Cameroon in 3 Days: The Perfect Itinerary for 2025 (From a Repeat Visitor) - Xplrverse

Exploring Cameroon’s Highlights in Just 72 Hours

The first time I landed at Douala International Airport in 2016, I made the classic mistake of trying to see everything. I ended up exhausted, spending more time in transit than actually experiencing Cameroon’s incredible diversity. After seven visits since then, I’ve finally mastered the art of the perfect 3-day itinerary in what locals proudly call “Africa in miniature.”

Last February, I returned to Cameroon with my friend who had just 72 hours to experience this incredible country. The pressure was on to show her the best of Cameroon without the rushing and stress I experienced on my first visit. What followed was perhaps the most perfectly balanced three days of travel I’ve ever coordinated.

This guide distills everything I’ve learned through my trials, errors, and eventual successes. Whether you’re planning a layover adventure, a weekend getaway, or the start of a longer African journey in 2025, this itinerary will help you experience the essence of Cameroon efficiently and authentically.

Why Visit Cameroon in 2025?

Before diving into the itinerary, let’s address why 2025 is an exceptional year to visit Cameroon:

The country has fully rebounded from pandemic-era travel restrictions
New direct flights from Europe and other African hubs have been added
The recently completed upgrades to the Douala-Kribi coastal road reduce travel time by 40%
The Anglophone crisis in the western regions has stabilized (though still avoid those areas)
The national tourism board has launched new programs to support community-based tourism initiatives

I’ve witnessed these improvements firsthand over my multiple visits, and the difference in accessibility and infrastructure between my first trip in 2016 and my most recent in 2023 is remarkable.

Essential Pre-Trip Planning for Cameroon

Visa Requirements

Most travelers need a visa to enter Cameroon. As of 2025, the visa costs 50,000 CFA (about $85 USD) for a 30-day single entry. I’ve found the most reliable way to secure a visa is through the official e-visa portal launched in late 2023. Apply at least 10 business days before your trip.

Pro tip: The site occasionally has technical issues. If you encounter problems, try using Microsoft Edge browser – strangely, it works better than Chrome for the Cameroon visa portal.

Health Preparations

Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory (bring your certificate!)
Malaria prophylaxis is highly recommended
The 2024 cholera outbreak has been contained, but carrying oral rehydration salts is wise
Bring a basic medical kit with diarrhea medication and antihistamines

Currency and Budget

Cameroon uses the Central African CFA franc (XAF). At the time of writing, 1 USD = approximately 600 CFA. I recommend bringing euros for exchange as they typically get better rates than dollars.

ATMs are available in major cities but often have withdrawal limits of 200,000 CFA (about $330 USD). Many businesses in Douala and Yaoundé now accept credit cards, but always have cash for smaller establishments and markets.

Expense Category	Budget Option (CFA)	Mid-range Option (CFA)	Luxury Option (CFA)
Accommodation (per night)	15,000-25,000	30,000-60,000	70,000-150,000+
Meals (per day)	5,000-10,000	15,000-25,000	30,000-50,000+
Transportation (per day)	3,000-7,000	10,000-20,000	30,000-50,000
Activities (per day)	0-10,000	15,000-30,000	40,000-100,000+

When to Visit

For this 3-day itinerary, the dry season (November-February) is ideal. The roads to Kribi are more reliable, and you’ll avoid the intense humidity of the rainy season. I once made the mistake of visiting in August and spent most of my time sheltering from torrential downpours!

Getting to Cameroon

Douala International Airport (DLA) is the main gateway and where this itinerary begins. As of 2025, direct flights operate from Paris, Brussels, Istanbul, Addis Ababa, Nairobi, and several West African cities. I typically fly through Paris or Brussels for the most reliable connections.

Money-saving tip: Air France often offers significantly discounted fares to Douala during their quarterly sales. I’ve saved nearly 40% by booking during these periods and being flexible with my dates.

Day 1: Discovering Douala’s Hidden Gems

Your adventure begins in Douala, Cameroon’s economic capital and largest city. While many travelers rush through on their way elsewhere, I’ve discovered that Douala deserves at least a full day of exploration.

Morning: New Bell Market Immersion

Start your day early at New Bell Market, Douala’s sprawling commercial hub. The morning brings the freshest produce, liveliest vendors, and more manageable crowds. I recommend arriving by 8 AM.

On my first visit, I made the mistake of bringing a large camera and immediately attracted unwanted attention. Now I know better: dress simply, bring only what you need, and consider hiring a local guide through your accommodation (expect to pay 5,000-10,000 CFA for a few hours).

