Places To Visit In Cameroon: Ultimate Guide For Travellers

Cameroon is a famous country referred to as Africa in Miniature since it is a combination of different landscapes and the natural wonders of the subtropical sea. With several places to visit in Cameroon, if you are an adventurous soul looking to hike the slopes of Mount Cameroon, a wildlife lover trying to see lions, or a history buff wanting to explore royal palaces, this Central African country has its share of experiences to offer. Its distinctive mix of French, English, and indigenous customs makes it historic as it is biodiverse.

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10 Best And Worth Visiting Places In Cameroon

Home to its Unesco-listed reserves, gorgeous waterfalls and seafront towns, places to visit in Cameroon are free from mass tourism trappings.

1. Mount Cameroon

Mount Cameroon partially covered in clouds with a person in an orange jacket sitting

Photo: Betterfoto / Wikimedia Commons

The highest peak in West Africa, Mount Cameroon, rises to 4,095 meters and is an active volcano. Locally known as Mongo ma Ndemi (Mountain of Greatness), it looms over the town of Buea. This volcanically active mountain is known for its rain-filled craters, cliffs, and changing ecosystems from lush tropical rainforests at its base to subalpine grasslands near the top. The trek is demanding with shifting terrain, mist-laden paths and surprise weather changes and it is popular with thrill seekers. Athletes from around the world come to compete in the annual Mount Cameroon Race of Hope, a gruelling endurance test.

Location: Buea, Southwest Region
Timings: Open 24/7; best for early morning hikes
Best Time To Visit: November to March

2. Waza National Park

Waza National Park with multiple giraffes standing surrounded by tall green trees

Photo: Photokadaffi / Wikimedia Commons

Waza National Park, one of the most famous national parks and places to visit in Cameroon, covers 1,700 square kilometres of savannah, acacia forests and wetlands. It was established as a hunting reserve in 1934 and designated a national park in 1968 to protect its diverse ecosystems. Over 30 mammal species live in the park, from lions and elephants to giraffes and hippos, making it one of the best wildlife safari spots in Central Africa. More than 380 bird species, including the rare Arabian bustard, can be found for birdwatchers. Seasonal waterholes in the park draw big crowds of animals and create some great views.

Location: Far North Region, near the Chad border
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Best Time To Visit: March to May

3. Limbe Botanical Garden

Limbe botanical garden with tall trees fully covered in green leaves and green grass

Photo: Sergelowe / Wikimedia Commons

Limbe Botanical Garden was founded in 1892 by German horticulturists as a research centre for medicinal and commercial plants like cocoa, rubber and quinine. Now a conservation centre and ecological park, it protects Cameroon’s many plants. The garden, which covers 48 hectares, is planted with ancient trees of towering height, orchids, medicinal plants and exotic palms. It is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with birds such as African grey parrots regularly observed. The peaceful trails guide you through themed sections, including an arboretum, a bamboo forest, and a spice garden. Educational programs also aim to highlight the significance of biodiversity conservation.

Location: Limbe, Southwest Region
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Best Time To Visit: November to April

4. Lobe Waterfalls

Lobé waterfalls with small waterfall flowing in the lake and surrounded by dense greenery

Photo: Blaizo 237 / Wikimedia Commons

While most waterfalls pour into rivers, Lobé Falls is one of the only cascades in the world to dive directly into the Atlantic Ocean. Near the beach town of Kribi, this stunning waterfall cascades over a rocky cliff 20 meters high, with a 20-meter drop. It is of high cultural importance for the Batanga people, who believe the falls have purifying spiritual properties. On the river banks locals often engage in traditional rituals and ceremonies. You can take a canoe ride to the foot of the falls and the mangrove forests and beaches around the towns are tranquil getaways.

Location: Near Kribi, South Region
Timings: 24*7
Best Time To Visit: December to March

5. Dja Faunal Reserve, UNESCO Site

Dja Faunal Reserve with black soil ground surrounded by tall green trees and greenery

Photo: Dja Faunal Reserve / Wikimedia Commons

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dja Faunal Reserve is one of the best-preserved rainforests in Africa and spans 5,260 square kilometres. Over 90% of the reserve is untouched, making it a perfect refuge for endangered species. The rainforest is home to gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephants, leopards and the elusive bongo antelope. The reserve is also home to more than 1,500 plant species and is part of the Congo Basin, one of the world’s largest carbon sinks. Traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyles within the reserve are nourished by one of Africa’s oldest ethnic groups, the indigenous Baka pygmies.

