Beyond the postcard sights, Cameroon offers a wealth of unique activities from climbing an active volcano to whale watching, exploring ancient palaces, and attending sacred river festivals.
Cameroon's extraordinary diversity means the range of activities available to visitors is almost unmatched on the African continent. Whether you are an adrenaline seeker, a culture enthusiast, a foodie, or a nature lover, Cameroon has something extraordinary in store. Here are the experiences that make this country truly unforgettable.
Climb an Active Volcano
Mount Cameroon is West Africa's highest peak and one of Africa's most active volcanoes. The three-day climb rewards summit-makers with panoramic views across the Gulf of Guinea. The mountain's lower slopes pass through lush rainforest and coffee plantations before giving way to alpine meadows and dramatic lava fields from the 1999-2000 eruptions.
Go Whale Watching off the Atlantic Coast
One of Cameroon's best-kept secrets: the Atlantic coast around Kribi is a seasonal habitat for humpback whales, which migrate through Cameroonian waters between June and October. Local fishermen guide small boat trips for exceptional whale-watching opportunities — a completely unexpected experience in Central Africa.
Explore the Ring Road Through the Highlands
The Ring Road through the Northwest Highlands is one of Cameroon's classic travel routes, passing through stunning highland scenery, traditional Grassfields kingdoms, weekly markets, and craft villages. The landscape of volcanic craters, crater lakes, and rolling hills has been compared to the English Lake District — except with tropical vegetation, traditional palaces, and considerably more adventure.
Visit a Baka Pygmy Community
In southern Cameroon's rainforests, Baka pygmy communities maintain traditional forest lifestyles dating back millennia. Responsible community-based tourism initiatives offer respectful visits where you can learn about forest medicine, traditional hunting techniques, and the extraordinary ecological knowledge accumulated over thousands of years of forest living.
Attend the Ngondo Festival
The Ngondo is the most important traditional festival of the Sawa coastal peoples, held annually on the Wouri River in Douala in December. Colorful river processions, traditional music and dance, pirogue races, and deeply significant spiritual ceremonies connecting the living with their ancestors make this one of the most spectacular cultural events in all of Central Africa.
Trek to the Ancient Palace of Bafut
The palace of the Bafut Fon near Bamenda is one of Cameroon's most remarkable cultural sites. Guided tours take visitors through the compound's traditional buildings, sacred grove, and museum, offering a living connection to centuries of royal tradition that continues to govern daily life in the community.
Discover Cameroon's World-Class Craft Markets
Foumban's craft market is one of the finest in West-Central Africa — bronze sculptures, woodcarvings, embroidered textiles, and jewelry produced by Bamoun artisans whose families have practised these crafts for generations. Watching a master bronze caster at work is witnessing a living art form that has been refined over centuries.
Whatever your vision for the perfect Cameroon trip, Global Bush Travel's team of dedicated experts is ready to help you discover the very best of Africa in Miniature.