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Is Cameroon Safe for Travelers in 2025? An Honest Safety Guide

Learn if Cameroon is safe for travelers in 2025 with this comprehensive guide exploring security considerations, health precautions, and safe places to visit based on my extensive experience in the country.

Introduction: Understanding Cameroon’s Safety Landscape

The question “Is Cameroon safe?” isn’t as straightforward as you might hope. During my first visit to Cameroon back in 2017, I remember stepping off the plane at Douala International Airport feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. The warnings from friends and family echoed in my mind as I navigated the humid chaos of the arrival hall. But five visits later, including an extended 3-month stay in 2023, I’ve developed a much more nuanced understanding of safety in this diverse African nation.

Cameroon is often called “Africa in miniature” because it contains nearly all of Africa’s major ecosystems and cultural diversity – from beaches to mountains, rainforests to savannas. This diversity extends to safety conditions as well; some regions are perfectly secure for tourists, while others should be avoided entirely.

What I’ve learned is that with proper preparation, cultural awareness, and some basic precautions, many parts of Cameroon can be navigated safely and reward you with extraordinary experiences you simply won’t find elsewhere. This guide reflects my personal experiences traversing this complex country and aims to give you an honest assessment of the risks and rewards of traveling to Cameroon in 2025.

Current Security Situation in Cameroon (2025 Update)

Cameroon’s security situation continues to vary dramatically by region in 2025. Based on my recent visit in January, I can provide this up-to-date assessment of the current conditions:

Regional Safety Assessment

Region Safety Level Key Concerns Notes for Travelers
Douala & Littoral Moderate Risk Petty theft, scams Generally safe with basic precautions
Yaoundé & Center Moderate Risk Pickpocketing, occasional crime Safe in main areas, avoid outskirts at night
Southwest Region High Risk Armed conflict, kidnappings Travel not recommended in most areas
Northwest Region High Risk Armed conflict, roadblocks Travel not recommended
Far North High Risk Terrorism (Boko Haram) Essential travel only with security
Kribi & South Low-Moderate Risk Petty theft Generally safe tourist destination
Limbe Moderate Risk Proximity to conflict areas Exercise caution, check current situation
East Region Moderate Risk Banditry on remote roads Travel with guides in national parks
Adamawa & North Moderate Risk Occasional banditry Daytime travel recommended
West Region Low-Moderate Risk Generally safer, occasional spillover from Northwest Monitor situation near Northwest border

The ongoing Anglophone Crisis in the Southwest and Northwest regions continues to be the most significant security concern. These English-speaking regions have seen conflict between government forces and separatist groups since 2016, though the intensity has fluctuated. In early 2025, there were signs of de-escalation in some areas, but the situation remains unpredictable.

Positive Developments for 2025

  • Increased security in major tourist areas like Kribi and Limbe beaches
  • Improved transportation infrastructure between major cities
  • New tourist police units in Douala and Yaoundé trained specifically to assist foreign visitors
  • Decreased incidents involving foreign tourists compared to previous years

Ongoing Concerns

During my visit in January 2025, I noticed several ongoing issues that travelers should be aware of:

  • Political tensions remain, especially around election periods
  • Police checkpoints are common, and officers sometimes seek bribes (more on how to handle this below)
  • Petty crime continues in urban areas, particularly in crowded markets and transportation hubs
  • Limited medical facilities outside major cities

Personal Experience: Last January, I was stopped at a police checkpoint outside Bafoussam. The officer tried to claim my international driver’s permit wasn’t valid and demanded 20,000 CFA (about $33). I politely but firmly insisted we call his superior, showing I knew my documentation was legitimate. He quickly changed his tone and waved me through. Confidence and politeness go a long way.

Safe Areas to Visit in Cameroon

Based on my multiple trips, these are the areas I consider reasonably safe for tourists in 2025, provided you take normal precautions:

Yaoundé: The Capital City

As Cameroon’s political capital, Yaoundé offers a more organized and slightly calmer experience than Douala. The city is built across seven hills, giving it a distinctive layout and beautiful viewpoints.

