tourism de yaounde

Yaounde Attractions and its surrounding areas

Also known as “city of seven hills” the city was founded in 1889 by the German officer and explorer Richard Kund. Yaoundé has played an important role in the occupation of Cameroon by German colonial forces. The city of Yaoundé became in 1922 the capital of French Cameroon. Today, with an area of 304 km² and a population of 2,440,462 inhabitants (2012),  it is the political capital of Cameroon and the capital of the Central Region. Yaoundé, Cameroon’s second largest city has a tropical climate year round, due to the altitude, it is not as hot as the cities near the equator.

Yaounde Museums

Mefou national park.

Mefou National Park is located about one hour from the city of Yaoundé. It was created in 1999 as a cooperation project between the Cameroonian government and the NGO CWAF (Cameroon Wildlife Aid Foundation) with the aim to provide shelter to primates found in the region. It covers an area of 1,050 hectares and serves as a transition site, most of these animals are released into their original habitat. There are found many species of primates such as: baboons, mandrills, mangabey, gorillas, chimpanzees and talapoins which are among the smallest monkeys in Africa. The Mefou national Park is also indicated for bird watchers. A visit to the Mefou National Park generates useful resources for the survival and the improvement of living conditions for animals.

Located in the south of Cameroon, the tourist center of Nkolandom offers a prehistoric and modern setting which allows visitors to turn their backs on the daily city stress, to relax and breathe the fresh air of the equatorial forest. The gallery of prehistoric caves gives the center a baroque allure. One is amazed by the immensity of the pieces of granite placed on top of each other, like ancient “Dolmen” about twenty meters high. The Center has a museum “the Negro Arts Museum” which is a place of preservation, conservation, and modernization of Negro-African heritage.

Yaounde Monuments 

Other tourist attractions.

The Central region offers several other attractions such as waterfalls, caves, and river. Our guides will take care to show you the stunning region and its interesting sights.

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• The Top Things To Do...

The Top Things to Do in Yaounde

Yaoundé is a fantastic city to explore for food, music and entertainment. With some of Cameroon’s best restaurants, hotels and monuments, there are many sites and attractions to discover. From the great live band at Yao Ba to a walk around EcoPark, here are the top things to do in Yaoundé.

Take a walk along 20 may boulevard.

National days and events are celebrated with parades at Yaoundé’s 20 May Boulevard. The attractions nearby are endless; Musée de la Blackitude, the National Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral. Enjoy a buffet in the woods at Bois Sainte Anastasie, shop at Mahima or continue your walk to the Hilton Hotel . The Prime Minister’s office and the Ministry of Higher Education are two of the street’s standout buildings.

Dine at Yao Ba Restaurant Cabaret

Go for a run at Omnisport

Yaoundé is a sporty town, with countless groups that organise early morning work outs. Its seven hills and open spaces offer great tracks for runners, with sandy playing fields for team sports. The Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium draws many athletes to its terraces day and night. Many of the country’s football stars are products of the sandy pitches that are found across Yaoundé’s neighbourhoods.

Walk around Hôtel De Ville

Calafatas bakery, which has been baking since 1935, is a good place to stop on your way to Hôtel De Ville, which sits on Independence Square. With seats, a garden and lighting, it’s a great place for an evening picnic.

Watch a play at Goethe-Institut Kamerun

Yaoundé’s Goethe-Institut organises workshops to promote cultural exchanges between Germany and Cameroon. Art exhibitions, poetry readings and music festivals are all part of its strategy to spot emerging talent in the arts. Similar art projects take place at the Institut Français .

Walk around Marché Mokolo

Go through the crowds at Mokolo Market to experience the Cameroonian hustle first hand. Add a few pairs of second-hand jeans to your collection and look through different departments selling shoes, clothes, food and housewares.

Marvel at wildlife at the Mvog-Betsi Zoo

Visit the Mvog-Betsi botanical and zoological park and meet the royal lion couple . The king and queen of the jungle are accompanied by a congress of primates, birds, a hyena, crocodile, monkeys, and snakes, in a park sheltered by very tall trees, with the animals kept in large see-through cages.

Enjoy barbecue around Yaoundé’s Grand Mosque

The Grand Mosque was established in the Briqueterie neighbourhood in 1952 and now has a library, a school and conference hall. It plays a major role in the lives of Muslims all over the city, especially during festivities. The area is famous for its colourful fabrics, grilled chicken, and soya, sold on a stick.

Relax at EcoPark

Its developers have an ambitious plan: to create a ‘ Cameroon in miniature’. This idea is already manifesting in Yaoundé’s ecological park, that grows plants, keeps animals, maintains fish ponds, operates a restaurant, and has spaces for exercise and playgrounds for kids. The site is still partly under construction but is already attracting those who love the outdoors.

Dine at Etok Koss

Enjoy a quiet evening on the outskirts of Yaoundé in one of the gazebos built around a fish pond. Etok Koss restaurant serves delicious grilled goose and rabbit, and will let you catch your own fish if you get there early enough. It’s perfect for a family outing, with boat rides across the fish pond and a carousel for kids.

Explore Palais des Congrès

Venue to many cultural festivals, the Yaoundé Congress Hall is also a great place for a workout, with its slopes and vast yard. The hill provides possibly the widest view of Yaoundé and the perfect environment for a picnic. Nearby is Hôtel Mont Fébé , where you can swim and enjoy a meal, and the Benedictine Museum, both of which look over a number of embassies.

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• 1.1 History
• 1.2 Climate
• 1.3 Orientation
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By train
• 3.2 By taxi
• 3.3 By moto taxi
• 3.4 By foot
• 3.5 By bike
• 5.1.1 Invitations to local ceremonies
• 5.2 Activities
• 8.2 Markets
• 8.3 Supermarkets
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge
• 11.1 Budget
• 11.2 Mid-range
• 11.3 Splurge
• 12.2 Telecommunication
• 13 Stay safe
• 14.1 Big public hospitals
• 14.2 Private clinics
• 14.3 Laboratories
• 14.4 Pharmacies
• 16.1 Embassies and High Commissions
• 17.1 Nearby
• 17.2 Further away

Yaoundé is the capital of Cameroon , and the country's second most populous city. It is smaller than the economic centre ( Douala ), but still a bustling city. Called the city on seven hills, Yaoundé is home to people from all over Cameroon.

Understand [ edit ]

A city of 2 million inhabitants, Yaoundé is the centre of political power in the country. The city is in the Centre province, and stretches along the small river Mfoundi, which flows through the city from north to south. At about 700 m above sea level, it is surrounded by hills, swamplands and small streams, on the homeland of the Ewondo and Eton peoples, though nowadays it's home to people from all over the country. Downtown is rather small and comprises a some highrises around Boulevard du 20 mai and the Quartier des ministères . The rest of the city is made up of a sprawl of small houses, including both businesses and homes. The main artery is the axe présidentielle leading from the presidential palace in Etoudi to the airport.

Yaoundé is well suited for travellers who are used to travelling in Africa. On the other hand if you don't have much experience with this part of the world, you may want to have a guide. Aside of hotels and restaurants, tourist infrastructure is rather sparse, though locals are in general friendly and helpful. Most people are Francophone , but many (especially younger people) also speak English (they may deny it, but their English is still normally better than many native English speakers' French).

History [ edit ]

In the 19th century, Cameroon was a German colony, and Yaoundé was founded as a base for the ivory trade by the explorer and officer Richard Kund in 1889, and a few years later a military garrison was established there. It was an important military foothold for the Germans until World War I when Yaoundé was invaded by Belgian troops. After the war, it became the capital of French Cameroon, and has been a seat of government ever since. The city now has a more civilian character: civilian institutions were established and Yaoundé started growing quickly. In 1939, the city had about 9,000 inhabitants, and when French and British Cameroon were united into an independent country, two decades later, the number had grown tenfold. As the national capital, it's home to national institutions, as well as the Bank of Central African States, and as such, a notable business travel destination. While Yaoundé is not exactly a tourist hotspot, it does have a few attractions and serves as a gateway to the rest of Cameroon.

