcrowding only worsens the crisis. Lack of adequate health care and retrovirals is also a major problem in Cameroon.

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Vaccinations

The following Cameroon inoculations are required: • Yellow Fever • Hepatitis A & B • Rabies • Polio • Typhoid

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Languages

Cameroon languages include the following: • French (official language) • English (official language) • Traditional languages (24 major tribal languages)

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Money

Cameroon money and banking information is as follows: • Banking hours are Monday to Friday from 07h30 to 15h30 • Cameroon's currency is the CFA Franc and centimes • Visa cards are accepted in some restaurants and shops, but only in major cities • Currency can be converted at select foreign exchange facilities • There are Western Union branches in most towns and cities

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Phrase

Cameroon local phrases include the following: • Thank you - Merci (French) • Hello - Bonjour (French) • Goodbye - Au revoir (French) • Where is the beach - Hou say bik wata fo Kameroon i de? (Pidgin Cameroon) • Where is the bar - Hou say bar i de? (Pidgin Cameroon)

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Plants

With a wide and diverse range of habitats spanning from rainforest to coastal areas, Cameroon plant life is rich and varied. Many species can be found across the county’s vegetation regions, with some of the country’s finest natural vegetation to be found in reserves such as Abong-Mbang, Fungom and Babules protected forests.

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People

Cameroon people include the following groups: • Western highlanders 38% • Coastal tropical forest peoples 12% • Southern tropical forest peoples 18% • Islamic peoples 14% • Kirdi 18%

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Safety Tips

Cameroon safety tips include the following: • The Eastern Provinces, Central African Republic border and Lake Chad region are unsafe for travel • The Nigeria border and Bakassi Peninsula areas are also unsafe • Avoid large crowds and street demonstrations which may turn violent • Keep valuables and money out of sight, especially in crowded areas • Petty crime may be present in the cities of Yaounde, Douala, Kribi and Maroua

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Religion

Cameroon religion groups include the following: • Islam 20% • Christian 40% • Traditional beliefs 40%

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Transport

Cameroon local transport options include the following: • Car • Bus • Taxi

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Travel Books

Cameroon recommendeded travel books include the following: • Bradt Travel Guide: Cameroon by Ben West • Travels in West Africa by Mary H. Kingsley • Cameroon with Egbert by Dervla Murphy • Lonely Planet Country Guide: West Africa by Lonely Planet

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Visa Requirements

Cameroon visa requirements include the following: • Passport which is valid for six months at least • ID or green card • 2 Visa Application Forms • 2 Passport photographs • Copy of airline tickets or itinerary

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Wildlife

Cameroon wildlife includes a number of endemic species as well as a large number of endangered or threatened species – most notably primate species in the mountain areas due to bushmeat and poaching. Game is particularly rich in the mountain and rainforest areas, which provide a diverse and abundant habitat, which faces major threat from the country’s environmental issues and natural habitat loss.

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What To Pack

What to pack for Cameroon safaris: • Loose, lightweight clothing with long sleeves • Warm jacket for chilly evenings and rain gear for wet season • Sunglasses, sunscreen and sunhat • Sleeping bag and camping mattress as well as a torch • Camera and binoculars (plus spare batteries and film or memory)

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What To Buy

What to buy for Cameroon safaris: • Basic luggage, backpack and money bag • Malaria medication and vitamins • Bottled water • French phrase book and Cameroon guide book • Plug adapter (US and UK travelers especially)

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When To Go

When to go to Cameroon: • The north has rains from April/May to September/October • The hottest months are from March to May, with temperatures reaching 40°C • The south is humid with scattered rain throughout the year • The dry months from November to February are the best time to visit • July to October is the worst time to visit, as these are the wettest months

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2010 World Cup

Cameroon 2010 statistics include the following: • Cameroon is one of Africa’s top teams and has qualified for the World Cup 5 times • The national team is called Lions Indomptables (Indomitable Lions) • Cameroon have won 4 Africa Cup of Nations • Cameroon have had varying success in World Cup games, and have placed up to the quarter finals • Cameroon’s coach is Otto Pfister

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