Safe areas for visitors include:

  • Bastos – The upscale diplomatic quarter with embassies and good restaurants
  • Downtown/Centre Ville – Home to government buildings and main attractions
  • Mvog-Mbi – Known for its cultural scene and markets

When visiting Yaoundé, I particularly enjoyed the National Museum and the Benedictine Monastery of Mont Febe, which offers spectacular views of the city. The Central Market is vibrant but keep valuables secure and negotiate firmly with vendors.

Kribi: Beach Paradise

Kribi has become my favorite retreat in Cameroon. This coastal town features stunning beaches with golden sand and is far safer than many other parts of the country. The Chutes de la Lobé (Lobé Falls), where a waterfall meets the ocean, is a must-visit natural wonder.

During my last visit in 2023, I stayed at the Résidence La Paix for 45,000 CFA per night (about $75) which offered good security and comfort. The seafood restaurants along the beach serve excellent fresh catches – try the capitaine fish grilled with local spices for around 5,000 CFA ($8).

Local Phrase: When negotiating at markets, use “Prix last, non?” (Is this your final price?) to indicate you’re ready for their best offer.

Limbe and Mount Cameroon Area

Limbe features black sand beaches and the excellent Limbe Wildlife Centre. While the city itself is generally safe, it’s important to check the current situation due to its proximity to the troubled Southwest Region. Mount Cameroon near Buea is an amazing hiking destination, but arrangements should be made through reputable tour operators like Mount Cameroon Ecotourism Organization.

I climbed Mount Cameroon in 2022, and despite the physical challenge, it was an unforgettable experience. The 4-day trek cost me about 250,000 CFA ($415) including guide, porter, food, and lodging in mountain huts.

Foumban and the West Region

The culturally rich West Region, particularly around Foumban with its Sultan’s Palace and artisanal crafts, remains one of the safer areas to explore. During my visit in December 2023, I found the traditional Bamoun culture fascinating and the local metalwork and woodcarvings truly exceptional.

The drive through the highlands offers spectacular scenery, and the local people were incredibly welcoming. I stayed at Le Paradis du Voyageur in Foumban for 30,000 CFA ($50) per night.

Health and Safety Precautions

Essential Vaccinations and Medications

I learned the hard way about proper medical preparation. During my second trip, I skipped my malaria prophylaxis thinking I’d be fine with just repellent. I ended up with a severe case of malaria that required hospitalization in Douala. Don’t make my mistake!

For 2025 travel, ensure you have:

  1. Yellow Fever vaccination – Mandatory for entry and checked at borders
  2. Malaria prophylaxis – I prefer Malarone but discuss options with your doctor
  3. COVID-19 precautions – Check current requirements before travel
  4. Typhoid vaccination – Highly recommended
  5. Hepatitis A and B – Important for longer stays

I also recommend bringing:

  • A quality first aid kit
  • Prescription medications in original packaging with doctor’s notes
  • Insect repellent with 30%+ DEET
  • Water purification tablets or a portable filter
  • Diarrhea medication

Medical Facilities in Cameroon

Medical care in Cameroon varies drastically by location. In Douala and Yaoundé, there are several private clinics offering reasonable care:

However, outside major cities, medical facilities are limited. Consider medical evacuation insurance – I use World Nomads which includes evacuation coverage.

Insider Tip: Save the number for SOS Médecins Cameroun (+237 243 644 011) in your phone. They provide 24/7 emergency service in major cities and can dispatch doctors to your hotel.

Personal Safety Tips from My Experience

Transportation Safety

Transportation in Cameroon can be challenging but is manageable with proper precautions:

Road Travel

I’ve traveled thousands of kilometers on Cameroon’s roads, and it’s definitely an adventure. The country’s road network has seen improvements in 2024-2025, particularly the Yaoundé-Douala highway, but many secondary roads remain in poor condition.

For intercity travel, I recommend:

I’ve had good experiences with these companies, though delays are common. For the Douala-Yaoundé route, expect to pay 5,000-7,000 CFA ($8-12) for standard service and 10,000-12,000 CFA ($17-20) for VIP service with fewer passengers and air conditioning.