Climate [ edit ]

Yaoundé features a tropical climate with steady temperatures throughout the year. But, mainly due to the altitude, temperatures are not quite as hot as you would expect for a city located near the equator, with daytime temperatures usually staying below +30°C. The dry season is from December to March, followed by a lengthy wet season for the rest of the year. Expect short and intense rain showers during the wet season, especially between July and September.

Orientation [ edit ]

Orientation can be a challenge as streets, except for a few ones downtown, don't have names . Also signage is generally lacking, and printed maps usually just cover the central parts of Yaoundé. However, Google Maps reportedly covers the city well. Locals use major traffic hubs, landmarks and names of neighbourhoods, or quartiers , for navigation and this is the best way for visitors too. When you're near the place you want to find, ask others for closer directions.

The city is administratively divided into seven districts and many more quartiers. In addition to the city centre , these are some of the most important for visitors:

• Bastos : Upscale bedroom community in the northwest, where most embassies, consulates and foreign NGOs are located. Here you can also find the palace-like home of Bernard Fokou, one of the richest men in the country.
• La Briquetterie : Also La Brique , is a centrally located Muslim quartier and has a dangerous reputation. It is known for barbecue food and tailor shops so it can still be worth a visit.
• Camp SIC Hippodrome : An old residential community on a centrally located hill. This is also the banking centre and some ministries and restaurants are located here.
• Etoudi : Located in the far north of Yaoundé, the presidential palace ( Palais d'Etoudi ) is here.
• Mokolo : Busy industrial quartier east of the city centre. You can find the great market (Marché Mokolo) here.
• Omnisports : Also known as Mfandena, it's an upscale quartier on a hill northeast of the city centre. The Ahmadou-Ahidjo football stadium is at the hill's highest point.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Alternately, one could get off in Douala and take one of the numerous bus or train services to reach Yaounde (a 3-4 hour ride). Domestic airlines regularly fly Douala-Yaoundé.

By train [ edit ]

Passenger services are operated by Camrail . There are several daily services from Douala , brand new Intercity trains takes 3 hr 45 min to complete the journey. An overnight train from Ngaoundéré with couchettes and sleeper cars runs daily. There are also much slower Omnibus trains several times per week, serving rural communities along the line. Yaoundé station, known as 3.870634 11.525785 2 Gare-voyageur de Yaoundé is located just north of the city centre.

Train travel is an experience in itself, like is often the case in developing countries. The trains travel quite slowly, hence you can see more of the landscapes. You get to meet fellow travellers and vendors boarding the train at stops. On the other hand, if you want to travel more comfortably and quicker, opt for bus or plane. The trains might not be air conditioned, are often delayed (one reason is that freight trains have priority and passenger trains often need to wait at stations) and train accidents are sadly all too common. Ticket scalpers and petty thieves are other things you need to be aware of.

By car [ edit ]

There are paved roads to Ebolowa , Ayos , Bafia, Bamenda , Bafoussam, Eseka and Edéa / Douala . The rest of the region is connected by tracks usable around the year.

By bus [ edit ]

The Douala-Yaoundé trunk road route is extremely congested, with a number of official and unofficial check points along the route and should be avoided at night when accidents are very common. Road traffic is in general unsafe compared to first-world countries. Bus traffic is unregulated and individual bus companies are often short-lived; ask locals at the station which company has the best safety reputation at the moment.

It's really worth getting the 'prestige' service if you're coming from Douala. If for no other reason than the seatbealts, it's worth the splurge (tickets cost about double compared to regular buses), but take a jumper in case they crank the air conditioning. These buses are better maintained and cleaner. Regular buses tend to be crammed, though it is possible to buy more than one seat for yourself. Overall, ticket prices depend on when you travel; travel before holidays and morning departures tend to be more expensive. Some bus companies charge extra for your luggage.

There are several bus stations in Yaoundé, and many have services from Douala. Tongolo serves traffic from the west and northwest of the country, Biyem Assi from Douala, the north and northwest, Mvan from Douala, south and east, Nsam from Douala and south, and Mimboman from the east.

Get around [ edit ]

Public city buses are operated by Stecy [dead link] . As of July 2018 there's a total of 13 lines, most of which radiating out from the centre along the main streets. The company operates two lines to the airport as well, taking different routes but both going to the central post office. To see the network maps, go to Stecy's website and scroll down.

Bus trips are paid for using "Tap & Go" magnetic cards, just like in many public transport systems in the world. You can buy and reload the cards at newsstands and other points of sale. When boarding the bus, you pay for the ride by holding the card against the orange ticket machine next to the driver.

By taxi [ edit ]

Shared taxis, known by their yellow colour, are plentiful and the way to go. They will slow down for you, but you should flag anyway, to call your destination, and beep to say yes. There are no meters, fares are negotiated. The price is normally FCFA 250, unless you're travelling a long way, or if you're not going far, you can try calling "cent francs" and your destination. In some cases you may be asked how much you'll pay "paye combien?" just say 300 francs (in French...) and you'll probably be fine. You can also say "depot" if you want the taxi to yourself. This will cost you more, probably around FCFA 1000; negotiate before hand You can also rent by the hour, around FCFA 2500 or 3000 per hour. Negotiate before hand, and don't pay more than FCFA 3000.

If a taxi doesn't stop for you, it's probably because they are taking someone who has hired the whole taxi. Taxis are normally only four passengers, but some drivers will fit up to six (four in the back, two in the front). Trust your own judgement about getting into a taxi with sketchy looking passengers. The driver should have a license to operate hanging from the rear-view mirror, you could try and check that the photo matches.

Ride-hailing app Yango is available.

By moto taxi [ edit ]

Motos (motorbike taxis) also exist. At the outskirts of the city they are sometimes the only available form of public transport. They take one or two passengers and often drive carelessly, so you should try to avoid using them. Perhaps surprisingly, moto taxis are restricted operate only in their own district, so they are suitable just for short trips.

By foot [ edit ]

Watch your step when walking; hazards include potholes, missing manhole covers and mud puddles. Also, you will encounter street vendors who have their merchandise spread over the pavement.

By bike [ edit ]

With a hilly geography, no biking infrastructure, bad roads and little respect from cars, biking is in general dangerous in Yaoundé. It can nevertheless be a good way for exploring the city on Sundays, when there is less traffic.

Given the lack of other transport modes, driving can be a practical way for getting around. As a foreigner, however, it may take time to adapt to the local driving culture. Locals consider small scratches, bumps and broken side mirrors a normal part of the traffic.

Major road crossings are usually roundabouts, though much unlike in e.g. Europe, cars entering have the right-of-way and the cars already in the roundabout must yield. In crossings controlled by traffic lights, turning right on red is not only allowed but mandated. However, be aware that local drivers routinely ignore traffic lights.

Car traffic typically flows at 40-50 km/h, and even if the road is empty you shouldn't drive faster than that because vehicles, people and animals can emerge from the side streets without prior warning. In the case of a traffic accident with injuries, leave money for the first aid (at least FCFA 10,000) and inform the police about the accident, for instance at the nearest roadblock. Roadblocks operated both by the police, gendarmerie, and Prévention Routière are a frequent sight in the city, and you need to show both your driver's licence and a range of car papers.

Traffic jams are common, even as there's a relatively small number of vehicles per population. Nevertheless, during the last years roads have been improved to alleviate traffic jams. The main arteries lead from the north (highway towards Mballa) to the south (highway towards Douala) and east (highways to Ayos and Mbalmayo). There's a ring road in the southeast from Mvan through Ekoumdoum, Awae, Nkomo until the highway towards Akonolinga in the Quartier Biteng, and it is being slowly expanded. When the president or VIPs travel to and from the airport, the main street can be closed for several hours (in the worst case). Asking for bribes is reportedly common here, and in the case that something is wrong with your documents, the car may get impounded and you're in for a long bureaucratic process and hefty fines for getting it back. Should this happen, it's a good idea to contact your embassy for help.

In the city centre you need to use the marked parking spaces, outside of it you can park wherever you like as long as you don't block the traffic. There are also guarded parking lots, which are a good idea for nighttime parking.

See [ edit ]

The city's not really set up for tourists, but some fun things to see are the Mvog Betsi Zoo (primates and lions, with a kid's playground), the Mokolo Market (very big and in-your-face), Mont Febe, or maybe the swimming pools of some of the hotels — see Buy and Do sections below.