Don’t miss:

The spice section, where you can find ndolé ingredients (Cameroon’s national dish)
The textile area for vibrant African prints (bargain hard – start at 40% of the initial asking price)
The medicinal herbs section where traditional healers sell their remedies

For breakfast, try a freshly made beignet-haricot (bean fritter) with a cup of strong, sweet Cameroonian coffee for about 800 CFA total. Use the phrase “C’est combien?” (How much is it?) to start conversations with vendors.

Mid-Morning: Arts and Culture

After the market, take a taxi to Doual’Art (5,000 CFA entrance fee), a contemporary art center showcasing Cameroonian artists. What I love about this space is how it confronts Cameroon’s colonial past through thought-provoking exhibitions. The building itself, a renovated colonial structure, tells its own story.

From there, it’s a short walk to the Maritime Museum (3,000 CFA entrance fee), which documents Cameroon’s complex relationship with the Atlantic. The small but informative exhibits provide context for understanding the country’s history as a German, then French and British colony.

Lunch: Authentic Cameroonian Cuisine

For lunch, I always head to Mami Nyanga in the Deido neighborhood. This unassuming restaurant serves the best poisson braisé (grilled fish) in the city. Order it with miondo (fermented cassava sticks) and spicy piment sauce for about 5,000 CFA. The fish is caught fresh each morning, and the smoky flavor from their outdoor grills is unmatched anywhere else I’ve tried in the country.

Cultural tip: In Cameroon, it’s customary to wash your hands before meals at a small sink often located near the dining area. Follow the locals’ lead and don’t be shy about eating with your hands – it’s the traditional way to enjoy many dishes.

Afternoon: La Nouvelle Liberté and Bonanjo

After lunch, visit La Nouvelle Liberté, the iconic statue made from motorcycle parts by artist Joseph-Francis Sumégné. It’s become a symbol of Douala’s creative resilience. I still remember my first time seeing it – initially unimpressed until a local explained how the artist created beauty from discarded materials as a statement on Cameroon’s political journey.

Next, explore Bonanjo, the administrative district with its colonial architecture. The Pagoda House and the German-built courthouse offer fascinating glimpses into Cameroon’s layered history. The neighborhood feels like a different city entirely – wide boulevards, manicured gardens, and buildings from another era.

If you need a pick-me-up, stop at Café Moca for locally-grown coffee (2,000 CFA) in an air-conditioned setting. Their banana bread (1,500 CFA) saved me during a particularly intense afternoon of humidity last year!

Evening: Dining and Nightlife in Akwa

As the sun sets, head to Akwa, Douala’s commercial and nightlife hub. For dinner, I recommend La Forêt for upscale Cameroonian cuisine. Their ndolé with prawns (12,000 CFA) is exceptional, and the air-conditioned dining room offers a welcome respite from Douala’s heat.

If you still have energy, experience Douala’s vibrant nightlife at Valeur Club in Akwa. This multi-level venue attracts a mix of expats and locals with live music most weekends. Cover charges vary (typically 5,000-10,000 CFA), but the people-watching alone is worth it. Just watch your belongings and arrange transportation back to your hotel in advance – nighttime taxis can be challenging to find.

Where to Stay in Douala

Budget: Hôtel Jouvence (20,000 CFA/night) in Akwa offers clean rooms with air conditioning and is centrally located.
Mid-range: Residence La Falaise (45,000 CFA/night) provides apartment-style accommodations with kitchenettes.
Luxury: Pullman Douala Rabingha (120,000 CFA/night) features a pool, multiple restaurants, and the most reliable WiFi I’ve found in the city.

Day 2: Coastal Paradise in Kribi

On your second day, escape Douala’s urban landscape for the beach paradise of Kribi, about 180 km south. This coastal town offers the perfect contrast to city life with its golden beaches, fresh seafood, and the striking Lobé Waterfalls.

Early Morning: Journey to Kribi

Depart Douala by 7 AM to maximize your time in Kribi. You have several transportation options:

Public minibus: 7,000 CFA per person, departing from Douala’s Central Bus Station. The journey takes 3-4 hours with multiple stops.
Shared taxi: 10,000 CFA per person from the taxi stand near Hotel Le Paris. Faster than the bus (about 2.5-3 hours) but more cramped.
Private taxi: 40,000-50,000 CFA for the entire vehicle, which you can arrange through your hotel. This is my preferred option for comfort and flexibility.

