Cameroon is located in central Africa and is one of the most diverse African nations with over 1700 linguistic groups making it the “Africa in miniature” within Africa. Cameroon switched owners several times becoming a German, French, and English colony until gaining independence in 1960. The country has suffered from Islamic terrorism in the past decade and the Anglophone crisis.

Traveling info

All visitors are required to have a valid passport in order to enter the country. Citizens of certain countries may enter Cameroon without the requirement of a visa. All other nations are required to obtain a visa in one of Cameroons missions, consulates or embassies. (List of nationalities in sources). Visitors who wish to drive in Cameroon may do so using their national driving permit however an International driving permit is strongly recommended. IDP will be helpful when dealing with the local police or renting a car. Beware that an IDP is only a translation of the original document and both must be present with the driver at all times. IDP is only obtainable from the visitors country of origin.

Traveling hazards

Cameroon’s road networks, both paved and unpaved, are poorly maintained and unsafe at all times of the year. Drivers frequently ignore road safety rules. There are few road and traffic signs, and speed limits are neither posted nor enforced. Vehicles are poorly maintained and there is no mechanism or requirement to inspect them for roadworthiness. Livestock and pedestrians create constant road hazards, especially at night. Buses and logging trucks travel at excessive speed and are a constant threat to other road traffic. During the rainy season, many roads are barely passable even with four-wheel drive vehicles. Travelers on roads near the borders with the Central African Republic and Chad should ensure that they have adequate vehicle fuel, cooking fuel, food, and water for several days, as well as a reliable means of communication, such as a satellite or cell phone, or radio. Visitors who do not have a valid passport and a visa may experience difficulties at police roadblocks or other security checkpoints. It is not uncommon for a uniformed member of the security forces to stop motorists on the pretext of a minor or non-existent violation of local motor vehicle regulations in order to extort small bribes. The Embassy advises you not to pay bribes, and to request that police officers provide a citation to be paid at the local court.

Environmental hazards

Cameroon is a large country located in central Africa with a diverse landscape ranging from the thick tropical forest up to the northern savannas. The lands of Cameroon are inhabited by many various animals, some of which are dangerous to people. The largest of land animals, the African bush elephant inhabit parts of Cameroon. These large animals are generally not aggressive however when startled or angered, they can easily trample people to death, flip over cars and even break trees. The second largest land animal can also be found inhabiting Cameroon. Hippopotamuses may look docile, but these large animals are some of the most aggressive and fierce on earth. These animals are very territorial and will attack any intruders. They are responsible for more deaths in Africa than elephants, lions, and crocodiles taken together. The black rhinos can be found in Cameroon. These giants will attack if approached. This is due to their terrible eyesight making them act defensively when approached by anything. Lions, the apex predators of Africa are the largest felines on the continent. These animals are not afraid to attack humans and will do so if such occasion arises. For those who are brave and venture deep into the jungle, it is possible to come across gorillas. Although highly unlikely, unless on a hired trip with experienced guides, people must know that these animals will defend their territory and despite not being aggressive they have a limit to their patients. The freshwaters of Cameroon are inhabited by crocodiles, both by the small west African crocodiles and one of the largest reptiles, the Nile crocodile. Crocs are apex predators in their biosphere and are not afraid to attack. The only animals to normally go after them are hippopotamuses if they cross paths. Crocodiles are nocturnal therefore there is a much greater chance of being attacked by a croc at night. There are no recorded shark attacks off the coast of Cameroon. Such incidents, however, cannot be ruled out.
Cameroon suffers from a variety of different natural hazards. Among these are volcanic activity, droughts, floods, and landslides. Despite the danger of a volcanic eruption, mainly from the active volcano of Cameroon, floods and landslides are responsible for most damage and even for claiming the lives of people in Cameroon.

Health hazards

There is a risk of contracting Polio in a certain part of Cameroon. Visitors are strongly recommended to get vaccinated against Polio. Yellow fever vaccination is required from every visitor who is traveling from a country with a risk of contracting yellow fever virus. Apart from the yellow fever vaccination requirement, there are no other required vaccines. There are numerous recommended vaccines. These are the routine vaccines aka MMR vaccines, hepatitis A and B, meningitis, cholera, typhoid and rabies vaccines. There is no vaccination against Zika virus and malaria however there are alternative ways to protect against contracting either of these. Both of these are transmitted through mosquito bites, therefore, use of mosquito nets and mosquito repellants is recommended. There is also medicine on prescription against malaria. Contact your local general practitioner for a prescription. Pregnant women should reconsider travel as Zika virus is extremely dangerous for birth defections. Public healthcare in Cameroon is provided to the citizens for free however hospitals are located only in major cities and minor health centers are spread over the country. The quality of services provided is fair however most expats and wealthy Cameroonians choose private healthcare services over public healthcare.
In case of an emergency dial 119.

Crime

Criminal activity is a major concern for visitors in Cameroon. Street crime is endemic in major metropolitan areas. Wealthy Cameroonians, expatriates, and members of the diplomatic community continue to be targeted. Persons have been robbed inside and outside their residences, on the street, in restaurants, and in shops. Victims are pickpocketed at virtually all large gatherings and soccer matches. A thief may move in close and place the tip of a knife or other sharp object in the victim’s side while leading the victim to an isolated location or crowd before taking or demanding money. Thieves often attempt to distract a victim by asking questions or bumping or jostling the victim, and while the victim is distracted, an accomplice may snatch a necklace, purse, or wallet. Often, the thieves use knives or razor blades to cut valuables out of pockets or handbags. Thieves routinely use motorcycles as a platform to snatch purses. Theft by intimidation or extortion is another popular street crime. Generally, November and December witnessed the increased street crime, thefts from vehicles, residential break-ins, highway banditry, and armed robberies. These crimes are economically-motivated and often involve violence, especially when victims resist or fight back. Many crimes involve an “inside man” and target individuals or locations involved with payrolls, money transfer, or other activities involving large sums of cash. Home invasions by gangs are reported in upper-class neighborhoods, especially at locations without 24-hour guards and residential security enhancements. Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa are active in the North and Far North regions. Since 2015, there have been over 100 documented and reported improvised explosive device (IED) detonations along roadways, in villages, and in local markets. Drugs are strictly illegal in Cameroon however due to the inefficiency of the local police, widely available.

Summary

Cameroon offers a variety of attractions ranging from mountain hiking, beach going, various water activities and much more however many are scared off by the Muslim terrorist activity in the north of the country. Remember that planning your trip with Travset.com will give you the quickest information about nearest emergency services and will also help you purchase indispensable travel insurance for the trip of your lifetime. Please feel free to comment and share the experiences of your travels with Travset.com.

Sources

(Visa)
https://www.aeroport-douala.com/visa_on_arrival_cameroon.php
(Vaccinations)
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/cameroon