The city centre houses government offices, some hotels, and the central market. The Bastos quartier, with most homes owned by Cameroonians, is home to foreign embassies and the expatriate European community (drawn mainly from the diplomatic corps). The presidential palace and compound is in the Etoudi neighborhood.

Boulevard du 20 mai, the main boulevard of the city stretching from northwest to southeast, is bustling with life. In the northwestern end you can see some of the biggest landmarks in Yaoundé including the Hilton Hotel, BEAC building and several government buildings. In the southeastern end, you can see the Central Post and the Telecommunications Building.

The markets (listed in Buy below) are in additions to places for shopping, also attractions in their own right.

Also found in Yaoundé are:

• 3.8425 11.507778 2 Mary Queen of the Apostles Basilica ( Basilique Marie-Reine-des-Apôtres ). Built on the site of the first missionary church in Cameroon, it was consecrated in 2006, hence quite a modern building. The basilica is built in several architectonic styles inspired by art from the different ethnic groups in the country. The roof is supported by 12 pillars, symbolising the 12 apostles.  
• 3.863305 11.502862 3 Cameroon Art Museum ( Musée d´Art Camerounais ). Located in a former Benedictine monastery. The three exhibition rooms presents traditional art such as masks, bronze and woodwork.  
• 3.860714 11.515937 4 National Museum , Quartier du lac . Located in the former presidential palace, built during the French colonial period. This museum presents both traditional and modern aspects of Cameroon. You can see traditional art and clothing, as well as archaeological discoveries from different parts of the country. Then there's an exhibition of the independence period (the last 50 years) with photos of notable events and people as well as national emblems.  
• 3.86429 11.51845 5 Afhemi Museum ( Blackitude Museum ), Derrière le Boulevard du 20 Mai . A museum showing traditional art from western and northwestern Cameroon; one of the highlights is the collections of the former royal treasury. In addition you can also see prehistoric artifacts (though some of them are replicas). All in all there are more than 2,000 artworks in their collection.  
• 3.873974 11.512041 6 Palais des Sports de Warda . A Chinese-built indoor arena, this is a venue for both team and individual sports from basketball to judo. It is also used for exhibitions, conferences and such events, moreover the building itself is a good example of futuristic architecture.  
• 3.8525 11.5134 7 Monument de la Réunification , in Ngoa-Ekele . Monument to the reunification of English and French Cameroon in 1961. Constructed in 1973, it's composed of the main monument, a statue of a man with his five children and a garden. The main monument is made up of two spiral staircases (symbolising English and French Cameroon) that meet at the top of the monument.  
• 3.9409 11.5059 8 Mont Fébé . The hill with the best view over Yaoundé, featuring a hotel and a golf course. It also has Benedictine monastery with a tiny museum.  
• 3.8855 11.5406 9 Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo ( Stade Omnisport ), in quartier "Omnisport" resp. Mfandena . A multi-purpose stadium, though it is chiefly used for association football. It's the home stadium for the national team as well as the local teams Canon and Tonnerre. Built in 1972, it was renovated in 2016 for the African Women Cup of Nations.  
• 3.86485 11.48746 10 Jardin zoologique de Mvog-Betsi . A small zoo in the Mvog-Betsi quartier with about 30 animal species. Here you can see primates, reptiles, big cats and birds among others. In addition the garden of the zoo has even more species of different trees and plants. ( updated Jan 2018 )
• 3.87089 11.51402 11 Bois Saint-Anastasie . Nice little park just north of the governmental quartiers, offering a little relief from the noise of the city. On the downside, the stream and the park in general is dirty. Has a restaurant as well, serving African cuisine. Be aware that you need to pay a fee of FCFA 2500 to take photos in the park. Also, if you keep walking a little further south, you can see the waterfalls of Mfoundi behind the Ministry of Forestry building.  
• 3.8657 11.5106 12 Lac Municipal . An artificial lake in the governmental quarters, the only real body of water in the city and another place to get away from the noise of the city.  
• 3.78679 11.48799 14 Eco Park , ☏ +237 691715533 . 08:00-22:00 daily . Another menagerie with crocs, monkeys, dromedaries, ostriches, hyenas, birds of prey, etc. Also features a restaurant, hotel, events center, 'eco village', ponds, horse tours, and game room. Some say the animals are a bit cooped up and neglected. ~FCFA 1000 . ( updated Aug 2020 )
• 3.87126 11.52362 15 Ethnographic Museum of Forest People ( off Ave Monseigneur Vogt, northeast of the Notre Dame Cathedrale des Victories ), ☏ +237 653844885 . 10:30-17:30 daily . A museum showing the traditional practices and cultures of Central African and Cameroonian forest people (ornaments, masks, weapons, musical instruments, etc). Also hosts events at times. ( updated Aug 2020 )

Do [ edit ]

Events and festivals [ edit ].

• 3.891 11.5006 1 Salon Promote , Palais des Congrès . Central Africa's biggest industry and artisany fair, taking place every third year. Not only big companies are here, but also small local businesses. In addition there are cultural events with concerts and central African food. next event 16-24 February 2019 .  
• Journée de la femme . Women's Day takes place on 12 March every year. There are parades and parties around the city. Unlike other days of the year, men stay home cooking and cleaning on this day.  
• 20 mai . 20 May is the national day of Cameroon. In the morning there is a military parade, where also other uniformed services and civilians participate. Later in the day there are celebrations around the city.  
• YAFE . A yearly fair along the Boulevard du 20 mai taking place the second week in December every year.  
• Eid al Fitr . The Muslim community celebrates the end of Ramadan .  

Invitations to local ceremonies [ edit ]

Locals are very hospitable and it's not rare that foreigners are invited to weddings, funérailles (celebrated between December and March to commemorate the dead) and similar events. These are usually amazing cultural experiences, giving a unique insight into the local culture, including food, music and dance.

Activities [ edit ]

Mont Fébé has a wonderful golf course . Access is through Bastos and Carrefour du Palais des Congrès.

There are several swimming pools in Yaoundé. The water is usually of bad quality, so to prevent infections you should use ear plugs or a tight swimming cap to prevent water from entering your ears. Hotel Mont Fébé, Hotel des Députés and Hilton, all listed in Sleep below, have swimming pools. Other swimming pools include:

• 3.9069 11.527 2 Club Noah , in Manguier . The club of the tennis player and singer Yannick Noah. It has a beautiful mid-sized pool and 4 tennis courts (3 full size and 1 half-size) in a park-like environment. ( updated Jun 2022 )
• 3.83973 11.50634 3 Club France , in Efoulan . Big, clean pool and a smaller one for children. Has a tennis ground as well.  
• 3.882 11.5194 4 Hotel Franco , in Djoungolo, next to the DGSN (police HQ) .  

Learn [ edit ]

The Pilot Centre, near the Finance Ministry, is a government run institution teaching French and English. There is also the American Language Centre in Bastos, if you want to learn American English.

Work [ edit ]

If you're volunteering with an NGO, make sure that you've verified its credibility with an independent source. A good way can be to look at the NGO's partner organisations; if it has any big ones (i.e. the UN), they will probably have checked it out. It is sad to see eager and well intentioned volunteers have their time and money wasted (and their benevolent zeal diminished!).

Work permits are bound to residence permits, cost FCFA 260,000 and are valid for two years. They can be applied for at the commisariat on avenue Kennedy, and you need to bring a birth certificate.

Buy [ edit ]

Money [ edit ].

ATMs are the cheapest way for getting money from abroad. If you need FCFA, there are a handful of ATMs at banks around the city, as well as one in the Hilton in the center of Yaounde. The ATM at the Hilton is the only one that accepts MasterCard. You should travel with another type of card if possible, Visa Electron is the one widest accepted. At the end and the beginning of the month, be prepared for long queues (up to 50 m).

At large banks near Hotel de Ville and Hilton you can exchange money. There are also many people on the street who will change money, e.g. at the airport, outside the Hilton, and at the Casino supermarket. Money changers on the street can be recognized by seeing them rub their thumb and middle finger together at you (not a rude gesture, just a sign). They will generally accept euros but some may also accept dollars. Know the conversion rate before you go in case you need to haggle, but the group of people who change money outside the Casino give a good rate without haggling (FCFA 650 per euro, vs. a FCFA 656 per euro official rate). The euro is by far the best hard currency to bring, with the US dollar as a distant second. Swiss francs can be exchanged at Marché Central, other currencies rarely anywhere.

