Cameroon

I was in Cameroon  between the 05 August 2019 and the 16 August 2019. The information and prices were correct at the time of writingF

For daily distances and a brief description of each day follow this link

All prices are in francs  except when the charge was in USD.

When I was there the oficial exchange rate was as follows:

1 GBP = 728.34 XAF1
1 USD = 584.89 XAF
1 EUR = 655.96 XAF

The Central African Franc is also the currency of Republic of Congo and Gabon

Visa
I applied for an the visa in the Embassy of Cameroon in Libreville.

I needed
Copy of Passport
1 Passport photo

In addition you need to feel an application form available at the embassy and give a date of entry from which your visa will be valid.

The process was pretty painless payment was 51,000 francs. The visa was available the same day. Check the dates before you leave, I got given the wrong ones and they had to amend my visa.

Getting in the country
Getting into the country was quick and painless

Money
I didn’t need to draw money during my stay.

Cameroon SIM card
I got Orange and paid 1000 for the SIM and 1000 for 1gb for 7 daysC

Coverage was good along my route.

Food and drink
Other than in towns where there are supermarkets  you can find everything, the shops in the villages have limited stock.

You will find bread in most  villages. Bread price seems to be between around 125 and 200

Soft drinks cost around  500.

Food  is OK. I mainly eat in market stalls when available. Delicious big fish and plantains for around 2500.

On the Road
I cycled a mix of tarred roads and earth ones. The tarred roads are OK and when it rained the earth ones had very sticky deep mud. If it rained a bit they became extremely slippery. Non tarred roads will be extremely challenging and even impassable in the rainy season.

Personal Safety
Please note what follows is the personal experience of one individual and it does not intend to provide any authoritative account with regards to safety in the coutry or account to recommendation to travel there. We are all different, our attitude to risk and our perception of safety is different too.

Always check your government’s travel advice for Cameroon before making your decision.

As a solo older female I never felt unsafe during my time in the Cameroon even in remote places. I found people to be welcoming and friendly. Everyone responds to your greetings no one ever asked me for money or anything.

Accommodation
Ambam – Hotel L’Escapade – 17000 (15000+2000 taxes) double room with AC and en suite with hot water. Very clean

Biba I – Camped at Village Chief’s There was  a water pump in the compound  so drinking  water to wash and cook. The village chief was very nice. I’m sure he cleaned the shower and toilet (sitting down!) for me.

Abomvomba – Camped at Village Chief’s. He was welcoming. The water pump was broken. Washed in the water hole in the forest. They fetched some drinking water for me but it looked cloudy and as I wasn’t sure I filtered it. Lots and lots of attention from adults and children alike.

Akom II – Camped at the Catholic Mission Welcoming. No water but they gave me some to wash and cook. No electricity -pit latrines

Adjap – Village Chief – They gave me a room and dinner. Very interesting retired couple. He had been a diplomat and her is very involved in politics and local development work

Kribi – Got invited by a local person

Ferme Suisse – Guesthouse Metropole Very clean. Double room with a fan 8000. En suite with running water and western toilet. Electricity.

Douala – Stayed with friends