Cameroon is a country located in West Africa, sharing its borders with Nigeria to the west, Chad to the northeast, the Central African Republic to the east and Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo to the south.
This country, known as “Africa in miniature” unites all the typical African features such as French and English speaking portions, Muslim and Christian dominated regions, and both mountainous and rain forest regions.
Cameroon has four different cultural areas: the “fan-béti” cultural area mostly characterized by the rain forest; the “Littoral” cultural area characterized by the Atlantic Ocean and Mount Cameroon – perfect for trekking and the nature lovers; the “Grassfield” cultural area characterized by the important artistic and cultural centers found there; and the “Soudano-Sahelian” cultural area, most famous for the Savannah landscape.
Warnings & Dangers in Cameroon
OVERALL RISK: HIGH
Generally speaking, Cameroon isn’t a safe country. It has its fair share of street crime, terrorism, diseases and natural hazards. If you do travel there, apply maximum measures of precaution in order to lessen the chances of something going wrong.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH
Transportation is nowhere near safe in Cameroon. You can expect few to no traffic signs, speed limits not posted, buses and trucks being driven by reckless drivers speeding along the roads, poorly maintained vehicles of public transport, intoxicated drivers, all traffic rules being ignored and livestock roaming around roads, particularly at night, which goes for pedestrians too.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
Petty crime exists in Cameroon, and you should be very careful when it comes to carrying your valuables with you. It is best to keep them inside your accommodation. Try to not look like a tourist as that might make you an easy target. Be careful in crowded places and public transport and keep your things tightly by your side.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH
Cameroon is susceptible to natural disasters, among which floods, storms, coastal erosion, landslides, brush fires, drought, volcanic eruptions and poison gases have been occurring during the past two decades and have killed close to 2000 Cameroonians while also leaving many others homeless.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
Violent crimes are generally not too common on the streets of Cameroon, but it is still best to not go out at night, especially not in unknown areas.
TERRORISM RISK: HIGH
Terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in Cameroon, especially in the Far North region and the eastern border with Central African Republic. The main threat comes from terrorist groups including Boko Haram and Ansaru.
SCAMS RISK: HIGH
As in most destinations, and African countries, there’s a great risk of getting scammed. Be wary of people trying to distract you or offering you unwanted help, check your change twice and always negotiate every service beforehand.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH
Cameroon is not safe for solo female travelers. You are highly advised against walking anywhere unaccompanied, where it's during the day or night. Stay away from areas around bars or clubs, and try and go everywhere with at least one more person.
So... How Safe Is Cameroon Really?
When it comes to violent crimes, Cameroon is relatively safe, as violence is mostly rare, though you should think twice about wearing valuables outside.
If you do, always keep them well hidden, and be careful in crowded places and on public transport.
Risks increase at night, so be careful on the streets both during the day and night.
If you’re unsure about the area, always call a taxi.
As far as terrorist groups go, you should be aware that they operate in Cameroon and they’re probably Cameroons most dangerous aspect.
The terrorist groups active in Cameroon are Boko Haram, a Nigerian jihadist group, and other Islamists and Salafists operating in the north of Cameroon, and they have been known to kidnap Europeans, Canadians, Americans and other Westerners there.
These groups are seriously cruel, especially the Boko Haram group and have been known to use harsh forms of sharia law like amputation for theft.
Be careful on highways and roads as Boko Haram usually travel on motorbikes and in pick-up trucks.
Another aspect you should take care of before traveling to Cameroon is the diseases that are common in this country.
For instance, a Yellow Fever certificate is required if you intend to travel to Cameroon.
Malaria is also widespread though there is less to worry about in the mountains and the north, as there are fewer mosquitoes there due to lower temperatures.
Apart from these two, there are other dangerous diseases here such as dysentery, bilharzia, hepatitis, and giardia.
There have been cases of cholera outbreaks in Yaounde and Douala, but tourists haven’t been affected.
How Does Cameroon Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Cameroon | 36 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Slovenia | 87 |
| Bulgaria | 80 |
| Vietnam | 73 |
| Portugal | 57 |
| Japan | 83 |
| Ghana | 73 |
| Australia | 86 |
Useful Information
Visas
Most countries need a visa to enter Cameroon. In order to enter the country, actually, you will need a passport, a visa, and proof of vaccination against yellow fever. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past the date of your arrival. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Currency
Central African CFA Franc is the official currency in Cameroon. Don’t rely on ATMs as this country is a cash economy – bring lots of cash, especially in the remote regions.
Weather
Climate in Cameroon varies, going from tropical on the coastline to semiarid in the north. Summers are pretty rainy, with lots of precipitation every day, while in the mountains, it can get cold, especially at night.
Airports
Douala International Airport is the busiest international airport in Cameroon. It is located 10 km from Douala, the largest city in Cameroon
Travel Insurance
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Cameroon since it covers not only the costs of medical problems, but also theft and loss of valuables.
Cameroon Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 30 | 31 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 28 |
| Low °C | 20 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 | 19 | 20 | 19 |
| High °F | 86 | 88 | 86 | 86 | 84 | 81 | 79 | 79 | 81 | 81 | 82 | 82 |
| Low °F | 68 | 70 | 70 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 66 | 68 | 66 |
Dangerous
There Are Disasters Hitting Cameroon And Cameroon Is Not That Safe For Travelers
This are lies by ignorant people
This is not the best way to portray a country you idiots go take pictures of better places rather than show than that trash up there. Inform yourselves about the country before making such assumptions
i have lived in Cameroon none of this has happened to me. the only thing right here is terrible roads but not reckless drivers
Um, that is a lie. i went to Yauonde and the drivers were INCREDIBLY reckless.