Money transfer services like Western Union, MoneyGram, or Express Union International are another way for getting funds. Traveller's cheques on the other hand are hard to exchange, and you can expect exorbinant extra charges for that service.

If you're staying a longer time in the country, you may want to open a local bank account. The procedure takes one or two hours and you need to bring your residence permit or passport. Pick one of the bigger banks.

Markets [ edit ]

These are some of the bigger markets in the Yaoundé. In addition to these, small markets can be found all over the city.

• 3.8761 11.5059 1 Briquetterie . In the Muslim quarter you can find a multitude of shops. Prices depend not only on the quality of the goods but also on your bargaining skills.  
• 3.8649 11.5239 2 Marché Mfoundi , near Rond Point de la Poste . The city's biggest grocery market, where you can find colourful foodstuff and exotic spices.  
• 3.8745 11.5004 3 Marché Mokolo , in Quartier Messa . At the main market you can find everything you can expect at an African market; food, household appliances, music, clothes, shoes and whatnot. In the Briquetterie you can find wonderful African clothes that you can buy off the rack or tailor-made (takes at least 3-4 days).  
• 3.86719 11.52036 4 Marché des Artisans , at Rondpoint de l'intendence . Local art market (primarily art by the Bamoun people) like wooden marks, terracotta masks, instruments, wood cuts and figures, trinkets and jewellery. You are expect to haggle, but don't ask for a price unless you intend to buy.  

Supermarkets [ edit ]

There are a number of supermarkets around. The most obvious in the centre is Casino (a large French supermarket chain) next to the Notre Dame cathedral in the center of town where you can buy typical European brand-name foods. You can also find "Niki" in many places (including the Mfoundi area near the centre). Dovv in Bastos is another option, and has many European brand-names (though at the cheaper end of the scale).

Eat [ edit ]

Yaoundé's restaurants mainly offer local and French cuisine. There are also some Chinese and North African restaurants. Toilets in restaurants are usually dirty, so if possible go to the toilet elsewhere, before or after you go to the restaurant.

Good markets for food shopping are Mfoudi and Mkolo, listed above. At markets food are always not sold by kilogrammes or litres. It may be a good idea to hire a porter who can also help out with your shopping and protect you from pickpockets. Packed food is available at supermarkets.

Bakeries are often the only places open on public holidays. A good (but not cheap for the sweet things) place is Le Moulin de France , just off the main drag near Casino in the centre.

Budget [ edit ]

Street stalls are everywhere, but a nice place to go is Nlongkak roundabout. Here there's a bit of a variety, and plenty of places to get a beer. A plate of beans should cost FCFA 200-500, an omelet around FCFA 500 (or 1000 if in a restaurant with chips), and a plate of spaghetti maybe FCFA 500. Prices may vary considerably depending on the honesty of your vendor.

Prices for street vendors shouldn't vary too much for many items. E.g. Three or four bananas or a grilled corn (maize) cob should be FCFA 100, anywhere in the city.

• 3.89175 11.51273 1 Le St Tropez . A great place in Bastos is "Saint Tropez", meals are around 2000-2500, see the menu. Drinks are reasonably priced. Just off the main road, if you are coming from the centre, after the big T-junction (down which you will find the Meuomi Palace Hotel) take the first left. Given that it's popular, it can sometimes be hard to find a table.  
• 3.8737 11.526 2 Snack Sanza ( Quartier Elig Essono, near the hotels La Girade and Tango ). Next to the night club with the same name. Serves skewers, fish and french fries. Calm and class ambiance. Guarded parking.  
• 3.86587 11.52734 3 La maison blanche , Rue Rudolf Abessolo ( Quartier Mvog Ada ). Near the La Caveau nightclub, this restaurant specialises in barbecued fish. Fresh products at a moderate price. FCFA 2000-4500 .  
• 3.8925 11.5113 4 Espresso House , Carrefour Bastos . Aside of Hilton, the only place in town to offer real Nespresso. It's also the best Internet café in Yaoundé.  
• 3.89426 11.50818 5 Snack Time , in Bastos near Carrefour Bastos . Pizza and Lebanese cuisine.  

Mid-range [ edit ]

• Some of the Chinese restaurants in Bastos have good mid-range options.
• 3.89203 11.51234 6 Istanbul Turkish Restaurant . A Turkish restaurant in Bastos. No alcohol, but good food; Turkish and Mediterranean dishes. FCFA 2000-5000 . ( updated Jan 2018 )
• 3.8932 11.50765 7 La Salsa ( Quartier Bastos ). European restaurant serving pizza and steaks among other things. Has received favourable reviews. dishes from FCFA 6000 .  
• 3.8679 11.5168 8 Dolce Vita , Ave Merechal Foch ( at the Commissariat Elysee ). African cuisine and good ice cream.  
• 3.87739 11.52483 9 Les Feuilles Vertes , Rue Joseph Essono Balla ( next to the bakery Select in Etoa Meki ). Good African cuisine, the speciality of this restaurant is smoked chicken.  
• 3.89468 11.50727 10 L'orient Rouge , in Bastos . Chinese restaurant, also popular with the Chinese community in Yaoundé. Reportedly beautifully decorated, good food and friendly and attentive staff.  
• 3.87301 11.51827 11 Le Biniou . French restaurant, specializing in dishes from Bretagne. The service can reportedly be slow.  

Splurge [ edit ]

• 3.9126 11.496 12 Le Rondo , Hôtel du Mont Fébé , ☏ +237 22 21 40 02 . Upscale restaurant with superb views of the city. At lunchtime there is a buffet, other times you can choose something from the menu (dishes around FCFA 6800). As it's a bit outside the city, it can be hard to get a taxi to get back; most customers have their own car. FCFA 10,000 (buffet) .  
• 3.8728 11.5188 13 Le Café de Yaoundé , Ave Winston Churchill ( Hippodrome ). Pricey (~10 000 for your meal) food. Seems to be catering to the expat crowd with a focus on European style cuisine. Nice ambiance with patio seating in a lush garden area.  
• 3.89104 11.51427 14 Chez Whou , ☏ +237 6 63 87 11 64 . Apparently one of a chain, excellent Chinese food. ( updated Jan 2018 )
• 3.87668 11.52084 15 Rustick Home ( Cité verte ), ☏ +237 22229144 , +237 55038424 (mobile phone) . Meals by reservation.  
• 3.86269 11.51959 16 Le moulin de France , Boulevard du 20 mai, between rond point de la poste and rond point du Hilton , ☏ +237 698 483 550 . 06:00 - 23:00 . Next to the eponymous bakery, this restaurant and tea house has cakes, pizzas and other dishes. Good quality but high prices. ( updated Jun 2022 )
• 3.86498 11.51546 17 Le Safoutier , Boulevard du 20 Mai . Upscale restaurant in the Hilton Hotel with European and local dishes.  
• 3.86937 11.52007 18 La Terrasse , near Montée Ane Rouge . Upscale European restaurant with good salads.  

Drink [ edit ]

Yaoundé doesn't have a very lively nightlife, though there are still a couple of options. Concerts with African music often take place in night clubs — ask locals.

• 3.87353 11.52621 1 Sanza Night club ( Quartier Elig Essono ). Classy place, though there's usually very little going on in the early week. Guarded parking. Free entry. Drinks FCFA 5000 .  
• 3.8713 11.5154 2 Black&White ( Quartier Bastos ). Free entry. Drinks from FCFA 5000 .  
• 3.86463 11.51567 3 Panoramique bar . Nice bar on top of the Hilton hotel. One of the few places where you can listen to music when having a drink. Happy hour every afternoon. FCFA 5000 .  
• 3.8666 11.5167 4 Parallèle Club , in Mballa 2 . A "cabaret", in other words a restaurant with live music. Popular with expats.  
• 3.8745 11.5183 5 Safari , Ave Winston Churchill ( in Quartier Hippodrome ). A classic disco.  
• Hilton . Hilton has a night club as well.  
• 3.8631 11.5199 6 Katios , near Marché Central . Disco.  

