Exploring Cameroon is a unique and off the beaten track experience due to its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and relatively low tourism numbers. The country is known as "Africa in miniature" because it offers a condensed version of the …
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Backpacking Cameroon in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Cameroon with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Cameroon
Venture into the heart of Africa with Cameroon, a backpacker's playground blending diverse landscapes and rich cultural tapestry. Pros? Explore lush rainforests, climb volcanic peaks, and engage with the warm local communities. Cameroon offers an authentic African experience without the heavy tourist traffic. However, infrastructure can be challenging, and travel between regions may require careful planning. For backpackers seeking an offbeat African adventure, Cameroon's cultural richness and natural wonders provide a unique and unexplored journey, where every step unravels the mysteries of this West African gem.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Cameroon
Uniqueness
Scenery
Cameroon, located in Central Africa, offers a diverse range of landscapes and natural beauty that are worth exploring.
One of the top attractions in Cameroon is the stunning Mount Cameroon, an active volcano and the highest peak in West Africa. …
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One of the top attractions in Cameroon is the stunning Mount Cameroon, an active volcano and the highest peak in West Africa. …
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Wildlife
Cameroon is great for seeing wildlife because it is home to a diverse range of ecosystems and habitats that support a wide variety of animal species. It is located in Central Africa, which is known for its rich biodiversity.
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Cameroon
- Mount Cameroon: Explore the highest peak in West Africa, offering breathtaking views and challenging hiking trails.
- Waza National Park: Embark on a safari adventure in this park, home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and giraffes.
- Dja Faunal Reserve: Discover one of the largest and best-preserved rainforests in Africa, teeming with rare species like gorillas and chimpanzees.
- Limbe Botanic Garden: Wander through this beautiful garden, showcasing a wide variety of plant species, including tropical flowers and exotic trees.
- Bamenda Highlands: Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery of the highlands, with picturesque landscapes, waterfalls, and traditional villages.
Cameroon offers a range of exciting and diverse experiences for travelers. Scaling Mount Cameroon provides an adrenaline-pumping adventure and rewards you with panoramic views. Waza National Park allows you to witness incredible wildlife up close on a thrilling safari. The Dja Faunal Reserve offers a unique opportunity to explore a pristine rainforest and encounter rare animal species. The Limbe Botanic Garden is a tranquil oasis where you can admire the beauty of nature and learn about different plant species. Finally, the Bamenda Highlands offer a chance to immerse yourself in the rich culture and stunning landscapes of Cameroon’s highlands.
But Cameroon offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Cameroon
The best time to visit Cameroon for backpacking is during the dry season, which typically lasts from November to February. During this time, the weather is relatively cooler and there is less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the diverse landscapes of the country. However, please note that prices may be higher during the peak tourist season.
Risk level: medium (50%)Safety advice for Cameroon
- Terrorist groups are active in the far north, including around Lake Chad and the Nigerian border. Public places and government buildings are potential targets. Be very alert to suspicious behaviour and unattended items.
- Pirates operate in the Gulf of Guinea, particularly in the waters around the Niger Delta and the Bakassi Peninsula.
- Kidnapping and ongoing violence occur, especially in the Far North, Northwest and Southwest regions and near the Nigerian border. Avoid these areas. If you do travel there, consider engaging professional security support and planning.
- Violent crime is common in residential centres and on rural highways. Avoid travel after dark, especially outside city limits. Keep car doors locked, windows up and valuables out of sight.
- Protests occasionally happen and have the potential to turn violent. Avoid large gatherings and follow the advice of local authorities.
- Commercial and internet fraud often comes from West African countries, such as Cameroon. Scams can lead to physical and financial harm. Be wary of requests to send money to or meet someone in Cameroon.
- Ask local authorities before climbing Mount Cameroon. It may experience volcanic explosions and lava flows.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
source: www.gov.uk
CameroonMy tips to get you on the way!Does Cameroon sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Cameroon. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Cameroon may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Cameroon. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Cameroon may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Cameroon, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Cameroon, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024