Cameroon left me absolutely speechless. The first time I saw Mount Cameroon rising through the clouds, I couldn’t believe my eyes. This place is wild in the best possible way—we’re talking pristine rainforests, active volcanoes, and beaches that stretch for miles without another soul in sight. The sheer diversity of landscapes here knocked me off my feet.
After exploring the most beautiful places in Cameroon, I can tell you this country is something else. Standing at Lobe Falls, watching fresh water cascade directly into the Atlantic Ocean while palm trees sway in the breeze, is the kind of experience that makes you question reality. Ready to discover my 12 favorite spots that make Cameroon one of Africa’s most incredible destinations? Let’s dive in!
Must-See Attractions in Cameroon
Looking for the coolest things to do in Cameroon? Explore the wildlife of Benoue National Park and Campo Ma’an National Park, home to diverse flora and fauna. Discover the UNESCO-listed Dja Faunal Reserve, a haven for endangered species. Witness the breathtaking Ekom-Nkam Falls, one of Cameroon’s most scenic waterfalls. Whether you’re interested in nature, adventure, or wildlife, here are the top attractions to visit in Cameroon.
1. Benoue National Park
- 📍 Location: North Region, Cameroon, approximately 8 hours’ drive north of Yaoundé and 2 hours north of Garoua
- 🏆 Best For: Wildlife enthusiasts 🦏, safari adventurers 🚙, birdwatchers 🦅
- 📸 Top Experiences: Spotting rare black rhinos, taking guided savanna safaris, viewing massive elephant herds
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November-May during the dry season for best wildlife viewing; avoid June-October rainy season 🌧️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Cameroon International Hotel – Elegant accommodations offering modern amenities and a central location near business and cultural hubs
Black rhinos thunder across the savanna at Benoue National Park, one of the last places in West Africa where these magnificent creatures still roam free. This 1,800-square-kilometer sanctuary protects not just rhinos but massive elephant herds, towering giraffes, and elusive leopards. When I visited during the dry season, early morning game drives revealed the most wildlife activity.
The Benoue River draws animals to its banks, creating perfect viewing opportunities. Benoue Safari Lodge offers ideal accommodations with guided tour packages that maximize your wildlife encounters.
2. Campo Ma’an National Park
- 📍 Location: South Region, Cameroon, 4-5 hours southwest of Yaoundé and 2 hours northeast of Kribi
- 🏆 Best For: Gorilla trekkers 🦍, rainforest explorers 🌳, ecotourists 🌿
- 📸 Top Experiences: Trekking to see western lowland gorillas, discovering hidden waterfalls, experiencing dense Atlantic forest
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December-March during the dry season for easier trekking; avoid September-November for heavy rains 🌧️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Manbou Hotel – Comfortable and affordable lodging with a cozy atmosphere, ideal for both business and leisure travelers
Western lowland gorillas emerge from the mist in Campo Ma’an National Park, creating one of Africa’s most intimate wildlife encounters. This 700-square-kilometer wilderness combines dense rainforest with coastal mangroves. Expert guides lead treks through various terrains to find gorilla families.
The park also shelters forest elephants, chimpanzees, and over 300 bird species. Hidden waterfalls provide refreshing swimming spots between wildlife viewing sessions. Most visitors base their expeditions at Campo Beach Resort, which offers convenient access to park trails.
3. Dja Faunal Reserve
- 📍 Location: East and South Regions, Cameroon, approximately 6 hours southeast of Yaoundé near the village of Lomié
- 🏆 Best For: Wildlife researchers 📊, forest elephant fans 🐘, biodiversity enthusiasts 🌍
- 📸 Top Experiences: Tracking forest elephants, documenting rare species, experiencing one of Central Africa’s largest protected rainforests
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December-February for drier conditions and easier forest navigation, rainy season is June-September 🌦️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Tagidor Garden Resort & Spa – A luxurious 5-star retreat nestled in the highlands of Bangou, offering elegant bungalows, a botanical garden, and a full-service spa
Over 100,000 forest elephants roam through Dja Faunal Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site protected by the meandering Dja River. This 5,000-square-kilometer pristine rainforest harbors rare species like bongos and giant forest hogs. Multi-day expeditions involve camping deep within the reserve on ancient hunting trails.
