Yaoundé
Visited in February 2019
At a glance
- Country
- Cameroon
- Region
- Centre
- Population
- 2.4 million
- Best time to go
- December to February
- Main airport
- Yaoundé Nsimalen International (NSI)
- Coordinates
- 3.87°N, 11.53°E
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Overview
Cameroon's capital is spread across seven green hills in the forested south of the country, cooler and calmer than the port city of Douala. Government ministries, embassies and universities give it an orderly, administrative feel by day.
It is a pleasant place to get your bearings. Climb to the viewpoints, browse the markets and eat grilled fish at a roadside stall in the evening, when the city's music-loving side comes out.
Things to see
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Photo: Frederic PAPY, CC BY-SA 4.0 Reunification Monument
A spiralling concrete monument on a hill above the centre, celebrating the union of French and British Cameroon.
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Photo: Jean-Louis Heckly, CC BY-SA 4.0 Mont Fébé
The highest hill above the city, with wide views and a Benedictine monastery holding a fine collection of Cameroonian art.
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Photo: Frederic PAPY, CC BY-SA 4.0 Notre-Dame des Victoires Cathedral
The city's Catholic cathedral, a modern building in the centre with a striking tiered roof.
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Photo: Z. NGNOGUE, CC BY-SA 3.0 National Museum
Housed in the former presidential palace, it covers Cameroon's history, cultures and crafts.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: anura_saliya (Anura Peiris), CC BY 2.0 Visit the Mefou primate sanctuary
Rescued gorillas, chimpanzees and smaller monkeys live in forest enclosures an hour or so outside the city.
Find tours -
Photo: Fabrice Beloko, CC BY-SA 4.0 Browse Marché Mokolo
The city's biggest market is crowded, loud and a fascinating window into daily life. Keep valuables close.
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Photo: Aso bolo, CC BY-SA 3.0 Eat poisson braisé
Grilled fish with spicy sauce, plantain and cold beer at an open-air grill is Yaoundé's classic night out.
Where to stay
Bastos
The leafy diplomatic quarter, with the best hotels, restaurants and a calmer atmosphere.
Hotels in BastosCentre-ville
Practical for ministries and the main sights, with mid-range hotels and plenty of transport.
Hotels in Centre-villeMont Fébé area
Quiet hillside location with greenery and views, but you will need taxis to get around.
Hotels in Mont Fébé area
Getting around
Shared yellow taxis are cheap and plentiful; tell the driver your destination and price, or hire one privately. Walking is hilly and the traffic is heavy.
Nsimalen airport is south of the city; a taxi to the centre takes around 40 minutes depending on traffic.
When to go
The long dry season from December to February is the most comfortable time to visit. A shorter dry spell comes in July and August, while the heaviest rains fall in spring and autumn.
Plan your trip to Yaoundé
- 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
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.