Cameroon, called "Africa in Miniature", packs beaches, highlands, thick jungles, and lively traditions into one destination. Instead of just lounging by the sea, try climbing a live volcano or tracking gorillas through old-growth woods; these experiences attract thrill-chasers as well as curious travelers.
"Cameroon's diverse landscapes and cultures make it perfect for travelers seeking authentic African adventures," notes Shahzeb Shaikh, the founder of SimCorner. His timeless experience ensures a reliable assessment of things to do in Cameroon.
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By 2026, this round-up reveals what’s truly worth doing, helping you map out a perfect Cameroon travel guide that sticks with you.
Why Visit Cameroon in 2026?
Cameroon stands out because of its mix. More than 250 cultures, national parks in Cameroon, two official languages, and wildly different landscapes. By 2027, new natural tours plus improved highways will reach isolated spots, and land-based journeys will increase global awareness of adventure travel.
For adventurers searching for things to do, the country offers rare experiences that still feel untouched, from crossing endless dunes to tracing centuries-old caravan routes. With not many visitors showing up yet, you can experience village life or spot animals without crowds breathing down your neck.
The dry stretch between November and February brings clear skies, perfect for hiking or exploring nature spots, making it the perfect thing to do in Cameroon. Instead of just sitting around, you could catch lively celebrations, like the cultural gatherings in Western towns or the Ngondo event near Douala.
1. Climbing Mount Cameroon: The Ultimate Challenge
Standing 4,070 meters tall, Mount Cameroon is the tallest mountain in West Africa, making it one of the top experiences in the country. Hikes start from Buea’s camp and usually take two or three days, passing through foggy highland woods, thick bamboo patches, then rough volcanic terrain shaped by old flows.
Locals from the Mount Cameroon Ecotourism Association lead the way, offering knowledge along with stories about how the volcano holds deep meaning for the Bakweri community.
On clear days, hitting the top means sweeping sights of the Atlantic, Bioko Island, while wide stretches of green roll out below. One of the top things to do in Cameroon is racing. Every February, the Mount Cameroon Race turns paths into an international scene.
Top runners blast up in less than five hours, pushing regular climbers to try harder. After descending, unwind at old lodges in Buea or check out local tea farms growing high-quality African leaves.
For safety, spend a day adjusting your body while bringing clothes you can layer when storms roll in. This famous trek is one of the many Cameroon tourist attractions.
2. Lobé Waterfalls: Where River Meets Ocean
One of the places to visit in Cameroon is the Lobé Waterfalls site. A short 15-minute drive from Kribi, hitting the sea after a dramatic 15-metre drop. An unusual sight, few places have.
Local Batwa storytellers share myths about river ghosts during the trip, adding depth to the journey that lasts an hour or two. Beneath the waterfall, cool pools are perfect for a quick dip, with bright-colored birds such as turacos flying around.
By 2026, eco-friendly platforms will offer better views without harming nature or blocking access. Instead of just visiting here, team up this spot with Kribi’s untouched shores to fill your whole day with seaside calm.
3. Waza National Park: Safari in the Sahel
Waza National Park sits as a perfect Cameroon tourist attractions. It’s in northern Cameroon, covering 1,700 sq km of grassland, marshy areas, and sandy hills, home to elephants, lions, giraffes, and more than 500 kinds of birds.
From November through May, when rains fade, animals gather near drying watering spots; mornings or evenings make these scenes feel intense. Guided night trips led by trained rangers might catch shy hunters such as leopards moving quietly under dark skies.
Since it’s a major gateway into protected areas in Cameroon, Waza shows real progress, like ranger patrols that stop illegal hunting, which proves how vital this place really is. In here, exploring wildlife becomes one of the top things to do in Cameroon.
4. Bamileke and Bamoun Kingdoms: Cultural Heartland
Western crassfields are home to many Hidden gems in Cameroon. Old kingdoms such as the Bamoun Sultanate in Foumban were set up around the 1300s. Stroll through detailed royal homes decorated with web-like patterns and tiled floors that show authority.
Craft workers at the palace still use ancient methods, like melting metal into shapes using wax moulds, while dyeing fabric blue with plant juice; these skills are listed by UNESCO.
In Bafut, you can see spider diviners, creepy-crawlers scribble predictions right into holy soil. Meanwhile, Bafang’s stalls burst with bright masks tied to ngil rites. Even with today’s world rushing by, these spots keep customs alive that go way back, like half a millennium.
Festivals such as Foumban's Month of Masks each March bring wild dance rhythms. Getting into this scene shows real Cameroonian spirit, something every travel guide mentions, but few explain well.