Access requires permits and local guides from Lomié, the gateway village. Lomié Guesthouse provides basic lodging before entering this untouched wilderness.
4. Ekom-Nkam Falls
- 📍 Location: Littoral Region, Cameroon, 3.5 hours southwest of Yaoundé near the town of Melong
- 🏆 Best For: Waterfall chasers 💦, photographers 📸, nature lovers 🌺
- 📸 Top Experiences: Watching the 80-meter double cascade, swimming in natural pools, photography during golden hour
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: March-May for maximum water flow; avoid October-November rainy season for safer access 🌊
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Gold Hotel – Modern accommodations in Bafang with air-conditioned rooms, a fitness center, outdoor pool, and on-site dining, ideal for business and leisure travelers
Twin cascades crash 80 meters over a cliff as Ekom-Nkam Falls creates a thunderous waterfall spectacle. The Nkam River splits into two tiers, sending up tremendous mist clouds. A well-maintained trail descends to natural pools perfect for swimming.
Late afternoon sunlight through the spray creates stunning rainbows, making this the ideal time for photography. Melong District Inn offers convenient lodging near the falls. Visiting on weekdays ensures you’ll have this natural wonder mostly to yourself.
5. Korup National Park
- 📍 Location: Southwest Region, Cameroon, 6 hours west of Yaoundé and 1.5 hours from Mundemba
- 🏆 Best For: Primatologists 🐒, ancient forest enthusiasts 🌲, adventure hikers 🥾
- 📸 Top Experiences: Encountering 14 species of primates, trekking through 60-million-year-old rainforest, crossing suspension bridges
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December-February for best primate viewing during the dry season, avoid May-September heavy rains 🌧️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: International Hotel Yaoundé – A budget-friendly 3-star hotel offering air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs, free parking, and on-site dining, ideal for both business and leisure travelers
Ancient trees soar 60 meters skyward in Korup National Park, protecting rainforest that began evolving 60 million years ago. This remarkable ecosystem harbors 14 primate species, including chimpanzees, drill monkeys, and rare Preuss’s red colobus monkeys. Expert trackers guide visitors along extensive trail systems featuring suspension bridges over rushing rivers.
The massive buttressed tree trunks dwarf human visitors exploring this prehistoric landscape. Mundemba Rest House provides essential accommodations before venturing into this challenging wilderness. Serious jungle trekking requires good fitness but rewards explorers with glimpses of our planet’s evolutionary history.
6. Kribi
- 📍 Location: South Region, Cameroon, 3 hours southwest of Yaoundé on the Atlantic coast
- 🏆 Best For: Beach loungers 🏖️, seafood enthusiasts 🦞, waterfall swimmers 💦
- 📸 Top Experiences: Relaxing on palm-fringed beaches, enjoying fresh grilled fish, visiting Lobé Falls flowing into the ocean
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November-March for the driest weather and calmest seas; avoid June-September rainy season 🌦️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Tara Plage – Beachfront bungalows with traditional Cameroonian charm
Endless white sand beaches stretch beneath swaying palm trees in Kribi, Cameroon’s premier coastal destination. Daily fishing boats return with fresh catches that transform into beachside barbecues featuring local favorites like poisson braisé. Beach bars serve ice-cold beers while the Gulf of Guinea’s warm waters invite endless swimming.
Just beyond town lies Lobé Falls, where a river tumbles directly over coastal cliffs into the ocean. This rare natural phenomenon provides excellent photography opportunities. Tara Beach Resort offers traditional beachfront bungalows perfect for deep-sea fishing excursions or simply unwinding with a good book and tropical drink.