Urban Transportation

In cities, I’ve learned to navigate the various options:

  • Taxi collectif (shared taxi): Cheapest option at 300-500 CFA per trip ($0.50-0.85) but often cramped with 4+ passengers
  • Taxi compteur (private taxi): Negotiate before entering; typically 2,000-3,000 CFA ($3.30-5) for short trips
  • Moto-taxis: Quick but risky; I use them sparingly and always with a helmet
  • Ride-hailing apps: Yango operates in Douala and Yaoundé, providing a safer alternative with set prices

My Mistake: On my first visit, I lost 35,000 CFA ($58) by not agreeing on a taxi price before getting in. The driver claimed the meter was broken and charged an exorbitant amount for a short ride from the airport. Now I always negotiate and agree on the price before entering any taxi.

Money and Valuables

Managing money safely in Cameroon requires some planning:

  • Use ATMs attached to banks during daylight hours (I prefer Afriland First Bank and Société Générale)
  • Carry small denominations to avoid showing large bills
  • Use a money belt under clothing for larger sums
  • Keep a decoy wallet with a small amount of cash and an expired card
  • Never exchange money with street vendors – use official exchange bureaus

The currency is the Central African Franc (CFA), and in April 2025, the exchange rate was approximately 600 CFA to 1 USD. Most places don’t accept credit cards outside luxury hotels and upscale restaurants in major cities.

Banking Apps That Work Well

If you need to transfer money while in Cameroon, these services have worked reliably for me:

  • Wise (formerly TransferWise) – For international transfers
  • Orange Money – Popular mobile money service
  • MTN Mobile Money – Widely used throughout the country

Cultural Awareness and Local Interactions

Cameroonians are generally friendly and welcoming, but cultural sensitivity is important:

  • Greet people formally – a handshake and “Bonjour” or “Hello” depending on the region
  • Ask permission before taking photos, especially of people or government buildings
  • Dress modestly, particularly in Muslim areas in the north
  • Learn basic French phrases – English is spoken in some areas but French is more widely understood

Local Phrase: “On va se débrouiller” (We’ll figure it out/manage) is a commonly used expression reflecting Cameroonians’ resilient attitude. Using this phrase when facing challenges shows cultural understanding.

When invited to a Cameroonian home, bringing a small gift is appreciated. I usually bring fruit, soft drinks, or a small token from my home country. One of my most memorable experiences was being invited to a family celebration in Bafoussam where I was taught to prepare ndolé, a traditional dish made with bitter leaves and peanuts.

Communication and Connectivity

Staying connected is essential for safety:

  • Purchase a local SIM card immediately upon arrival (MTN or Orange are best)
  • Download maps for offline use before traveling
  • Keep emergency contacts saved in your phone and written down
  • Consider a portable power bank as electricity can be unreliable

In 2025, 4G coverage is good in major cities but can be spotty in rural areas. A SIM card costs about 1,000 CFA ($1.70), and data packages are reasonably priced – I typically pay 5,000 CFA ($8.30) for 10GB valid for 30 days with MTN.

Important Emergency Numbers

Save these emergency contacts:

  • Police: 117 or 1500
  • Fire Brigade: 118
  • Medical Emergency: 119
  • Your country’s embassy in Yaoundé

Money-Saving Insider Tips

After multiple visits, I’ve discovered several ways to save money while traveling in Cameroon that most guidebooks don’t mention:

Accommodation Hacks

  1. Negotiate long-term stays: For my 3-month stay, I negotiated a 40% discount at a mid-range hotel in Douala by paying monthly instead of daily rates. Even for stays of just a week, many hotels will offer 15-20% off if you ask directly.
  2. University guesthouses: In university towns like Buea and Dschang, check if they have visitor accommodations. I stayed at the University of Dschang guesthouse for 15,000 CFA ($25) per night, which was clean, safe, and half the price of comparable hotels.
  3. Religious missions: Catholic missions and Protestant guesthouses often offer simple but clean accommodation at very reasonable prices. The Catholic Mission in Kribi charged me just 12,000 CFA ($20) including breakfast.

