Catch the Festival Makossa in early December
- Douala, Cameroon
- Posted on
About this tip
Festmak, the Festival Makossa, brings the sound born in Douala back to its home city every December. The ninth edition opened on 5 December 2024 at the Institut francais and closed with a free concert in Bonassama, and the tenth was set for 12 December 2025. Programmes shift between venues each year, so check the announcement a few weeks ahead, and arrive early for the free evening shows.
Where
Catch the Festival Makossa in early DecemberVenues vary by edition: Institut francais du Cameroun Douala and Bonassama (Douala IV)
Open in Google Maps(opens in a new tab)More Tips & Traps in Douala
13 posts from Local Friends and travelers who know the city.
TrapSleepCheck flood risk before booking in rainy season
Douala, CameroonSable, Bonamoussadi, Makepe-Missoke and Bepanda flood each rainy season, and rain is heaviest from July to September. After the floods of 11 September 2026, the main roads between Bonamoussadi and Makepe were impassable and taxis refused to enter the water. If you visit then, ask your host whether the street floods…
PS TipSleepPick Bonapriso, Bonanjo or Akwa by how you sleep
Douala, CameroonChoose your base by noise level. Bonapriso is leafy, quiet and the usual first-stay pick for its easy airport access and restaurants, though you will rely on taxis. Bonanjo is calmer at night and puts the museums and galleries within reach. Akwa is the lively centre, but it is noisy and congested, especially after 6…
BN TipEventsBrowse the Salon du livre de Douala in November
Douala, CameroonSalido, the Salon du livre de Douala, has been held in November, in 2021, 2023 and 2025. The third edition closed on 30 November 2025 at the Palais de la culture sawa, with a book fair, craft and farm stands, workshops and author signings. It is a relaxed way to meet Cameroonian writers and see local crafts under one…
LD TipEventsLook for the Repdoul photography biennial in Douala
Douala, CameroonRencontres photographiques de Douala, known as Repdoul, is a biennial photography and video festival founded by Max Mbakop. The second edition ran in April 2025 with exhibitions, talks and workshops at the Institut francais du Cameroun and the Annie Kadji gallery, under the theme of the city before, now and after…
TipEventsPlan a November trip around the DOMAF festival
Douala, CameroonThe Douala Music'Art Festival, DOMAF, runs for four days each November with music, dance, fashion, visual arts and urban sport. The 14th edition was scheduled for 27 to 30 November 2025 across about ten sites, from Bonabéri and Bonamoussadi to the Institut francais, and the 2024 edition ran 14 to 17 November. Venues…
TipPhotography & ViewsPhotograph the Colonne Pascale in New Bell
Douala, CameroonThe Colonne Pascale rises 12 metres above the Carrefour Shell roundabout in New Bell, a tower of 76 enamel cooking pots made by Pascale Marthine Tayou and unveiled in 2010. Shoot it in daylight from the edge of the roundabout, since the junction is extremely busy. Ask before pointing your camera at people, and keep…
SM TipArt & CultureSee current Cameroonian art at Galerie MAM
Douala, CameroonGalerie MAM on Rue Tobie Kuoh in Bonanjo is a contemporary art space of about 300 square metres, open since 1995. It shows established and emerging African artists and has hosted artists in residence, so it is a good way to see Cameroonian art beyond the souvenir stalls. Opening hours are not published online, so…
TipArt & CultureVisit the ship-shaped Musee maritime in Bonanjo
Douala, CameroonThe national maritime museum sits in a building shaped like a ship's stern at the corner of Avenue des Cocotiers and Rue de l'Hopital. Three floors cover the history of Cameroon's coastal peoples, the slave trade and the German and British colonial periods. It suits a rainy afternoon after the Bonanjo palaces. Check…
Know Douala well?
Share a tip, or warn travelers about a trap. It only takes a few minutes.