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7. Limbe Botanic Garden
- 📍 Location: Limbe, Southwest Region, Cameroon, 25 minutes from Mount Cameroon
- 🏆 Best For: Plant enthusiasts 🌿, nature photographers 📸, families with kids 👨👩👧👦
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring diverse tropical plants, spotting endemic species, walking through the cool forest trails, visiting the medicinal plant section
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Year-round (tropical climate, but dry season from December to March is most comfortable) ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Victoria Guest House – A charming 3-star guesthouse in Limbe, offering clean, comfortable rooms with modern amenities, just a short walk from the beach and local attractions
Step into Cameroon’s botanical treasure, where 52 hectares of tropical paradise showcase over 1,500 plant species. Established in 1892 at Mount Cameroon’s foothills, Limbe Botanic Garden feels like nature’s own science lab. Your jaw will drop at the endemic orchids and bizarre vine species dotting the landscape.
Traditional healers cultivated the medicinal garden for centuries, creating a living pharmacy that puts modern supplements to shame. The towering coastal forest creates a natural cathedral while monitor lizards and butterflies provide the entertainment. My favorite spot? The Mangrove Boardwalk at sunrise when mist hovers over the wetlands.
Plan three hours minimum to explore properly. The humidity hits hard, so bring water and comfortable shoes. This garden doubles as an unofficial animal sanctuary where nature photography opportunities lurk.
8. Mandara Mountains
- 📍 Location: Far North Region, Cameroon, near the Nigerian border, 1 hour from Maroua
- 🏆 Best For: Cultural explorers 🏛️, hikers 🥾, photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring ancient villages, witnessing traditional ceremonies, hiking to mountain viewpoints, visiting terraced farms
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March (dry season), October to April for cultural festivals 🎭
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Mountain Hotel – A scenic 3-star hotel located at the foot of Mount Cameroon in Buea, offering spacious rooms, chalets with mountain and sea views, an outdoor pool, fitness center, and a restaurant-bar
Volcanic peaks rising from Sahelian plains create an otherworldly landscape where time stands still. The Mandara Mountains harbor Kirdi villages that have maintained animist traditions for centuries. Circular thatched huts dot steep slopes while terraced farms cascade down mountainsides like green waterfalls.
Rhumsiki village offers jaw-dropping sunset views over Nigerian plains. Trek to Koza village for traditional smithing demonstrations and ancient rock paintings. The real magic happens during ceremonies when elaborate costumes, rhythmic drumming, and ancestral rituals transport you centuries back.
Local guides become your cultural bridge, introducing village elders and explaining sacred sites. I learned traditional cooking during one visit, grinding millet alongside women who welcomed me like family. Plan for at least two days to experience the rhythm of mountain life properly.
9. Mefou National Park
- 📍 Location: Centre Region, Cameroon, 45 minutes southeast of Yaoundé
- 🏆 Best For: Wildlife enthusiasts 🦍, conservation supporters 💚, nature photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Chimpanzee encounters, guided forest walks, visiting the conservation center, spotting rescued wildlife
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Year-round (dry season November to March is best for hiking) 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hôtel The Place – A contemporary 3-star hotel in Yaoundé’s Nkolnda district, just 1.5 km from Nsimalen International Airport
Cameroon’s smallest national park packs maximum emotional impact through its primate rescue mission. Mefou National Park shelters over 250 orphaned chimpanzees, gorillas, and monkeys rescued from the illegal pet trade. Each animal has a heartbreaking backstory that transforms into hope.
The Ape Action Africa center offers intimate wildlife encounters impossible elsewhere. Watch chimps swing through forest enclosures while learning their individual rescue stories. The canopy walkway provides thrilling treetop views over diverse ecosystems from rainforest to savanna.
Bird watchers spot over 150 species, including the stunning grey-necked rockfowl. Your entry fee directly funds rescue operations, making every visit meaningful. Plan half a day for the full experience, bringing binoculars for both primates and birds.