Transportation Money-Savers

  1. Shared taxis for intercity travel: While standard intercity buses are comfortable, bush taxis (usually Toyota Corollas) that depart when full can be 30-40% cheaper. For the Douala-Kribi route, I paid 4,000 CFA ($6.70) instead of 7,000 CFA ($11.70) on the bus. They’re faster but more cramped.
  2. Use local transportation apps: The Taxi Calculator Cameroon app helps prevent overcharging and shows standard rates between destinations.
  3. Purchase bus tickets directly at stations: Online booking services add fees. Buying in person saved me about 2,000 CFA ($3.30) per journey.

Food and Dining Savings

  1. University canteens: Open to the public and offer full meals for 1,000-1,500 CFA ($1.70-2.50). The University of Yaoundé I canteen became my regular lunch spot.
  2. Shop at local markets in late afternoon: Vendors reduce prices significantly after 5pm. I bought fruits and vegetables at Marché Central in Douala for nearly half price by shopping around 5:30pm.
  3. Eat where locals eat: Small roadside “chantiers” (outdoor food stalls) serve delicious grilled fish or chicken with plantains for 2,000-3,000 CFA ($3.30-5), compared to 8,000-15,000 CFA ($13-25) in tourist restaurants.

Local Phrase: When eating at local spots, ask “C’est comment?” (How is it?) to inquire about dishes or prices in an informal, local way.

Sustainable Money-Saving Tips

These practices not only save money but also reduce your environmental impact:

  • Refillable water bottle + water purification tablets: Saves approximately 500 CFA ($0.85) per day on bottled water while reducing plastic waste
  • Local markets over supermarkets: Buying directly from farmers at markets like Sandaga in Douala reduces packaging and supports local economies
  • Shared transportation: Using collective taxis reduces per-person carbon emissions and costs just 300-500 CFA ($0.50-0.85) per trip
  • Community-based tourism: Village homestays around Mount Cameroon area cost around 15,000 CFA ($25) including meals, with proceeds going directly to local families

During my stay in Limbe, I discovered Bimbia Rainforest Tours, a community-run ecotourism initiative that offers guided hikes for 5,000 CFA ($8.30) per person, with profits supporting forest conservation. This was not only cheaper than commercial tours but provided a more authentic experience.

Conclusion: Is Cameroon Right for You in 2025?

After multiple trips and countless experiences across Cameroon, I can say this with confidence: Cameroon is not for everyone, but for the right traveler, it offers rewards that far outweigh the risks.

Is Cameroon completely safe? No. Few countries are. But with proper preparation, awareness of regional differences, and common-sense precautions, many parts of Cameroon can be navigated safely in 2025.

What I love most about Cameroon is its authenticity. This isn’t a country that has been polished and packaged for mass tourism. You’ll experience real Africa here – the challenges, the beauty, the incredible cultural diversity, and the warmth of its people. The sound of makossa music spilling from neighborhood bars in Douala, the smell of fresh seafood grilling on Kribi’s beaches, the taste of bitter ndolé with perfectly ripe plantains – these sensory experiences create memories that stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

That said, Cameroon requires flexibility, patience, and resilience. Transport won’t always run on time, power outages occur regularly, and communication barriers may arise. If you’re the type of traveler who needs predictability and luxury, this may not be the destination for you.

Your 5-Step Action Plan for a Safe Cameroon Trip

  1. Research and plan regionally: Focus on the safer regions highlighted in this guide and create a flexible itinerary
  2. Prepare medically: Get all recommended vaccinations, bring appropriate medications, and purchase comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation coverage
  3. Register with your embassy: Inform your country’s diplomatic mission of your travel plans through their traveler registration program
  4. Establish reliable connections: Arrange airport pickup in advance, and if possible, connect with local contacts or tour operators recommended by past travelers
  5. Stay informed: Monitor news and travel advisories before and during your trip, as the security situation can change quickly in certain regions

For those willing to venture beyond the ordinary, Cameroon offers a depth of experience that’s increasingly rare in our globalized world. Every time I return, I discover something new – whether it’s a hidden waterfall in the forests near Limbe, a master craftsman in Foumban creating intricate bronze sculptures, or simply the unexpected kindness of strangers in a remote village offering to share their meal.