I learned the hard way that the morning departure is crucial – I once left Douala at noon and hit terrible traffic, turning a 3-hour journey into a 5-hour ordeal!

The coastal road has improved dramatically since my first visit, with the new highway section cutting travel time significantly. The drive itself offers glimpses of rural Cameroonian life, with palm oil plantations, small villages, and occasional roadside markets.

Mid-Morning: Check in and Beach Time

Arrive in Kribi by mid-morning and check into your accommodation. I recommend staying near Grand Batanga beach for the best combination of convenience and scenery.

After settling in, head straight to the beach. Unlike Limbe’s volcanic black sand beaches in the north, Kribi boasts golden sand and remarkably clean water for swimming. Rent a beach chair for 1,000 CFA and enjoy the relatively uncrowded shoreline.

Money-saving tip: Beach vendors will approach selling everything from coconuts to seafood. Prices start inflated for tourists, but a friendly “Le prix est trop cher” (the price is too expensive) followed by “Je vis ici” (I live here) often gets you local rates. I’ve paid 500 CFA for fresh coconuts this way instead of the initial 2,000 CFA asking price!

Lunch: Seafood Feast

For lunch, walk along the beach to find the fishermen’s cooperative restaurants – simple wooden structures right on the sand. Here, you can select your seafood directly from the morning’s catch and have it grilled on the spot.

My go-to order is a whole dorade (sea bream) with plantains and miondo for about 6,000 CFA. Pair it with an ice-cold 33 Export beer (1,500 CFA) for the quintessential Kribi experience. The taste of freshly caught fish prepared simply with local spices while watching the waves is something I dream about when I’m back home.

Afternoon: Lobe Waterfalls

After lunch, hire a motorcycle taxi (2,000 CFA one-way) or walk about 8 km south to the Lobé Waterfalls, where the Lobé River cascades directly into the Atlantic Ocean – one of only a few places in the world where you can witness this phenomenon.

A local guide (5,000 CFA for a group) will explain the cultural significance of the falls, which are considered sacred by the Batanga people. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swim in the pools at the base of the falls, but watch out for strong currents – I underestimated them once and got a serious scare!

For the best photos, try to arrive around 3-4 PM when the lighting is ideal and most tour groups have departed. The contrast of the dark water against the golden beach creates stunning images.

Evening: Sunset Drinks and Dinner

Return to Kribi proper for sunset drinks at Tara Plage, a beachfront bar with wooden decks extending toward the water. Their passion fruit caipirinha (4,000 CFA) is the perfect refreshment after a day in the sun.

For dinner, I recommend L’Exotique restaurant for their crevettes à l’ail (garlic shrimp, 12,000 CFA) and grilled barracuda (10,000 CFA). The open-air setting right on the beach creates a magical atmosphere as you dine by candlelight with the sound of waves in the background.

Where to Stay in Kribi

Budget: Auberge du Matelot (25,000 CFA/night) offers simple but clean rooms steps from the beach.
Mid-range: Résidence Marinette (50,000 CFA/night) features comfortable rooms with air conditioning and a restaurant serving excellent seafood.
Luxury: La Réserve Kribi (90,000 CFA/night) is a beachfront resort with a pool, restaurant, and the most comfortable beds in town.

Day 3: Cultural Immersion and Return to Douala

Your final day combines more of Kribi’s charm with a strategic return to Douala for your departure. This balanced approach ensures you maximize your time while avoiding the stress of cutting it too close for your flight.

Early Morning: Pygmy Village Visit

For an eye-opening cultural experience, arrange a visit to a nearby Bagyeli (Pygmy) community. These indigenous forest-dwelling people maintain many traditional practices despite modern pressures. A half-day visit costs about 15,000-20,000 CFA including transportation and guide fees.

Important ethical considerations: I only recommend visits through CECODH (Centre for Communication and Sustainable Development for All), a local NGO ensuring visits benefit the community directly. They work to protect indigenous rights and ensure tourism doesn’t become exploitative.

During the visit, you’ll learn about traditional hunting techniques, medicinal plant knowledge, and the challenges these communities face with deforestation and modernization. The experience is humbling and provides important context for understanding Cameroon’s cultural diversity.

Sustainability tip: Bring useful gifts rather than candy or money if you want to give something to the community. School supplies, salt, or soap are always appreciated. Ask your guide about current needs before visiting.