Sleep [ edit ]

There are hotels in all price classes in Yaoundé. Save for the hotels in the splurge category, don't expect western standards — matter of fact even warm water isn't available everywhere. Internet speeds are also far below what you might expect.

While laundry is available as an official service at upscale hotels, at lower range hotels ask the employees to wash your clothes for a small sum. Clothes that have been dried on a clothing line outdoors have to be ironed afterwards to kill sand flies that the clothes may have caught.

Hotel rates can almost always be negotiated, especially if you're staying several nights. Credit cards are not universally accepted, especially not at cheaper places of stay. Those that do usually only accept Visa (Hilton accepts a wider range of cards).

• 3.87999 11.5225 1 Foyer international de l'eglise presbyterienne , ☏ +2 99 85 23 76 . Two private rooms and two dorms accommodating 8 persons each, and you can camp in the garden too. Shared bathroom. Reportedly cheap, but very barebones. ( updated Jul 2015 )
• 3.8293 11.4813 2 Hotel Jouvance , Monté Jouvance in Biyem Assi . Bathrooms, air conditioning and tv in the rooms. Free wifi, free parking. rates from FCFA 35,000 .  
• 3.83087 11.51025 3 Safari , near the Nsam bus station , ☏ +237 6 99 31 37 01 , [email protected] . rates from FCFA 25,000 . Bathrooms and tv in the rooms, wi-fi "available". The hotel has a swimming pool, bar and restaurant.  
• 3.8541 11.5233 4 La fraicheur , in Movg Mbi above Carrefour Mvog Mbi, reachable by taxi from Rond Point de la Poste in 5 min .  
• 3.83694 11.49212 5 Residence Toundalia , Biyewassi, Biyem-Assi , ☏ +237 699935212 . Guest house where you can look out over the city from their highrise balcony. Has wifi, dining, big baths, security. FCFA 6116 . ( updated Aug 2020 )

There are many hotels in Bastos for FCFA 20,000-30 000, but you can't expect too much.

• 3.87403 11.52576 6 Hôtel La girafe , Quartier Elig Essono , ☏ +237 222 209 415 , [email protected] . Good and clean hotel near the railway station. Simple room with TV, air condition, warm water. Wi-Fi, though it might not be functional. The hotel has a restaurant as well. Single: 25000F, Double: 27000F, Suite: 35000F. Breakfast included .  
• 3.89232 11.51294 7 Meumi Palace , in Bastos , ☏ +237 2 22 20 92 11 . single rooms FCFA 35,000, doubles FCFA 45,000 .  
• 3.88884 11.51973 8 Meumi Hotel de Yaounde Cameroon , at Marché Nkol Eton , ☏ +237 6 95 18 42 94 . single rooms FCFA 25,000, doubles and suites FCFA 35,000 .  
• 3.8645 11.5191 9 Hotel Merina , Avenue El Ahmadou Ahidjo ( at Marché Central ), ☏ +237 2 22 22 21 31 . rates from FCFA 42,000 .  
• 3.87404 11.51862 10 La villa Des Lys , Ave Churchill , ☏ +237 222231033 . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 11:00 . Poolside garden, restaurant, breakfasts. XAF 27,246 . ( updated Aug 2020 )
• 3.86454 11.51579 11 Hilton Yaounde , Boulevard du 20 Mai ( Quartier Elig Essono ), ☏ +237-2-223-3646 , fax : +237-2-222-3210 . Luxurious (at least for Cameroonian standard) hotel in the city centre. Cameroonians and permanent residents might get a discount. Standard: FCFA 129,000, Luxe: FCFA 170,000, Suite: FCFA 240,000 . ( updated Jul 2015 )
• 3.87139 11.51573 12 Hotel Djeuga , 1 Avenue Narvick ( city centre near "Capitol" and "Carrefour Warda" ), ☏ +237 222 22 64 57 , [email protected] . Built in 2006. rates from around FCFA 105,000 .  
• 3.91245 11.49579 13 Hotel Mont Fébé , on Mont Fébé, behind Quartier Bastos , ☏ +237 2 22 21 40 02 , [email protected] . From the 1980s and a bit run-down. Still it has a good swimming pool and nice ambiance. rates from FCFA 74,500 .  
• 3.8645 11.51225 14 Hotel des Députés , city centre - Quartier des ministères - behind Ministère de Télécommunication , ☏ +237 6 79 52 86 36 , [email protected] . A bit run-down. Features a swimming pool. rates from FCFA 45,000 .  
• 3.87056 11.51543 15 La Falaise Hotel , Ave Merechal Foch , ☏ +237 222220616 . Downtown hotel with pool, hot tub, gym, spa, restaurant/bar, a/c, wifi, airport shuttle. FCFA 58,384 . ( updated Aug 2020 )

Connect [ edit ]

Post [ edit ].

The public postal service Campost is cheap, but unreliable. Use a courier service if you're sending anything important.

Telecommunication [ edit ]

GSM, 3G and 4G networks are available. Local mobile operators are MTN, Orange Communications and Nextel, and local prepaid SIM-cards are widely available.

You can find Internet-cafés, known as "Cybère" or "Cyber", around the city. In addition to connected computers some, but not all, offer Wi-Fi.

Internet, both wired and wireless, is considerably slower than in first-world countries, and price per bandwidth is higher. Effective bandwidth is about 50 kbps for mobile Internet and 100 kbps for wired.

Stay safe [ edit ]

While there are many more dangerous places in Cameroon and Africa than Yaoundé, crime can still be an issue here. Basic precautions will reduce the risk of you becoming victim.

Taxi sharing can be risky, even for Cameroonians, and you may wind up with your cell phone and wallet stolen. It's better to take a friend or two, rather than riding alone, especially in nighttime. It is recommended to hire a private taxi recommended by your hotel or a friend.

Beware of pickpockets , they are rife. Be careful with your bags, wallet and such in the markets (particularly Marché Mokolo and Marché Central) and anywhere there are lots of people (including at nights when out drinking). Keep your hands near your pockets and be prepared to grab a person if you know they took your phone, wallet or purse. ATMs are another place where you need to watch your surroundings. Keep an eye on your belongings at stations.

Outright robberies — often at knife or machete point — are also a risk. Give the robbers what they demand, usually your money and phone, and they won't harm you. To reduce the risk of getting robbed don't show expensive looking objects (especially things that are or appear to be made of gold), and avoid badly lit streets after sunset. Place Ahmadou Ahidjo, at the southeastern end of Boulevard 20 Mai, is considered dangerous even in broad daylight.

Photographing sensitive areas is forbidden. This includes military places, and apparently embassies and ambassador residences. If in doubt, it might be best to not take that picture, rather than risk having a soldier or policeman delete all your pictures, or confiscate your camera.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Tropical diseases spread by mosquitoes, in particular malaria , are an prevalent here. Bot flies are another problem. They lay eggs on wet laundry, and when you wear the clothes, maggots will eat into your skin. Dried laundry should be thoroughly ironed before use.

Pests are not the only health issue. In addition, unhygienically handled food and water can lead to amoeba infections, cholera and hepatitis. Follow the advice in Travellers' diarrhea#Prevent to reduce the risk for food-borne diseases. The locals are more accustomed to the local microorganisms than visitors, which means you can get problems also from food that locals are able to consume. Also, HIV is widespread.

Local doctors are used to coping with tropical diseases. Nevertheless, there are a big differences between health care institutions in Yaoundé — some are excellent while others are bad.

Big public hospitals [ edit ]

These clinics offer high quality equipment and well educated staff:

• Hopital General , in Ngousso . Modern hospital established with Chinese funding.  
• Hopital Central , in Quartier des Ministères . Big hospital with a several specialists. Sadly there are usually long waiting times.  
• Clinique de la CNPS , opposite Quartier Fouda . Also known as Hopital de la Caisse, this is a modern and clean hospital.  

Private clinics [ edit ]

• Semmelweis Clinic , in Tongolo . Good and expensive private clinic. Dr André Edou speaks excellent German.  
• Clinique de la Cathedrale , near Rondpoint de la Poste in the city centre .  
• Clinique Fouda , in Quartier Fouda .  
• CMS . Centre Medical Sociale Francaise is near the central post office and has a good emergency clinic.  
• Fondation Ad Lucem , in Quartier Obobogo (near Nsam) . This emergency room is suited for smaller problems like small injuries or malaria.  