Don't go to Cameroon
My Dad went to cameroon about ten years ago. He went to help an American man with some construction in a jungle area. My Dad was robbed shortly after getting off the plane. Then later ..all of the construction equipment was stolen. It doesn’t sound like a fun place to visit to me. I’m grateful that my Dad made it home in one piece.
Safety
I am sorry to hear about your dad’s situation, but if we rely on your story, then is as good as telling everyone not to go the United State of America because the level at which theft and killings are happening is above all. Overall, Cameroon would still be a better choice. Once again, I am sorry of about what your dad went through. It could have been wrong place, wrong time.
“I am sorry of about what your dad went through. It could have been wrong place, wrong time.” Spot on, wrong place (Cameroun) and wrong time (any time).
Anybody see the see the Women’s World Cup match in 2019 GB v Cameroun? If that’s how they behave in an international match in France imagine what they’re like at home!
Cameroon is Africa in miniature, it’s just that we lack good governance
Please, do proper research before rating or writing falsely about Cameroon because there are other factors to consider when doing a survey, thank you.
Please, do proper research before rating or writing falsely about Cameroon because there are other factors to consider when doing a survey, thank you. If you think that way, then it is as good as you telling Cameroonians not to ever travel to the U.S.A because it is no better than Cameroon in-terms of what you described, if not worse. Once again, I am sorry about your dad’s situation. It was just being at the wrong place at the wrong time.
You’re probably a fool all you know is typing and giving the audience with wrong information of a country I thinks you’ve never for once or will ever be there cameroon is my country we thousands of foreigners here who came for tourism and latter on settle here
Dont portraits a country by assumption I will advertise you to edit your write up do proper search before writing down trash
guide me
am getting the opportunity to go and work there ..is it safe there brother people are confusing me.
How safe is Cameroon for Canadians to travel to? My daughter is marrying a gentleman from Cameroon and we are planning a second wedding there.
Is it safe to travel there for Canadians ??
Cameroon is a safe place, people here are very very welcoming trust me.
That may be the creepiest "trust me" ever
Um yes don’t trust him
Kaboola
I don’t trust anyone but God
Okay Cameroon is not safe safe but most of the info written is totally false
Come and see Africa in miniature
How does one rate a when you don’t even have an agent tagged to this article? If you don’t know a place, be silent. Every country has its pros and cons and Cameroon is no difference as much as China, England, America, Brazil and the rest. Cameroon is a good place to visit. If you want to travel to Cameroon, make an online friend. It could help you a great deal.
“Summers are pretty rainy,,,,”
In Cameroon, you only have two seasons – “Wet” and “Dry” seasons. They do not have a summer season, per se.
Cameroon is a ****hole dirt poor country. Don’t ever visit the cesspool.
A great place to visit and to live in.
Cameroon is the most welcoming country in earth. In Cameroon, foreigners are king. And this is so true.
Yes there are drunk drivers in Cameroon, yes traffic signs are not everywhere, yes there are petty theft , malaria and others issues. But the above descriptions are not to paint the accurate picture of that beautiful and generous country which is indeed “Africa in miniature” due to its landscape, demographic, diverses populations, languages, cultures and much more. If you travel to Cameroon with the idea that people there will let you disrespect them like you guys do in other places in Africa, you may get away with that but not all the time. Folks there are very very open minded. They might be or look poor. Please don’t let that fool any potential abuser!!!! They are very very well educated people. The high school diploma gives the equivalent of US associate degree ok? The average cab driver has a master degree, and some are even PHD. Political setbacks have led that beautiful country in the path of economic despair, social discontent, and a clouded horizon when it comes to development and social outlook. That country has been under the rule of a tribal dictatorial regime for four decades. But these folks are very resilient. The world knows that when that regime collapses it will be a different ballgame for Africa. For Cameroon is a leading force in Africa in many ways. It is said that the latest my be the problem it face as foreign predators view a free Cameroon as the ignition that will trigger the liberation of the sub saharian Africa. The food in Cameroon is second to none. The sport is in their DNA as that small country represents the continent in many major sports at the international level. That right there can give an idea what that country mind is made of. Something to think about.
Enquiry
Hi friends,
I got a job on Cameroon. Two year contract. What is your opinion on whether or not to join the job. Please tell, whats the story of the Cameroon …..
Bad place
I will admit I have never been to Camaroon, nor any other place in Africa. My fiancé is in Camaroon working. Their worksite has been invaded by bandits and thieves. He is afraid for his life and so am I.
Cameroon has loads of bandits in all her cities.
This has been so since the year 2010.
Good people.
Cameroon is a beautiful place. People are nice and the food is great. Yeah, you do have to be mindful of things in some areas. Like you don’t want to be walking around with your phone in your hand. It’s that element in some places, especially in crowded places. But nothing close ever happen to me while there. I went to Yaounde last year.
My wife is from Limbe. I didn’t go to Limbe because of the Civil unrest. But I look forward to going maybe next time. It was refreshing not to see many fast food chains too.
Yaounde is a beautiful place with rolling hills, red-ish soil, tropical plants and great food and hospitality. Some of the nicest people I’ve ever met.
Can’t wait to go back.