Top Cameroon Car Tours: A Traveler’s Guide

Thinking about checking out Cameroon at your pace? You know, maybe ditch the packed buses and cookie-cutter tourist traps? That’s the vibe of a self-drive car tour, right there. Picture this: the open road, with choices completely up to you. That could mean cruising along the coastline, zipping through green highlands, even going to villages tourists hardly ever get to. If that sounds interesting, stay with me. You might want to see if a Cameroon car tour lines up with what you are thinking. Plus, a handful of killer routes and some pointers on pulling it off without issues.

1. Coastal Cruise: Limbe to Kribi

This one? This is your ticket to sun-kissed beaches and the kinda views that just stick with you, you know? Kicking things off in Limbe, a town that very possibly just breathes chill vibes, then so watch as the road gets all twisty-turny, hugging the coastline like it just won’t let go. Is that black sand calling? Probably. Yeah, so get your feet in it! Checking out the Limbe Wildlife Centre is also a plan, right? Getting up close and cozy with the local critters is always fun. That said, heading further down to Kribi? Expect things to dial up on the beach vibes really, really quickly.

Kribi’s like that low-key beach paradise everyone’s trying to find. Imagine just chilling on the sand, munching on seriously fresh seafood, and the sound of the ocean just… there. Heard of the Chutes de la Lobé? It’s actually where the Lobé River straight spills right into the Atlantic. How cool is that? Read our full review: Kribi Waterfalls Full Review and Details.

Where to crash: For Limbe, you have this option that very much caters to wildlife lovers and folks that just want a quiet spot. In Kribi? Loads of beach resorts are at hand. Pick what has the kind of hammock you just want to spend a solid afternoon in. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Kribi Beach Hotels)

2. Highlands Adventure: Bamenda to Mount Cameroon

Ready to swap the beach for some high-altitude thrills? Bamenda to Mount Cameroon is very possibly screaming your name. You’re going to trade that soft sand for winding roads that climb up into Cameroon’s green heartland. Trust me, the vistas you will come across? Worth every single hairpin turn. Bamenda’s markets are interesting to check out because, after all, is there a better way to just get into the local feel? It could be hard to imagine actually wanting to leave.

Yet, Mount Cameroon’s looming, yeah? Prepare to get your camera into shape because this dormant volcano’s massive presence pretty much dominates the landscape. For the truly adventurous, is the hike to the top worth it? Folks who’ve gone say it’s worth it. Plan ahead, so maybe hook up with some local guides for your trip, yeah? After that, kick back and unwind in Buea, a cool little spot with colonial roots. Find some guides in advance. Do you like that?

Where to crash: Hotels are fairly standard in Bamenda and Buea. When you get a spot closer to the mountain, are guesthouses any more appealing? Might be. So maybe get some super authentic hospitality. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Mount Cameroon Hikes)

3. Cultural Route: Yaoundé to Foumban

Want more than just sightseeing? It might be time to dive into some real culture and history. Yaoundé to Foumban is all about soaking up Cameroon’s heritage, village to village, story to story. Yaoundé’s no secret. I mean, so visit the Musée Africain. That’s how you jump right into art from the area and the old stories connected to them. That way, you are going to want to give yourself plenty of time to wander around.

Foumban? Consider this. That spot’s home to the Bamoun people, is that right? Visiting the Royal Palace is how to have some insight on local leaders. The Foumban Art Museum will fill your soul as the craftsmanship is inspiring, right? It’s a super amazing area for people really wanting to go beyond seeing things and feeling them. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Yaoundé Cultural Tours)

4. Rainforest Escape: Douala to Ebo Forest

Time to disappear into the green? It’s so different than chilling at some beach, so driving from Douala to Ebo Forest gets you into the absolute heart of the Cameroonian rainforest. Douala itself has something to do with how fast it moves. The city’s like the financial core of the country, so get ready for a place that is always busy. Now that might also make for an interesting starting place for the next part of the trip. The actual city really shows you the heartbeat of Cameroon.

On the drive toward the Ebo Forest, could you get really ready to have a few days to appreciate all that the Cameroonian wilderness is capable of? I mean, this is where all the unique plant and animal life actually has real meaning. A bunch of wildlife has its home in the Ebo Forest, like gorillas, chimpanzees and a really diverse set of birds. It is important to hire experienced local guides to get to know the rainforest. Also, are you prepared to have something close to an out of the body experience?

Where to crash: Options in Douala have a very big selection. Once you head out to the Ebo Forest, would the best thing be to find those nature lodges that give the perfect opportunity for wilderness exposure? In fact, staying closer can seriously make for a bigger level of immersion. So, is that something you would look for? Read our full review: Ebo Forest Lodge Full Review and Details

5. Northern Exposure: Maroua to Waza National Park

Want to switch it up, so check out the wide-open spaces of Northern Cameroon? From Maroua to Waza National Park might be just what you’re wanting to do. Maroua brings so much intensity through all those busy markets. You can probably go through it for hours if you really love just absorbing places like that. All that amazing handcrafting will absolutely be of the style that sets this zone completely on fire. So be prepared. It could get exciting!

Waza National Park, after all, gives chances for some of the most superb wildlife viewing out there. So prepare for those safari experiences. Yeah, so that gives opportunities for everything: giraffes, lions and elephants—it’s like you went straight into a National Geographic broadcast! It’s probably just great to grab all the safaris that fit right for getting amazing scenes with really unique photographic moments. And is that why people travel that path so much? See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Waza National Park Safaris).