Laboratories [ edit ]

Most small and mid-sized clinics don't have their own laboratories, therefore it's useful to know the location of the ones below. If you suspect you have an illness, you can visit them without a remittance from a doctor.

• Laboratoire du Centre , at the Rondpoint de la Poste next to Centre Culturel Français .  
• Institut Pasteur . The best laboratory and the place to go if you don't know what illness you have. Here you can also get rabies inoculations and snake serum.  

Pharmacies [ edit ]

There's a dense network of pharmacies, some of which are open also on Sundays and nighttime. Ask locals where you can find the latter. Pharmacie Française stocks products that foreigners ask for and are difficult to find elsewhere, including sunscreen and some malaria prophylaxis.

You can usually purchase medicine without a prescription. You will of course do this at your own risk, but it can be useful in an emergency if you know what you're doing.

Water [ edit ]

Tap water is not drinkable for tourists. Bottled water is widely available, fairly cheap and what you should stick to as a foreign visitor. At the outskirts of the city there are some deep wells built by the Swiss organization, Martin Stiftung , and the water here is of a better quality than elsewhere.

The sewers were built in the 1970s and 1980s but due to a lack of maintenance, the sewage system is largely dysfunctional. Effluent is often fed directly into streams or into cesspools. Human waste can filter through soil into wells, so this is another reason to not drink tap water.

Respect [ edit ]

If you want to take a photo of somebody, ask them for permission first. They might want a small fee for this, but will otherwise generally be happy to be photographed. On the other hand, you will anger them if you just take a photo without asking first.

When getting around in public, proper clothing is important, so avoid shorts, flip-flops, sleeveless shirts or bathwear.

Punctuality is not as important as in many Western countries. Don't expect exact answers to questions about distances, durations and such. Also, while street names to some extent exist, locals don't use them and might not even be aware of them. Due to this, if you for instance take a taxi, you should ask to go to a landmark or traffic crossing instead of a particular street.

Cope [ edit ]

Embassies and high commissions [ edit ].

Most of the embassies are in the Bastos area, though some (e.g. the French and UK) are not.

• Australia : see Canada , the nearest high commission is in Nigeria

Go next [ edit ]

Nearby [ edit ].

• 3.8283 11.4384 32 Mont Eloumdem . A nice climb and a good view of the city. Budget 4 hours for a visit.  
• 4.353 11.628 33 Chutes d'eau de Nachtigal ( 70km northwest ). Beautiful waterfalls, or rather rapids on the Sanaga River. You can approach the falls on foot or in a pirogue, depending on the season. Budget a whole day.  
• 3.6263 11.5805 34 Mefou National Park (aka Mefou Wildlife Sanctuary or Mfou Reserve) ( Parc de la Mefou ), in Ekali II village ( go south about 32 km on N2 to just past Bikok, then turn east on park entrance road ), ☏ +237 6995 84175 . 09:00-16:30 daily . Sanctuary for primates. Guided tours and up-close and personal encounters with the baboons, monkeys, chimps, gorillas, etc. FCFA 7500 foreigner adult, FCFA 2500 foreigner child . ( updated Aug 2020 )

Further away [ edit ]

• Dja Faunal Reserve — a world heritage listed biosphere reserve, about 150 km southeast as the crow flies. Most likely you need a car to get there.
• Douala — the largest city and economical centre of Cameroon, accessible by air, car, bus or train.

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17 Must-See Attractions in Yaoundé, Cameroon

There are a lot of must-see attractions in Yaounde, Cameroon. Historical museums, national parks, and city monuments are just some places you can visit. There’s also a list of other great attractions if those don’t do it for you.

Yaounde has a very layered history, with many overlapping cultures to immerse oneself in. The more you spend time here, the more you know the country.

Here are the 17 must-see attractions in Yaounde, Cameroon:

1. Monument of the Reunification 

Why not try a short tour of the Monument of the Reunification? It’s one of the many stunning and well-known landmarks in Cameroon.

The Monument of the Reunification provides a symbol of Cameroon’s unity.  France and Britain merged their former colonies on October 1, 1961, and created the nation we know today as Cameroon .

Yaoundé is a beautiful place to visit. The monument of the Réunification sits there, and it’s the perfect spot for sightseeing.

One of the highlights of this tourist site is the  two rising snakes performing their ritual dance together . Atop their dance is an older adult with a torch. The five children surrounding the snakes represent an eternal life passage and stand as witnesses to these ancient ceremonies.

Attractions at the Spot

There are a lot of attractive features in this beautiful city in Africa. It has  lush green spaces  and plenty of  impressive monuments  carved from stone.

2.  Musée de la Blackitude

Visit an ethnographic and private museum in Cameron – Musée de la Blackitude. It opened in March 1998 and offers an excellent tourist experience.

The Musee de la Blackitude,  located behind Blvd du 20 Mai, Yaoundé , Cameroon, began with the dedication of their Queen Ngo Nab Fo I NANA Agnes Sunjio.

The Museum of Cameroon hosts more than  2,070 pieces of art . This collection helps to create and promote regional art.

The Museum is a must-see for people interested in music, masks, paintings, and carvings. You’ll also find  costumes and sculptures .

Attractions in the Museum 

The space for the reconstructed royal chamber and appealing objects in the Museum makes it a must-see for tourists.

It has an abundance of handicrafts and beautiful relics, with over 2,000 items currently in storage. The object collection serves as a tribute to Cameroon’s tribal heritage.

Art Collection at the Museum 

The Yaounde museum has a variety of artifacts on display, such as  masks, pottery,  and other types of royal objects. The gems in the Museum also represent royal objects that contain architectural elements, rituals, and ceremonial sculptures.

3. Statue of Charles Atangana  

A landmark of a symbolic figure in Cameroon, the Statue of Charles Atangana, commemorates the paramount chief of the Ewondo, also known by his German and birth name  Karl Ntsama .

Charles Atangana is a living inspiration for Cameroonian history and is one of the country’s first intelligentsia.

The historical landmark is a top tourist attraction and sight that is worth a visit for not only children but adults as well.

Must-see attraction at the spot

A must-see in this part of France is the symbolic monument to 18th-century Dimie prince Charles Atangana. The statue is also a testimony to a harsh life and reflects what happened following colonization.

Activities posed at the spot.

The grass is the most common type of tree in this part, and it’s perfect for any outdoor activities such as walking, getting together with friends or family, picnics, and enjoying the children playing or doing sports.

Location : VG5C+94J, Yaoundé, Cameroon. 

4.  Musée d’Art Camerounais

Tucked away on Quartier du Lac, Yaounde, Cameroon, and showcasing Cameroonian art is the Musee d’Art Camerounais. This center houses exhibitions in three exhibition rooms.

It houses a well-presented collection of Cameroonian art and artifacts. What they have is indeed impressive: bronze, masks, woodwork, and many more.

Tourist Attraction 

In the antique store, arts and crafts store, art museum, and even the adjacent contemporary gallery is a wealth of beautiful pieces to see. Tourists visit Musee d’Art Camerounais to appreciate all these.

5.  Bois Sainte Anastasie 

Yaounde is the home of Bois Sainte Anastasie, a peaceful sanctuary with well-maintained gardens and grooves.

Bois Sainte Anastasie offers an astounding natural setting for dine-in or takeaway.

The hand-maintained flowerbeds provide a variety of beautiful flowers, creating a pleasant sitting atmosphere with chirping birds and insects.

Attractions available  

It is worth seeing the park for its  preserved woods and gardens  with a touch of several flowerbeds.

Things to Do

The Bois Sainte Anastasie park is famous for its incredible views, restaurants, and all types of food/drinks. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Address : Carrefour Warda, Yaoundé Centre Ville, Yaounde, Cameroon. 

6.  Afriland First Bank

Yaounde’s Afriland First Bank is one of the significant sights of town and can trace its origins to 1987. It was set up by Caisse Communale d’Epargne et d’Investissement.

