25 Places to Go in 2025 Spotlight: Cameroon

It’s easy for nature to take the spotlight here: Chase waterfalls straight to the sea with a visit to the Chutes de la Lobé, or visit Mount Cameroon National Park to see the Mount Cameroon Volcano — the highest in West Africa at 13,255 feet elevation. The protected Parc National de Campo-Ma’an covers nearly 3,000 square miles of rainforest that’s filled with wildlife like elephants, leopards, and gorillas and is an ecotourism destination where knowledgeable guides are easy to come by. Or head north for a more traditional safari feel complete with giraffes and lions at Waza National Park.

Cultural sites match the allure of the natural environment. The Bafut palace is still home to a descendant of a 700-year-old dynasty, and visitors can see the public side of the building through the palace museum or market that’s held every eight days. The capital of Yaoundé is where you’ll find the National Museum and the Benedictine monastery of Mont Fébé, while the largest city, Douala, is defined by ports and markets. A more relaxing stay can be found at the beach town of Limbe near Mount Cameroon or explore the arts in Foumban.

A range of hotels are available to book in the cities, though the number of nature-focused eco-lodges (Oveng Lodge and Eden Lodge, to name a few) will tempt even the biggest city lovers out of the metropolis.