Location: Southeast Cameroon
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Best Time To Visit: November to February

6. Foumban Royal Palace

Foumban royal palace with a statue of a man riding a horse holding a sword and old architecture

Photo: Elin / Wikimedia Commons

The political and cultural heart of the Bamoun Kingdom, the Foumban Royal Palace, sits within the kingdom’s capital, also called Foumban. Constructed in 1917, it embodies the centuries-old culture of the Bamoun people, who are known for their craftsmanship and military culture, as well as their unique written language. The palace museum cradles a monumental collection of ceremonial masks, ornamental bronze sculptures, embroidered royal garb, and antique weaponry. Among its most treasured artefacts is the ancestral throne of King Njoya, a farsighted monarch who created the Bamoun script, a hybrid of Arabic and African symbols.

Location: Foumban, West Region
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Best Time To Visit: December to April

7. Bamenda Ring Road

Bamenda from the top with vehicles on distant roads and houses and buildings in greenery

Photo: Njeimosestimah / Wikimedia Commons

The Bamenda Ring Road is a staggering 367-kilometre loop through Cameroon’s Northwest Region of spectacular mountainous terrain, crater lakes and cultural points of interest. It’s an enriching road trip that can take in historical kingdoms, sacred forests and plunging waterfalls. One of the highlights is Lake Oku, a volcanic crater lake in a mist-enshrouded montane forest that is the home of the rare Bannerman’s turaco bird. Visitors come to Menchum Falls, a torrent that tumbles into the Benue River. Another significant site is Bafut Palace, home of the Fon (king) of Bafut, which contains ancient relics, warrior costumes and a sacred courtyard.

Location: Northwest Region
Timings: Best explored during the day
Best Time To Visit: November to February

8. Korup National Park

Korup National Park with an aggressive water steam flowing through the park and greenery

Photo: Ndijose / Wikimedia Commons

Stretching over 1,260 square kilometres, Korup National Park is one of Africa’s oldest rainforests, with origins more than 55 million years ago. This unspoiled expanse of wilderness is a refuge for some of the rarest primates on Earth, such as the Preuss’s red colobus monkey, drill monkey and Nigerian-Cameroonian chimpanzee. It’s also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with more than 400 species of birds, including the great blue turaco, a colourful songbird. Among the highlights is the suspension bridge at Mundemba with stunning views over the dense jungle. The site’s ancient trees, some over 50 meters tall, form a pristine ecosystem that nurtures unique medicinal plants and fungi.

Location: Southwest Region, near Mundemba
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
Best Time To Visit: December to March

9. Kribi Beach

Kribi beach with low tide waves, a man walking on the sandy shoreline and distant greenery

Photo: Sidoine Mbogni / Wikimedia Commons

Kribi Beach is known for its soft white sand, clear blue waters, and palm-lined shores. The beach town retains a rustic, relaxed atmosphere, perfect for lounging and eating along the shoreline. Daily the local fishermen land their catch of fish and shellfish, and visitors dine on grilled prawns and fish and spicy sauces in beachfront restaurants. Kribi’s main attraction is the Lobé Waterfalls and you can go on a boat ride to visit nearby mangroves, which are full of different species of birds and marine life.

Location: Kribi, South Region
Timings: Open all day
Best Time To Visit: November to April

10. Ekom Nkam Waterfalls

Ekom Nkam waterfalls with a couple of waterfalls falling in the river surrounded by greenery

Photo: Junior Verges / Wikimedia Commons

Ekom Nkam Waterfalls is one of the most spectacular twin waterfalls in Cameroon, with a drop of 80 meters into a rocky basin surrounded by dense rainforest. The falls became a star after appearing in 1984’s Greystoke, The Legend of Tarzan, which captured their untamed, cinematic beauty. A short, steep hike through the jungle takes you to a series of viewpoints from which you can watch the thundering cascades and mist-shrouded cliffs. The surrounding forest is also home to colourful butterflies, rare birds and even chimpanzees, which adds to the untouched appeal. The best time to visit is after the rainy season when the falls are at their most forceful.

Location: Near Nkongsamba, Littoral Region
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM
Best Time To Visit: November to February

From its stunning landscapes to its varied wildlife to its rich history, Cameroon is one of Africa’s most rewarding destinations. From prehistoric rainforests and royal palaces to dripping waterfalls, explore the unforgettable places to visit in Cameroon. With its blend of adventure, relaxation and heritage, this little-known gem of Central Africa is ideal for travellers wanting to get off the beaten track. Plan your visit with TripXL to discover, amazement, and lasting memories.

Cover Photo: Blaizo 237 / Wikimedia Commons

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