Late Morning: Kribi Market and Souvenir Shopping

Return to Kribi and explore the central market, much more manageable than Douala’s massive bazaars. Look for locally made crafts including:

Carved wooden masks (negotiate from 10,000 CFA)
Bagyeli-made woven baskets (3,000-5,000 CFA)
Spices and coffee beans to take home (1,000-2,000 CFA per pack)

The most unique souvenir I’ve found is a traditional calabash drinking vessel decorated with local designs (5,000 CFA). Mine has become a conversation piece at home and reminds me of sharing palm wine with new friends.

Early Afternoon: Beach Relaxation and Lunch

Enjoy your final hours in Kribi with more beach time. For a different experience, hire a boat (20,000 CFA for an hour) to take you to the more secluded beaches north of town. The transparent water and complete absence of crowds make this worth the expense.

For your final meal in Kribi, try Chez Hélène for their poisson capitaine (Nile perch) in banana leaf with cassava (7,000 CFA). The fish is steamed rather than grilled, allowing the subtle flavors to shine through. Eating this dish always reminds me of my first visit to Cameroon when a local family taught me how to properly unwrap and eat it.

Mid-Afternoon: Return to Douala

Depart Kribi by 2 PM for a relaxed return to Douala. The afternoon timing avoids the morning rush of workers heading to the city and gives you ample buffer for any unexpected delays (which happen frequently in Cameroon!).

Use the same transportation options as your journey to Kribi, but expect slightly lower prices for shared taxis returning to Douala (around 8,000-9,000 CFA per person) as they’re eager to fill seats for the return journey.

Evening: Farewell Dinner in Douala

For your final evening, treat yourself to dinner at La Fourchette in the Bonapriso neighborhood. Their fusion menu blends French techniques with Cameroonian ingredients. I recommend the shrimp in ndolé sauce (15,000 CFA) and the grilled antelope with yam purée (18,000 CFA) – dishes I’ve tried to recreate at home with limited success!

If your flight departs the following morning, stay at Airport Hotel (70,000 CFA) for convenience, despite its basic amenities. The proximity to the terminal (5 minutes by shuttle) outweighs the somewhat dated rooms, especially considering Douala’s unpredictable traffic.

Alternative Option: Limbe Day Trip

If beaches aren’t your priority, consider replacing the Kribi portion with a day trip to Limbe on Day 2. Located north of Douala (about 2 hours by car), Limbe offers:

The excellent Limbe Wildlife Centre for rescued primates
Volcanic black sand beaches
Spectacular views of Mount Cameroon
The Limbe Botanical Garden, established in 1892

I find Limbe’s wildlife rehabilitation center particularly moving – seeing chimpanzees and gorillas rescued from the bushmeat trade being rehabilitated is both heartbreaking and hopeful. Entrance fees (10,000 CFA) support their conservation work.

Your 5-Step Action Plan for an Amazing Cameroon Trip

After seven visits to Cameroon spanning nearly a decade, I’ve learned that the right preparation makes all the difference. Here’s my 5-step action plan to ensure your 3-day adventure goes smoothly:

Handle visa and health requirements early. Apply for your visa at least 3 weeks before travel and get your yellow fever vaccination certificate ready. Check the CDC travel advisories for any recent health concerns.
Book accommodation in advance. While Cameroon isn’t typically overcrowded with tourists, the better hotels in Douala and Kribi do fill up, especially during December-January and holiday weekends. Make reservations at least 2 weeks ahead.
Arrange airport pickup through your hotel. Douala’s airport can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. Having someone waiting with your name on a sign eliminates the stress of negotiating with taxi drivers while jetlagged.
Download offline maps and translation apps. Internet connectivity is improving but still unreliable. Google Maps offline for Douala and Kribi, plus a French translation app, will be invaluable. I use Maps.me as a backup since it often has more detailed local information.
Pack strategically for Cameroon’s climate. Bring lightweight, modest clothing (shoulders covered), comfortable walking shoes that can handle uneven surfaces, a high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, and a small daypack for essentials. I always bring a light scarf that doubles as head covering for sun protection and visits to religious sites.

Following these steps has transformed my Cameroon experiences from sometimes stressful adventures to smooth, enjoyable journeys where I can focus on connection rather than logistics.

If there’s one final piece of advice I can share: be flexible and open-hearted. Cameroon operates on its own rhythm, and embracing the occasional delay or change of plans will make your experience infinitely more enjoyable. The warm interactions with locals and unexpected discoveries have always been the highlights of my trips.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Cameroon

Is Cameroon safe for tourists in 2025?

