TRAVEL WARNING
Current information
In the Anglophone regions of Nord-Ouest / Northwest and Sud-Ouest / Southwest (in and around Bamenda and Buea), strikes by Anglophone teachers and lawyers are currently causing violent demonstrations and clashes with security forces, which have already resulted in several victims. Travelers should follow the local media and be sure to avoid demonstrations and large crowds.
Due to an increased risk of attack and kidnapping for citizens of Western countries, we strongly advise against traveling to remote areas of Cameroon until further notice. In addition, greater attention is advised, especially in public places, when visiting international institutions and at exposed tourist attractions.
Country-specific safety information
In recent years, more than 20 foreigners have been kidnapped in the “Extreme North” region. There is still a very high risk of kidnapping. There are numerous suicide attacks on the border with Nigeria and in Maroua, the capital of the Extreme North region Fatalities have come. German nationals staying there should leave the region before traveling to the region of Extreme North (also Lake Chad).
The border area with the Central African Republic is considered unsafe because of cross-border attacks by armed groups of the local rebels. There is also a risk of kidnapping or robbery. We therefore also warn against traveling to the border area with the Central African Republic.
There are also warnings against traveling to the Bakassi peninsula and the surrounding area due to ongoing security problems. Gang mischief exists throughout the Gulf of Guinea. In the past, there have been attacks on coastal towns, fishing cutters, oil tankers or oil platforms and hostage-taking, while violent robberies and kidnappings are increasing in the north and Adamaoua regions and in the border areas with Nigeria and Chad. We therefore advise against traveling to the Adamaoua and North regions. Warnings are given against traveling to the border areas with Nigeria and Chad (each along the entire length of the border).
Throughout Cameroon, a country located in Africa according to estatelearning, especially in larger cities as well as in the holiday resorts frequented by foreign tourists, e.g. Kribi, Limbe and the Twin Lakes near Melong, the usual precautionary measures must be observed:
- Avoid wearing conspicuous valuables / jewelry (also when visiting a restaurant),
- Do not go on foot after dark, carry a minimum of money with you so as not to provoke the use of force in the event of robberies,
- Distribute money in several pockets,
- if possible, do not travel alone.
Travelers should try to make sure that an alleged security officer (police, gendarmerie) is actually one and insist on their right to contact the German embassy in Yaoundé. A certified copy should be carried instead of the passport. This can be prepared for a fee at the consular department of the German Embassy upon request.
On inanimate sections of the beaches of Kribi and Limbe as well as in the region around Melong, tourists traveling alone or in pairs and with luggage were in several cases robbed during the day.
After dusk (ie after 6:00 p.m.) travelers should not walk and no longer flag a taxi from the roadside. Collective taxis, in particular, run the risk of armed robberies that could injure the victims. Even as a group, you should definitely avoid unknown neighborhoods in the evening and stay on well-lit main roads. It is better to rely on a hotel taxi or a well-known taxi driver. Outside the larger cities, so-called mototaxi (motorcycles) replace car taxis. It is advisable to choose a trustworthy driver and reserve this for the duration of the stay.
We strongly advise against cross-country journeys in the dark. Due to technical defects in the vehicles and the irresponsible traffic behavior of many drivers, especially of trucks, the risk of accidents is many times higher than in Europe.
The onward journey from Cameroon by land to neighboring countries can become problematic or impossible due to short-term political developments. Here it is advisable to make inquiries shortly before planned trips.
Since 2012 there have been attacks by foreign armed groups (Chad, Central African Republic, Nigeria) on Cameroonian facilities (national parks, border posts). Warnings are issued against border crossings by land.
DUTY-FREE SHOPPING
Overview
The following articles can be imported into Cameroon duty-free:
400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 5 packets of tobacco;
1 bottle of alcoholic beverages;
5 bottles of perfume.
Prohibited exports
Ivory, antique art objects.
SHOP
Overview
Luxury items are expensive. Popular souvenirs are decorated pots, jugs, bottles and cups. Large earthenware bowls and other ceramic goods, mats and runners made of grass, raffia, camel hair or cotton, embroidered clothes and jewelry are also nice souvenirs. Shop opening times: i. A. Mon-Sat 7.30am-6pm.
NIGHTLIFE
Introduction
Local entertainers can be seen in many regional cities, especially during the festive season. There are night clubs and casinos in Douala, and especially in Yaoundé. Most of the hotels have a casino. In many international hotels, the bars do not close until the last guest has left.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels
There is a good selection of international class hotels in Douala, Yaoundé, Bamenda, Garoua and Maroua. The good hotels (rated by the government, given two or more stars) have air conditioning, swimming pools and sports facilities. Most rooms have a shower attached. These hotels also accept credit cards. Accommodation rates do not include meals. Cheaper accommodations are also available. The Hotel de Waza, outside the Waza National Park in the north, is a camp with two pavilions and single rooms in straw huts. The hotels are usually fully booked early; you should book in advance and insist on written confirmation. More information from the Ministère du Tourisme (see addresses).
Camping
Camping is permitted in Boubandjida National Park on the banks of Mayo Lidi.