5. Kribi Beaches and Marine Adventures
Kribi’s two-decade stretch of sun-kissed shore feels like a dream spot, where quiet lagoons invite you to glide through on a kayak or stand-up board.
Along the sand, small cookouts fire up juicy prawns and seared fish alongside sweet fried bananas. Underwater fans dive into reefs near Ilot du Sud, spotting colorful sea life darting between corals.
Turtle nesting starts around October, so night tours pop up on Ebome beach. Instead of just swimming, you can grab a jet ski or try waterskiing for some action. If chilling out is your thing, this stretch of coast nails it, just one of many cool ways to unwind while exploring Cameroon.
Exploring old forts near Grand Batanga shows what life was like under foreign rule. Instead of crowded spots, Kribi offers calm shores, a top pick among the places to visit in Cameroon.
6. Ekom-Nkam Waterfalls: Rainforest Spectacle
Near Nkoksamba, two 80-meter waterfalls called Ekom-Nkam crash down green canyons. Taking a stroll through this can be one of the perfect things to do in Cameroon.
You reach them on a half-hour trek that crosses shaky rope bridges. Jungle paths hum with monkeys darting around, colorful wings flitting by; small-statured hunters spot wild mango plants while naming medicinal leaves. This place starred in Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, so it kind of looks like a movie set.
Picnic by foggy pool spots or near rocky ledges. Newer paths from 2027 allow extra guests without harming nature. This quiet spot in these waterfalls fits those who hike a bit but not too hard, making it a perfect Cameroon tourist attractions.
7. Mefou National Park: Primate Rescue Haven
Witnessing the wildlife of the African Primates can be great, so visiting the Mefou National Park can be one of the best things to do in Cameroon.
South of Yaoundé, Mefou takes in young gorillas, chimps, or drills stolen for pets, cared for by Ape Action Africa. Visitors can walk through with a guide, spotting these animals living freely behind big fences built like real forests. Talk to veterinarians there who use hands-on methods shaped by Jane Goodall’s work.
See quick colobus monkeys, lively mandrills along treetop paths. Join hands-on volunteer work that pulls you in deeper. Responsible travel supports wildlife protection across Cameroon’s protected areas. Forest cabins overnight deepen the feel for those who care about animals; it’s one of the best places to visit in Cameroon.
8. Mandara Mountains: Volcanic Villages
One of the best Cameroon tourist attractions is the Northern Mandara Hills, showing Kapsiki-Fali huts like stone nests on jagged cliffs, almost like aliens.
In here, one of the things to do in Cameroon is follow the trails, four to six hours long, toward boulders shaped like rhinos while chatting with locals who follow old spirit beliefs.
Some mark their skin in rituals passed down through generations. Over near Rhumsiki, a man called the 'crab wizard' reads signs from ant mounds, guessing what’s ahead. Pottery spots sell handcrafted bowls baked in outdoor fires. The mountains stay fresh, a break from sweltering valleys.
Quiet corners of Cameroon give walks packed with local flavour instead. Sunrise lights up the edge of Nigeria, totally captivating. Real journey starts here, yet never feels forced.
9. Nyong River and Douala-Edea Reserve
Pirogues glide along the Nyong River, cutting deep into lush rainforest toward the vast 1,600 sq km Douala-Edea Reserve. Watch hippos gape mid-pod, crocs sprawl on banks, while bright kingfishers zip between trees. Raised eco-camps feature lookout towers where you can track more than 300 bird types.
Fishing towns show how to throw nets. Overnight trips happen during multi-day journeys, plus there are owl watches. Things to do outdoors stand out in Cameroon. Mangrove kayaking brings a closer feel. Also, rich wildlife lives here, a top spot.
10. Urban Vibes: Douala and Yaoundé Explored
Douala, Cameroon’s busy heart, buzzes with colorful textiles at Marché des Fleurs, and spices fill the air there. Not far off, La Nouvelle Liberté stands tall as a symbol where people come together.
Murals painted on walls tell raw stories of city life instead of hiding it. Over in Yaoundé, the Musée National holds around five thousand pieces, from Fang tribe masks to old kings’ seats.
Makossa spots keep the night alive; grab some ndolé at a roadside spot, and it can be your one of the adventure activities in Cameroon. By 2026, new artists shine through the art festivals. Towns shape what you can explore in city life across Cameroon. The Blackitude Museum in Douala shows stories of fighting for freedom. Yet full of lively energy.