10. Mount Fako
- 📍 Location: Southwest Region, Cameroon, above the town of Buea, 1 hour from Douala Airport
- 🏆 Best For: Mountain climbers 🧗♂️, adventurers 🗻, sunrise chasers 🌅
- 📸 Top Experiences: Climbing to the summit, watching sunrise above clouds, exploring volcanic landscapes, photographing the Atlantic Ocean views
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Dry season (November to March) for clearest views, but year-round climbing possible ⛰️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: WDC Aparthotel – A luxurious 5-star aparthotel in Buea, offering stylish serviced apartments, an infinity pool, spa, and diverse dining options, all nestled at the foot of Mount Cameroon
West Africa’s ultimate climbing challenge towers 4,040 meters above Cameroon’s coast. Mount Fako tests endurance through four ecosystems: lush montane forest transforms into bamboo groves, then massive heaths, before reaching the lunar volcanic summit. The Guinness estate ruins at 1,200m provide a surreal checkpoint with a mysterious colonial atmosphere.
Giant lobelias and twisted heathers create alien landscapes higher up. The summit reward? Atlantic Ocean views, Douala cityscape, and even Lake Nyos on crystal clear days. Most climbers attempt the 2-3 day journey, camping at Mann’s Spring.
The sunrise experience is legendary: standing above cloud seas as dawn breaks over tropical mountains. My fingertips went numb at the summit despite the tropical latitude, so pack accordingly. This active volcano offers the most rewarding trek in Central Africa.
11. Mvog-Betsi Zoo
- 📍 Location: Yaoundé, Centre Region, Cameroon, in the Mvog-Betsi neighborhood, easily accessible from downtown
- 🏆 Best For: Families 👨👩👧👦, wildlife enthusiasts 🦒, first-time visitors to Cameroon 🇨🇲
- 📸 Top Experiences: Seeing endemic Cameroon animals, educational wildlife shows, interactive animal feeding sessions
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but early morning (8-10 AM) is best for animal activity 🌅
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Residence Madadjeu – A welcoming 2-star hotel in Yaoundé’s Mvog-Beti district, offering air-conditioned rooms, an on-site restaurant, fitness center, and proximity to Mvog-Betsi Zoo and the National Museum
Cameroon’s wildlife showcase has evolved from basic concrete enclosures to a conservation-focused sanctuary. Mvog-Betsi Zoo presents endangered species you’ll never encounter in the wild. Western lowland gorillas, rainbow-faced mandrills, and elegant black-and-white colobus monkeys steal the show.
The reptile house features notorious green mambas and various python species. The aviary displays brilliant African grey parrots alongside the spectacular grey-necked rockfowl. Daily animal talks and feeding demonstrations make this particularly valuable for families.
Early morning visits catch animals at their most active. Recent primate section renovations allow respectful yet close viewing. While facilities continue improving, the zoo’s urban conservation mission matters deeply for protecting Cameroon’s endangered species. Combine with Yaoundé’s markets for a full city experience.
12. Waza National Park
- 📍 Location: Far North Region, Cameroon, near the Chad border, 2 hours from Maroua
- 🏆 Best For: Safari enthusiasts 🦒, bird watchers 🦅, classic African wildlife seekers 🐘
- 📸 Top Experiences: Game drives spotting elephants and lions, birding at waterholes, photographing massive baobab trees
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Dry season (November to April) for best wildlife viewing; peak season is January-March 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Maroua Palace – A centrally located 3-star hotel in Maroua offering 53 air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs and deep soaking bathtubs
Vast savannas meet acacia woodlands in Cameroon’s premier wildlife theater. Waza National Park rivals East Africa’s famous reserves with 1,700 square kilometers of wilderness. Desert-adapted elephants migrate seasonally, creating dramatic gatherings around water sources during the dry season.
Lions prowl through nights, while daytime reveals Kordofan giraffes, giant eland, and various antelope species grazing endless grasslands. Magnificent baobab trees punctuate the landscape like ancient sentinels. The Maga Dam transforms into crucial wetlands during floods, attracting thousands of waterfowl.
Over 400 bird species include striking secretary birds and massive marabou storks. Early morning and late afternoon game drives offer peak action, though midday surprises lurk, like caracals lounging in acacia shade. Prepare for basic conditions where wildlife sightings still feel like genuine discoveries.
