Carry cash in Yaoundé, because cards will not get you far

The Musée National occupies a 1930s building first used by the colonial authorities and later a presidential palace, in the administrative centre. Inside you find traditional art, sculptures, costumes and archaeology from Cameroon's regions. It is still in use, as the national crafts fair was held there in July 2026…

Locals gather after work at crossroads and open-air grills for soya, the grilled meat skewers cooked over a wood fire, and for grilled fish. Point at the cut you want, ask for it with the pepper sauce, and check how hot the sauce is before you commit. At a fish grill you pick the whole fish first, then say grilled or…

The Blackitude Museum is a private ethnographic museum behind the Presidential Tribune on Boulevard du 20 Mai, built from art objects the founder inherited from her father and other chiefs. Expect statues, masks, musical instruments and royal pieces. Call ahead to check it is open, and ask what the staff can show you…

The Yaoundé Jazz Festival has run every year since 1997 and is held in November. The 2025 edition opened with three nights of concerts in Yaoundé at a snack bar in Bastos before moving to Douala and Kribi, and mixed jazz with afrobeat and other African sounds. Check the programme in October for venues, as they change…

The Ape Action Africa sanctuary in Mefou Park sits south of Yaoundé on the N2 toward Mbalmayo, with a signposted turn at the village of Ekali II. The last stretch is unpaved and can become impassable after heavy rain, and the sanctuary can close at short notice for emergencies. Call or message the team that morning…

The daily express train leaves Yaoundé's Gare Voyageurs around five in the evening and reaches Douala around a quarter to ten at night, with air-conditioned first and premium cars and a bar-restaurant car. Buy tickets on the Camrail website or at the station ticket office. Arrange a pickup in Douala, because you…

Since early October 2026, yellow taxis without a registered QR code and door number are being impounded, so fewer cars are on the road. Recent reports describe long waits at junctions such as Mvan, Etoudi and Emana, and higher fares. Leave early, look for the QR code and door number on the taxi, and agree the ride…