A country at the crossroads of land and waters

Cameroon is located in Central Africa, in the hearth of the Gulf of Guinea, overhanging the Equator. Surrounded by waters, the country is stretching from the Atlantic coast to Lake Chad at the edge of the Sahara region. It had borders with Nigeria, Chad, Central African Republic, Congo, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

A contrasted relief

Right in the heart of Africa, Cameroon looks like a triangle with a total area of 475 442 km2. The country has been naturally blessed with an original and even contrasted relief, valuing its plurality. The Prince of the relief is Adamaoua plateau, a mountainous range which separates the North and the South, linking up the national landscape at once.

In the South, coastal plains and islands offer an image of luxuriant and deep tropical forests, as well as the typical Savannah and Steppe view that join up Lake Chad, making the whole very popular among tourists. Towering 1 370 m, Adamaoua plateau dominates Benoué plain along the border with Nigeria in the North and the West.

It reaches 2 460 m over the North and the grassy lands of the West.

However, Mount Cameroun in the South West, an active volcano, towering 4 095 m and overhanging a chain of high mountains is the highest point in the country.

One country, two climates

Cameroon has two types of climates.

In the North and Far North: tropical climate with a light rainy season and high temperatures (average 30° C) increasing as you advance in arid lands.

In the South, western high plateaus and coastal plains are influenced by sea and relief with heavy and regular rains and constant temperatures (average 26° C).

At the source of Cameroon

Most rivers spring up in Adamaoua plateau. The other ones runs over the West East edge of southern shelf, climbing down the waterfalls and rapids in a wonderful spectacle. Sanaga and Benoué are the main rivers of Cameroon. The first one irrigates the equatorial forest of the South West and pours in the Atlantic; the second one goes across western areas before joining Niger River in Nigeria. It is navigable part of the year. Wouri, an affluent of Sanaga river, stands for the main sea entrance in the Douala Port. Moreover, there is a large number of lakes inside the lands.

A luxuriant vegetation

The natural beauty and diversity invites people to a stronger respect of environment protection. Therefore, tourists have a great opportunity to find out their harmony with Nature and its treasure. Because vegetation reflects climate, it is humid in the luxuriant tropical forests of the South, which represents more than one third of the total area.

Before reaching the ‘’Savannah’’, tourist could discover a landscape mosaic of grass and galleries. Then, they should meet the dry woods of Sudan Savannah, at the foothills of Adamaoua plateau. Dryness and heats of Sahara region represent the classic image of the North, full of acacias. Finally, a specific and terraced vegetation appears in the highest mountains above 2 500 m, like on the famous Mount Cameroon.

A renewed landscape

At first glance, the tourist is surprised by the beautiful diversity of Cameroonian landscape. His curiosity is excited along the trail of discovery, from picturesque mountains to grey-sandy beaches.

In the North, lunar landscapes like the Kapsikis outstand over the surrounding steppes. Irrigated by great rivers, the South and East tropical forests dominate the territory.

In the South coast, near Kribi, ‘’The Cameroonian Côte D’Azur’’, tourists really appreciate the pleasure of the vast sandy beaches shaded by coconut trees.

Finally, Mount Cameroon in the South West, an active volcano towering over the Ocean, offers its black-sandy beaches at Limbe along with other beautiful colours of Cameroon.

Free and protected animals

Cameroon is a real paradise for animals in the wild. The country concentrates the best fauna of Central Africa, through its 9 natural parks and other numerous reserves. Such an exceptional resource stands for a treasure to all tourist in search of ‘’The Soul of Africa’’.

Their dreams become true in the northern savannah when they meet lions, giraffes, elephants, rhinoceros ...etc. Down in the South, forests and rivers full of funny gorillas are waiting for their visits.