Afriland offers a full suite of services and a considerable presence in the community, situated at Place de I’intendance 1063, Yaounde, with easy access from any direction.

Why Afriland First Bank is a must-see destination

• The Afriland First Bank has various colors on its building’s mosaic.
• The mosaics that adorn the walls depict Egyptian and tribal scenes.
• The Afriland gate features a metal frame with intricate designs.

7.  Musee Ethnographique des Peuples de la Foret

One of the fascinating museums in Cameroon, Musee Ethnographique des Peuples de la Foret, takes visitors on a tour of the different cultures and lifestyles in Africa’s forests.

The Musee Ethnographique des Peuples de la Foret is a museum and historical collection  located in VGCF+GC2, Yaoundé, Cameroon . 

It has very informative displays and is a great way to learn about the different cultures in Africa.

The Museum has a small size and an exciting history of preserving the country’s cultural heritage. It’s a must-see.

A must-see at the site 

The Bantou Culture Museum is something you wouldn’t want to miss. The exhibits show the way of life for forest people, which is fascinating.

8.  Mosquee Centrale

Mosquee Centrale is one of the major mosques in Cameroon, its location at the heart of a Muslim residential area evidencing this feat.

The Great religious site at Biyemassi, Yaoundé, Cameroon, is a beautiful mosque that accepts 2000 Muslims.

The 1952 mosque and its surrounding areas always look clean and attractive. There’s a lot of fantastic scenery to take pictures of, making it worthwhile to visit.

Attractions at Mosquee Centrale 

Just explore the incredible architecture and excellent designs at the “Mosquee Centrale” next time you are on vacation.

9.  Basilique Marie-Reine-des-Apotres 

“The Basilique Marie-Reine-des-Apotres” is the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit’s basilica, and it stands where there was once a church.

The location is in Mvolyé, Yaoundé, Cameroon, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Attractions

• The Basilique Marie-Reine-des-Apotres is an attraction with twelve columns representing the twelve apostles. It is 75 meters wide and 32 meters high.
• The exterior painting that features the design of the sacramental mood from Nina de Mbalmayo is worth seeing.
• The stained glass windows have bright and cheerful colors to offer. Not only do they take your mind off our hectic days, but you can also see the Basilique Marie-Reine-des-Apotres when it has a beautiful light to showcase it.
• This maquette of the tabernacle, the altar shaped like a token, and the Black Virgin made of bronze are interesting to explore.

10.  Hotel la Falaise, Yaounde  

Hotel La Falaise Yaounde welcomes pets and sits at Avenues Foch, and it features all the amenities you need for a fulfilling visit to Cameroon.

The hotel, in the city of Yaoundé, is famous for being well-known and clean. The property also connects to a shopping center and provides excellent city views from its rooms.

The hotel has a garden, a decorated bar, an indoor pool, and garlanded exterior.

Attractions 

The highlight of this hotel is its excellent facilities. They offer a variety of ways to spend your time here, including spa treatments, fitness options, and delicious food.

• Restaurant 
• Housekeeping and more 

11.  Canal Olympia Yaounde 1

Canal Olympia Yaounde 1 is the first to offer cinema in Africa, an excellent spot for live shows in Yaounde, Cameroon. It’s a relaxed, state-of-the-art movie theater that puts the audience’s experience first.

It’s a multi-purpose entertainment venue with 300 seats, a cinema room, and an external stage for shows and concerts.

The cinema at the Université Yaoundé I, Joseph Tchooungui Akoa, Yaoundé Cameroon, is a relaxing movie theater. It’s also your place to watch drive-in movies.

Things to See

The leisurely cinema has decent customer service, comfortable chairs, ample parking spots, and a casual area to hang out.

12.  Eco Park  

Eco Park is an overwhelming tourist destination in QFPQ+M5P, Yaoundé, Cameroon. It has a natural environment and an institution for environmental protection.

The animal park is fun, with a welcoming staff, clean grounds, and many unique animals.

The welcoming park is the city’s green heart, where you can rest from your day’s activities, enjoy some quality time with your loved ones, and take in a diversity of attractions.

Sights to Behold

The must-see attraction of the magnificent Eco park is its initiative, species, and picturesque site.

13.  Cathedrale de la Paix 

Cathedrale de la Paix is the largest setting for Christian prayers in Yaounde and among the pillar sites of religious culture.

Classily built on top of a hill, the Cathedrale de la Paix Boungoua in Yaoundé, Cameroon, is exciting.

This enormous, modern Cathedral is impressive, with an exciting exterior that holds a lot to see and experience.

• The life-sized statue of Saint George taking down Satan is a sightseeing item in the Cathedrale.
• The church has eight columns from the ground to the tallest, forming an interesting architectural feature.

14.  Yaounde Nsimalen international airport  

The Yaounde Nsimalen international airport is the largest public airport in Cameroon. It’s also one of the country’s busiest.

The airport in Nsimalen, Yaoundé, Cameroon, was built at 2276 ft and covers 3065 acres.

The airport is convenient, with four gates and facilities securing 14 direct flights to 11 countries.

Attraction 

The attention-arresting sights at the airport include 

• Tourist information center
• Green lawns
• A well-designed restaurant 
• Animal quarantine
• Beautiful business center

15.  Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo  

Non-football fans are invited to experience athletics with a side of football Match Day, making it the perfect stadium for both sports.

Built in 1972, the stadium’s renovation happened before the African Women’s Cup of Nations.

Address: Nouvelle route Omnisport Yaounde Fandena, Nv Rte Omnisport, Yaoundé, Cameroon.

The 42,500-seat capacity Stade Ahmadiou Ahidjo was first known as Stade Omnisports before its renaming in honor of retired general Ahmadou Ahidjo.

Built in the heart of the city, the Stade Ahmadiou Ahidjo includes a media center and a 105x68m natural grass area surrounded by an 8-lane athletics track.

If you’re coming to Stade Ahmadiou Ahidjo, the most exciting thing you can do is visit the built-up infrastructure.

The large 2000-person capacity gym, media tribune, and playing ground at the stadium are sights to see.

16.  Station Coloniale Allemande

Station Coloniale Allemande  is a landmark from the German colonial era established between 1894-1896 .

The German colonial landmark, Station Coloniale Allemande, is the first building in the city with numerous floors, situated at VG77+2V9, Yaoundé, Cameroon .

What to See

One of the most famous sights in Station Coloniale Allemande is an attractive site with all the information about the country. With its lush green grass, it makes for a nice walk.

17.  National Museum of Yaounde

The National Museum of Yaounde, known as Le Musee National de Yaounde, can be found in the former presidential residence.

The Yaoundé National Museum is located in Yaoundé, Cameroon, dedicated to the conservation of the national culture.

This 1972 museum displays beautiful wooden statues and symbols, bronze, and pictures of historical figures.

Must-see Attractions

• The National Museum in Yaounde is worth a visit in its entirety. There are many wonders inside and out, including pretty striking architecture and various buildings.
• Thanks to the countless fountains, visitors can enjoy a tour of the estate and learn about aspects of the country that are of greater importance.

Conclusion 

You will likely agree that Yaounde has a big heart for satisfying the wanderlust of every traveler, as it is renowned for what it does.

No collection of attractions is ever complete in a new place. The city’s many must-sees are a chance to experience the culture and history of the region and make unforgettable memories.

If you’re anticipating a trip to Yaounde and hope to catch some top tourist attractions, check out our list of crème de la crème spots.

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Plan Your Trip to Yaounde: Best of Yaounde Tourism

Essential Yaounde

Yaounde Is Great For

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Yaounde Travel Guide

Experience yaounde.

Mvog-Betsi Botanical Zoological Garden

Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo

Yaounde Multipurpose Sports Complex

Open Air Mass

Canal Olympia

National Museum

Cameroon Reunification Monument

Sanza Night Club, Yaoundé

Bois Sainte Anastasie

Where to Stay

Hilton yaounde, star land hotel bastos, suita hotel, hôtel jouvence international, djeuga palace hotel, hotel franco yaounde, hotel la falaise yaounde, le best hotel, united hotel international, hotel mont fébé, hotel santa lucia, what to eat.

