7 Days in Cameroon: A First-Timer’s Itinerary from Douala to Kribi

One week is enough to see why Cameroon is called “Africa in miniature”. This route links four very different worlds — the port city of Douala, the green western highlands, the capital Yaoundé and the Atlantic beaches of Kribi — while staying in regions that are regularly visited by travellers. It works best in the dry season, roughly November to February.

Before you go: check your government’s current travel advice. Several governments advise against travel to the North-West, South-West and Far North regions, so this itinerary avoids them. See our Cameroon travel essentials for visas, money and safety.

Day 1: Arrive in Douala

Most international flights land at Douala (DLA). Take it slow on your first day: walk the colonial quarter of Bonanjo, see La Pagode, the Chinese-style palace of the Bell kings, and the contemporary art of Doual’art. Finish at the Douala Maritime Museum or with grilled fish and ndolé at Saga Africa.

Where to stay: Hôtel Akwa Palace in the business district, Hôtel La Falaise Bonapriso in leafy Bonapriso, or browse all stays in Douala.

Day 2: Ekom-Nkam Falls

Leave early for the Ekom-Nkam Falls, an 80-metre curtain of water in the rainforest near Melong, famous as a filming location for Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan. A guided day trip from Douala is the easiest option. If you have energy left, the crater lakes of Mount Manengouba are in the same area.

Days 3–4: Foumban and the Bamiléké chiefdoms

Head into the cool West Region. In Foumban, the Royal Palace of the Bamoun sultans and its museum tell the story of one of Central Africa’s great kingdoms. Walk the artisans’ street, where bronze casters and woodcarvers still work by hand.

On the way back south, stop at the Chefferie de Bandjoun, a Bamiléké royal compound with a soaring thatched ceremonial house. Highland resorts such as Tagidor Garden Resort & Spa near Bangou or Talotel in Bafoussam make comfortable bases.

Day 5: Yaoundé, the capital

Yaoundé spreads over seven green hills. Visit the National Museum of Cameroon in the former presidential palace, the Reunification Monument, and the Basilica of Mary Queen of the Apostles on Mvolyé hill. In the afternoon, meet rescued primates at Mvog-Betsi Zoo or, with more time, at Mefou National Park south of the city.

For dinner try traditional cooking at La Forêt Dense or Bois d’Ébène. Stay at the Hilton Yaoundé or Djeuga Palace Hotel — see all Yaoundé stays.

Days 6–7: Kribi and the Lobé Falls

Drive south to Kribi for two days of sea air. The highlight is the Lobé Falls, one of the few waterfalls in the world that flow straight into the ocean; take a pirogue ride up the river and eat grilled fish and prawns at the beach shacks. Spend the second day on the quieter sands of Grand Batanga or Londji.

Where to stay: Hôtel Ilomba near the falls, Hôtel Tara Plage on the beach, or browse all Kribi stays. Return to Douala (about three to four hours by road) for your flight home.

Make it longer

• +2 days: visit the turtle beaches of Ebodjé and the rainforest of Campo Ma’an National Park south of Kribi.
• +3 days: fly north to Garoua for hippos and savanna in Bénoué National Park (check current advice for the North Region first).
• +4 days: a rainforest expedition to the Dja Faunal Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with an experienced operator.

Plan it on the map

Every place in this itinerary is pinned on our Cameroon travel map, where you can filter by city, price and rating and check live prices with our booking partners.