That, to me, is the true value of traveling to complex destinations like Cameroon – the opportunity to connect authentically with a place and its people, challenges and all.

Frequently Asked Questions About Safety in Cameroon

Is it safe for solo female travelers in Cameroon?

Solo female travelers face additional challenges in Cameroon but can travel safely with extra precautions. Based on my female friends’ experiences and women I’ve met traveling there, I recommend dressing conservatively, being firm but polite when declining unwanted attention, and being cautious about nighttime activities. Consider hiring local guides in unfamiliar areas and staying in established accommodations rather than budget options. Many solo female travelers find Kribi and Limbe more comfortable than Douala or Yaoundé.

What areas should be completely avoided in Cameroon?

In 2025, I strongly advise against travel to the Far North Region (due to Boko Haram activity), most of the Northwest and Southwest Regions (due to the Anglophone Crisis), and the eastern border with the Central African Republic. The security situation is fluid, so check updated advisories before travel. While Buea (near Mount Cameroon) is technically in the Southwest Region, it’s sometimes accessible with proper planning and local guidance, but requires careful consideration.

Is Douala airport safe for arrivals and departures?

Douala International Airport (DLA) has improved security significantly in recent years. The actual airport premises are generally safe, but I recommend arranging transportation in advance rather than taking random taxis outside the terminal. Official airport taxis are identified by their yellow color. For night arrivals, having a hotel pickup is best. Be wary of anyone offering unsolicited assistance with luggage or claiming to be official airport staff without proper identification.

How common is crime against tourists in Cameroon?

Petty theft and scams are relatively common in tourist areas and cities, but violent crime specifically targeting tourists is uncommon in the safer regions. Most incidents involve opportunistic theft rather than planned targeting of foreigners. The most common issues are pickpocketing in markets, bag-snatching in cities, and occasional scams involving fake police or guides. Serious violent crime against tourists is rare outside the regions already identified as high-risk.

What’s the best way to handle police checkpoints?

Police checkpoints are common throughout Cameroon. Keep your passport (or a certified copy) and any required permits readily accessible. Remain polite and cooperative, but know your rights. If an officer requests money, politely ask for an official receipt or to speak with their superior. Having small denominations of money visible in your wallet (but not large amounts) can help, as sometimes officers just want a small token (though this perpetuates the system). Most checkpoints are legitimate security measures and pass without incident.

Is it safe to use credit cards in Cameroon?

Credit card use is limited primarily to high-end hotels, restaurants, and some supermarkets in Douala and Yaoundé. Card skimming does occur, so I recommend using cash for most transactions. When you do use cards, use credit rather than debit cards for better fraud protection, and monitor your statements regularly. ATMs at major banks like BICEC and Société Générale are generally reliable, but use them during daylight hours and at branches rather than standalone machines when possible.

How reliable is medical care if I get sick or injured?

Medical care varies widely. In Douala and Yaoundé, private clinics like Clinique Le Jourdain offer reasonable care for common illnesses and injuries. Outside major cities, facilities are limited. For serious conditions, medical evacuation to Europe might be necessary, making comprehensive travel insurance essential. Carry basic medications, as pharmacies may not stock familiar brands. For minor issues, pharmacists can often provide advice and non-prescription remedies.

Is the tap water safe to drink in Cameroon?

No, tap water is not safe to drink anywhere in Cameroon. Stick to bottled water (check that seals are intact) or purify water using tablets, filters, or by boiling it for at least one minute. Ice in drinks can also be problematic unless you’re at high-end establishments that use purified water. A water bottle with a built-in filter saved me money and reduced plastic waste during my extended stays.

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