Bar Le Panoramique

il pastaio street food & caffe'

La Terrasse

Cafe de Yaounde

Ô Palétuvier

Cosy Pool Lounge Bar

Alfresco Pizza

Le Moulin de Dom Quichotte

Other Recommended Cities

Popular Types of Attractions in Yaounde

Popular attractions in yaounde, popular restaurants in yaounde, popular destinations, recommended attractions at popular destinations, popular travel types, more things to do in yaounde.

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Musée National

Located in a grand white 1930s villa – a former presidential palace – the museum provides a thorough, if overpriced, trip through Cameroon's history. Guides in each room are eager to show you every artefact, the most interesting of which are the tribal objects from around the country, including garments and drums.

Quartier du Lac

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Musée de la Blackitude

If time is short, give the overpriced National Museum a miss, and take a passionately well-informed tour (French only) of this private collection. It’s a…

Mefou National Park

16.69 MILES

A 45-minute drive south of Yaoundé, Mefou is run by Ape Action Africa, an organisation established to protect primates in Cameroon. Well-informed guides…

Nôtre Dame Cathedral

The honking of Yaoundé's traffic merges with the sound of prayer and song at Nôtre Dame Cathedral. It's a bold triangular building, consecrated in 1955,…

Marché Central

The market is housed in a dramatic brutalist building in central Yaoundé, with towering floors of fabric and garment sellers and a bank of tailors. It can…

Place de l'Indépendance

A dramatic expression of independent Cameroon, this huge square is fronted by Yaoundé's Hôtel de Ville (town hall) and edged by flower beds and proudly…

Musée d'Art Camerounais

At the Benedictine monastery on Mt Fébé, north of Yaoundé's city centre, the Musée d'Art Camerounais has three exhibition rooms with an impressive…

Afriland First Bank

Africa First Bank is a highlight of Yaoundé's Place de l'Indépendance, with its colourful mosaics depicting tribal figures and Egyptian scenes, and a…

Marché du Mfoundi

Yaoundé's main fruit and vegetable market.

Nearby Yaoundé attractions

1 . Musée de la Blackitude

2 . Nôtre Dame Cathedral

3 . Marché Central

4 . Marché du Mfoundi

5 . Afriland First Bank

6 . Place de l'Indépendance

7 . Musée d'Art Camerounais

8 . Mefou National Park

Tourist Places to Visit in Yaounde, Cameroon, Africa

Yaoundé is the capital city of the African country, Cameroon, geographically positioned at 3°52′ N 11°31′ E, around 230 kilometers east of the country’s largest city, Douala. Situated in the central part of the country, Yaoundé spans an area of 180 square kilometers. Including the Cameroon National Museum and Yaoundé cathedral, Yaoundé houses different types of tourist attractions spread up all around Yaounde.

Industries, mainly tobacco, dairy, clay and glass goods plant, are also the parts of the Yaoundé’s economy along with its administrative centers. The Central Hospital in Yaoundé is the recognized and largest hospital in Yaoundé.

History of Yaoundé:

Originally named Jaunde, Yaoundé was founded as an agricultural research station and ivory trade point by the traders from Germany. For a short period, during World War I, Yaoundé was under the control of Belgian troops and following the defeat of Germany in that war, Yaoundé came under the French power. Since becoming the capital of French Cameroon, Yaoundé has been continued to serve the capital of the Republic of Cameroon.

How to reach Yaoundé?

The Yaoundé Airport is the second largest airport of Cameroon, after the Douala International Airport in Douala and it receives flights from Johannesburg, Istanbul, Paris, Brussels, Douala and many other prime international destinations. The distance of 20 kilometers between the airport and city center can be reached by airport taxis or bus or private transports.

Including Douala, Yaoundé is connected to all the major cities of Cameroon through road.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Yaoundé:

Yaoundé is culturally rich city, home to the University of Yaoundé I, the University of Yaoundé II and Catholic University of Central Africa.

Mfoundi and Mokolo market are the two famous traditional markets in Yaoundé.

Some nice restaurants in Yaoundé are:

• Cosy Pool Lounge Bar
• La Paillotte
• La Terrasse
• Le Moulin de France

Things to do in Yaoundé:

• Visiting nightclubs

Places to see in Yaoundé:

Basilique Marie-Reine-des-Apôtres:

Devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Basilique Marie-Reine-des-Apôtres was constructed on the location of the first church of Cameroon that was built by the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit. This Roman Catholic basilica is a part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Yaoundé.

The Cameroon National Museum:

Situated in the Cameroon’s former presidential palace, the Cameroon National Museum is the focal point of the Cameroon’s and Yaoundé’s culture and history. Other than collections, the museum is also famous for its eye-catching surrounding landscapes and architecture.

The Cameroon Art Museum:

The Cameroon Art Museum is centered on exhibiting the features and importance of the contemporary arts and crafts of Cameroon which is showcased with a great collection of artworks. The museum is housed in a former Benedictine monastery.

Zoo in Yaoundé:

The zoo of Yaoundé is situated in the neighborhood of Mvog-Betsi, so the zoo is named, the Mvog-Betsi Zoo-Botanical Park. Including reptiles, birds of prey and big cats and home to various animal and bird species.

Yaoundé Unity Palace:

The Yaoundé Unity Palace is the official residence of the President of Cameroon and one of the prominent landmarks as well as tourist attractions in Yaoundé.

List of other places of interest in Yaoundé includes:

• Cathédrale Notre Dame des Victoires
• Afhemi Museum
• The Reunification Monument
• The Sport Palace

Best time to visit Yaoundé:

Yaoundé experiences a tropical wet and dry climate and the best time to visit Yaoundé is from November to February.

Accommodation options in Yaoundé:

Being the Cameroon’s capital and top tourist destination, Yaoundé is packed with numerous top end hotels with world class amenities including spa, sauna, airport shuttle, business center, fitness center and doctor on call service. Some best and recommended hotels in Yaoundé in Cameroon are as follows:

• Aurelia Palace
• Tou’Ngou Hotel
• Hotel Mont-Febe
• The Santa Lucia Complex
• Hotel Mansel
• Djeuga Palace
• Hotel Merina Yaounde centre
• Hotel des Deputes
• Central Hotel
• Hotel Laginaque
• Relais Saint Jacques
• Hotel Franco
• Hotel Meumi Palace
• Prestige Hotel Palace

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Yaounde

Things to do in yaounde, explore popular experiences, ways to tour yaounde.

Safari Tour in Cameroon, Lobeke and Campo Maan National Park

The DJA BIODIVERSITY RESERVE SAFARI 7D/6N

Private Guided 9 Days Cultural Tour in Cameroon

10D/ 9N Cameroon Cultural Tour

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eSIM Cameroon Data Plan

Outdoor activities.

Top Attractions in Yaounde

Other Top Attractions around Yaounde

Multi-day & Extended Tours

Tours & sightseeing, private & custom tours, what travellers are saying.

• Mefou National Park
• National Museum of Yaounde (Le Musee National de Yaounde)
• Musée Ethnographique des Peuples de la Fôret
• Monument de la Réunification
• Benedictine Museum of Mont-Febe
• Bois Sainte Anastasie
• Circuit De Randonnée Du Mont Fébé
• Esplanade De L'hôtel De Ville

Top Things to Do in Yaounde, Cameroon - Yaounde Must-See Attractions

Things to do in yaounde, explore popular experiences, ways to tour yaounde.

Safari Tour in Cameroon, Lobeke and Campo Maan National Park

The DJA BIODIVERSITY RESERVE SAFARI 7D/6N

Private Guided 9 Days Cultural Tour in Cameroon

10D/ 9N Cameroon Cultural Tour

Azobe East Adventure Safari 13D/12N

Lobéké National Park Express 11D/10N

eSIM Cameroon Data Plan

Outdoor activities.

Top Attractions in Yaounde

Other Top Attractions around Yaounde

Multi-day & Extended Tours

Tours & sightseeing, private & custom tours, what travellers are saying.

• Mefou National Park
• National Museum of Yaounde (Le Musee National de Yaounde)
• Musée Ethnographique des Peuples de la Fôret
• Monument de la Réunification
• Benedictine Museum of Mont-Febe
• Bois Sainte Anastasie
• Circuit De Randonnée Du Mont Fébé
• Esplanade De L'hôtel De Ville

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