Douala
Visited in February 2019
At a glance
- Country
- Cameroon
- Region
- Wouri
- Population
- 2.8 million
- Best time to go
- December to February
- Main airport
- Douala International (DLA)
- Coordinates
- 4.02°N, 9.73°E
Country visited City visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Douala is Cameroon's largest city and economic engine, a sprawling port on the estuary of the Wouri river. It is hot, humid and gloriously energetic, with packed markets, a strong nightlife and some of the best food in Central Africa.
It isn't a classic sightseeing city, but there is more here than first appears. Look out for the public artworks dotted around the streets, the old colonial buildings of Bonanjo and the busy riverfront.
Things to see
-
Photo: Unknown photographer, Public domain La Pagode
The early 20th-century palace of the Bell royal family in Bonanjo, a curious blend of African and European styles.
-
Photo: Kamiel Verschuren, CC BY-SA 3.0 Public art of Doual'art
Sculptures and installations commissioned by the Doual'art centre appear across the city, from roundabouts to riverbanks.
-
Photo: Blaizo 237, CC BY-SA 4.0 Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral
The cathedral in Bonanjo is a calm landmark close to the old administrative quarter.
-
Photo: Steve Mvondo, CC BY-SA 3.0 Wouri Bridge
The long bridge over the estuary gives a sense of the river's scale, especially at sunset.
Things to do
-
Photo: Coco lago, CC BY-SA 4.0 Eat ndolé
Cameroon's national dish of bitter leaves, peanuts and prawns or beef is a Douala speciality, served with plantain.
-
Photo: Arch-Angel Raphael the Artist, CC BY-SA 4.0 Night out in Akwa
Bars, live music and makossa, the dance music born in Douala, keep this district busy late into the night.
-
Photo: ymea, CC BY-SA 3.0 Weekend at Kribi
Head south a few hours to golden beaches, seafood and the Lobé Falls, which drop straight into the sea.
Where to stay
Bonanjo
The administrative quarter, with colonial buildings, banks and a few good hotels. Quiet at night.
Hotels in BonanjoAkwa
The commercial heart, best for nightlife, restaurants and shopping, though noisy and congested.
Hotels in AkwaBonapriso
Residential and upmarket, with smart restaurants and guesthouses on calmer streets.
Hotels in Bonapriso
Getting around
Taxis are the main way to move around, and traffic jams are part of life. Agree fares first and avoid walking far after dark.
The international airport is close to the city; a taxi to Bonanjo or Akwa takes around 20 to 30 minutes.
When to go
December to February is the driest and most comfortable period. Douala is one of the wettest cities in the world, with torrential rain from June to October.
Plan your trip to Douala
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. More about this.
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.