Cameroon

Situated on the Gulf of Guinea, on the west coast of Africa, Cameroon is sandwiched between its powerful neighbour Nigeria to the north and Equatorial Guinea to the south.

The area was a German protectorate until after World War I, when it was divided between the British and the French, with the French receiving the larger share and Britain controlling the northernmost strip along the Nigerian border. French Cameroon achieved independence in 1960, and the largely Christian southern third of British Cameroon voted to join the Republic of Cameroon the following year. The northern two-thirds of British Cameroon, mainly Muslim, eventually joined Nigeria.

Tourism is limited, but those who venture to Cameroon will find a nation of remarkable diversity, from its varying landscapes of tropical rainforests and beaches, mountains and desert, to its assortment of people and cultures. National parks and reserves lay claim to some of the richest flora and fauna in Africa. Southwest Cameroon is a mountainous region dominated by the highest mountain in West Africa, and Africa's highest active volcano, Mt Cameroon, which sits on the edge of the Gulf of Guinea and is a popular mountaineering destination. On the coast there are beautiful beaches around Limbé and at Kribi while the north of the country boasts Cameroon's most famous national park, Waza National Park, with its huge numbers of elephant, giraffe, lion, antelope and birdlife (open from mid-November to mid-June). Yaoundé, the capital city situated on seven hills, has modern hotels, shops and markets, but it is Douala that is the biggest city and Cameroon's economic capital, positioned on the Wouri River a few miles from the coast.

Whether going to the cities, the beaches or exploring its natural resources, visitors to this land they call 'Africa in One Country' can be sure that they will be pleasantly welcomed by a people whose custom is to receive strangers as if they were friends; a country where hospitality is the golden rule.

Climate

The climate varies according to the region. In the south, the dry season runs from November to February, the little rainy season from March to June and the big rains come between August and September. The average temperature is 79°F (26°C). The tropical coastal areas receive a lot of rain that can reach in excess of 30ft (9m). In the north the rainy season is spread out from May to the end of September, but receives very little over the year and drought is a way of life in the far north.

Money

The official currency is the Central Africa CFA Franc (XAF), which is divided into 100 centimes. The CFA franc is tied to the Euro at a rate of EUR1 = CFA 655.957, or CFA 100 = EUR0.152449. Cash is easier to exchange than travellers cheques, and Euros are by far the easiest currency to change for CFA francs. Credit cards have limited acceptance and ATMs are few and far between.

Passport Visa

All travellers require confirmed onward or return tickets and all necessary documents for next destination. Visas on arrival can only be issued to those holding a prior approval from Le Delegue General de L'Immigration. All other visas must be acquired before travel to Cameroon.

Entry Requirements

• US nationals require a passport and a visa to enter Cameroon.
• UK nationals require a passport and a visa to enter Cameroon.
• Canadians require a passport and a visa to enter Cameroon.
• Australians require a passport and a visa to enter Cameroon.
• South Africans require a passport and a visa to enter Cameroon.
• Irish nationals require a passport and a visa to enter Cameroon.
• New Zealand nationals require a passport and a visa to enter Cameroon.

Health

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers older than one year of age to Cameroon. There is a risk of malaria throughout the country and prophylaxis is recommended for all travellers. Cholera outbreaks do occur in Cameroon, particularly between the months of December and June. Travellers should drink only boiled or bottled water. Medical facilities are very limited with frequent shortages of medication and outdated equipment; visitors should ensure they have comprehensive medical insurance, which includes emergency air evacuation. Doctors and hospitals generally expect immediate cash payment.

Embassy Consulates

• Cameroon Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 265 8790.
• Cameroon Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7727 0771.
• Cameroon High Commission, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 236 1522.
• Cameroon Consulate, Sydney, Australia: +61 (0)2 9989 8414.
• Cameroon High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 362 4731.

Foreign Embassies

• United States Embassy, Yaoundé: +237 2220 1500.
• British High Commission, Yaoundé: +237 2222 0545.
• Canadian High Commission, Yaoundé (also responsible for Australia): +237 2223 2311.
• South African High Commission, Yaoundé: +237 2220 0438.