Most tourist areas in Cameroon are reasonably safe, but you should exercise normal precautions regarding petty theft, especially in Douala. The areas covered in this itinerary (Douala, Kribi) remain stable. However, the Anglophone regions (Northwest and Southwest), the Far North, and areas near the borders with Nigeria, Chad, and Central African Republic should be avoided. Always check your government’s latest travel advisories before visiting.

During my seven visits, I’ve never experienced serious security issues, but I’m always cautious about displaying valuables and avoid walking alone at night in Douala.

What’s the best way to get around Cameroon?

For this 3-day itinerary:

In Douala: Yellow taxis are plentiful and affordable (negotiate before entering, typically 1,000-2,500 CFA per trip depending on distance). Motorcycle taxis (called “bendskins”) are faster but more dangerous.
Between cities: For comfort and time efficiency, private taxis or car hire are best for short visits. Public buses are much cheaper but can add hours to your journey.
In Kribi: The town is small enough to walk, but motorcycle taxis are available for longer distances (like visiting the Lobé Waterfalls).

Do I need to speak French to visit Cameroon?

While English is an official language alongside French, in practice, French dominates in most of the areas covered by this itinerary. I’ve found that basic French phrases significantly enhance the experience. Key phrases to know:

“Bonjour, comment allez-vous?” (Hello, how are you?)
“Merci beaucoup” (Thank you very much)
“C’est combien?” (How much is it?)
“Où est…?” (Where is…?)
“S’il vous plaît” (Please)

In tourist areas, you’ll find people who speak some English, especially younger Cameroonians. Translation apps can help bridge any gaps.

What should I eat in Cameroon?

Cameroon offers incredible culinary experiences. Must-try dishes include:

Ndolé: The national dish – a stew of bitter leaves, nuts, and either fish or meat
Poisson braisé: Grilled fish with spicy sauce and plantains
Koki: Steamed bean pudding wrapped in banana leaves
Eru: A vegetable soup with meat and a variety of spices
Accra banana: Fried plantain fritters, perfect as a snack

For drinks, try locally grown coffee, palm wine (unfiltered, slightly fermented sap collected from palm trees), and 33 Export beer, a local favorite.

Can I drink the tap water in Cameroon?

I don’t recommend drinking tap water in Cameroon. Stick to bottled water (verify the seal is intact) or bring a high-quality water purifier. Ice in upscale restaurants is generally made with purified water, but I avoid it in smaller establishments. For environmental reasons, consider bringing a reusable bottle with a built-in filter to reduce plastic waste.

What’s the best way to access money in Cameroon?

ATMs are available in Douala and Kribi, with the most reliable ones at major banks like BICEC, Société Générale, and Ecobank. Notify your bank before traveling to prevent card blocks. I always bring some euros as backup (better exchange rates than USD) and keep money divided between different bags for security.

Credit cards are accepted at upscale hotels and restaurants but often incur a 3-5% surcharge. Cash remains king for most transactions.

What cultural customs should I be aware of?

Cameroonians generally appreciate politeness and respect for elders. Some cultural tips:

Greet people before beginning a conversation or transaction
Dress modestly, especially outside beach areas (shoulders covered for women)
Ask permission before photographing people
Use your right hand for eating and giving/receiving items
Remove shoes when entering someone’s home

References and Further Reading

For deeper insights into Cameroon or to plan extensions to your trip, these resources have been invaluable in my own travels:

Lonely Planet: Cameroon – Comprehensive country guide with detailed information on regions beyond this itinerary
CDC Travel Health Information for Cameroon – Latest health advisories and vaccination recommendations
U.S. Department of State: Cameroon Travel Advisory – Current safety information (check your own country’s equivalent if non-US)
Cameroon Ministry of Tourism – Official tourism information and upcoming events
Visiter l’Afrique: Cameroon – African-led travel platform with authentic local perspectives
Camer.be – News portal to stay updated on current events (in French)
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cameroon – Information on Dja Faunal Reserve for those planning longer stays
Live Lingua: Cameroon French Course – Free audio course for learning Cameroon-specific French phrases
World Food Travel Association: Cameroon – Detailed information on Cameroonian cuisine
MTN Cameroon – For purchasing local SIM cards upon arrival
Jeune Afrique: Cameroon News – Current affairs and developments (in French)
Limbe Wildlife Centre – Conservation organization if you choose the Limbe alternative

Remember that Cameroon offers far more than can be experienced in just three days. This itinerary gives you a taste of what the country has to offer, hopefully inspiring a return visit to explore Mount Cameroon, the northern regions, or the rainforests of the east. Each of my seven visits has revealed new facets of this complex, beautiful country that truly earns its nickname as “Africa in miniature.”