Extreme Adventures in Cameroon
Beyond hiking, soar above Limbe’s cliffs on a paraglider while waves crash below. Instead of just rafting, tackle the Sanaga River’s wild Class III chutes. Swap surface trails for underground paths, explore Adamaoua caves packed with fluttering bats and glowing worms.
Cycle around the edge of Mount Manenguba’s crater on a mountain bike. Explore underwater near Nkambe’s volcanic openings by scuba diving. Locally run teams focus on staying safe through regular equipment inspections. Zoom across dusty plains on a quad bike, just outside Garoua. Heart-pounding fun if you love speed and dirt.
Spotlight on National Parks in Cameroon
Campo-Ma’an covers 2,640 square kilometers, home to forest elephants along with leopards; zip through treetops on hanging bridges for a rush. Over in Korup Rainforest, one of the planet’s rainiest zones, you’ll find up to a thousand tree types packed into every hectare. Meanwhile, Lobecké’s swampy woodlands let visitors join guided walks to meet wild gorillas.
Bengouesis has spots where hippos chill. Cash from visits backs patrol teams stopping poachers. Big routes link several parks together. Dja Faunal Reserve’s Pygmy trackers run night hunts in the deep forest. No roads, just trails.
Hidden Gems in Cameroon
Limbe’s botanical garden, the oldest on the continent, mixes old slave artifacts with blooming orchids. At Barombi Mbo, a volcanic lake, people honour sacred fish, using nets.
The royal homes of the Tikar kings look like giant spiders, and they still impress.
Tibati’s peul riders flip mid-ride, no seats, just balance. Hidden in Rumpi’s woods, old stones hint at hands before ours.
Power-free finds? They turn walks into something deeper. Roadside grills bring unexpected joy. Hidden gems taste like a secret reward.
Best Time to Visit Cameroon
November to March is best for trekking, wildlife tours, or mountain trips. Coastal areas stay warm all year round. The northern regions shine between January and February, great for spotting critters. Spring months like April through May offer blooming flowers, plus lighter foot traffic. June through October brings rain, lush views, and slippery paths, though. Sync up with Ngondo in December or catch the Bamoun Festival by February. The 2027 schedules hint at added events. Weather apps help you plan stuff. All-season usefulness.
Practical Cameroon Travel Guide
Get the yellow fever shot; it’s required. Take malaria meds, doctors recommend. Use the government website for your eVisa to skip lines at arrival. Carry CFA franc cash since ATMs are rare beyond urban spots.
For countryside routes, go with a 4x4; for town rides, grab a cab instead. Pack light cotton clothes along with a torch plus something waterproof.
Catch every Mount Cameroon win plus Waza Lion glory without delay. SimCorner’s local eSIM gives you fast 4G or 5G, from town to trails, even seaside spots, with zero roaming stress. Get it running before takeoff so your map tools, booking, and animal trackers work smoothly.
Check out our Cameroon eSIM tips to pick a data plan that fits how you explore. Post Kribi beach views or Bamileke dance clips live without delay. We also offer safe and secure payment options for better flexibility.
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Things to do in Cameroon: FAQs
What are the top things to do in Cameroon for adventure seekers?
Folks who love adventure climb Mount Cameroon, explore Waza National Park on safari, or paddle the Nyong River in a pirogue, all for up-close wildlife action. Hiking through Mandara Hills adds spice, while tackling rapids on the Sanaga River brings more punch.
What’s the ideal moment to go to Cameroon if you’re after activities there?
Late fall through early spring brings little rain, ideal for exploring Cameroon’s trails or lounging on shore. Instead of crowds, you get clear skies and steady paths. Up north, animals are most active during these stretches. Meanwhile, coastal waters remain safe for swimming. Between February and November is the best time to visit Cameroon, saving cash without sacrificing fun.
Where’s good to go in Cameroon if you’re travelling with kids?
Families love boat rides at Lobé Falls, sunny days on Kribi’s shores, or walking through Mefou to see monkeys, calm spots full of nature. In Yaoundé, small museums share stories without a rush. Each place in Cameroon blends calm time with curious moments among trees and trails. Tours led by locals work well, no matter your age; just bring sun protection.
What to do in Cameroon for tourists?
Tourists hiking Mount Cameroon might also check out national parks filled with life, while others head to Atlantic shores just to unwind. Instead of city crowds, some prefer spotting animals deep in rainforests or roaming savannas. Culture lovers wander through villages where traditions run strong.
What’s the best way to get ready for activities on a trip to Cameroon?
Get the yellow fever shot, eVisa, and grab a SimCorner eSIM so you stay online while exploring spots in Cameroon. Set aside cash for local guides when trying outdoor thrills there. Bring clothes and a kit that works across different weather zones.
