Outside the swelling and modernised cities of Cameroon (Cameroun), rainforests stretch from the Atlantic Ocean, giving way to savannah and semi-desert in the north. Elephants and bongos congregate by the hundreds in some of Africa's best wildlife parks, and beachcombers laze on long, isolated beaches.
In addition to its French and British colonial past, there are over 130 ethnic groups in the country speaking dozens of languages. Islam and Christianity compete for souls, as do an array of traditional animist beliefs. Cameroon has its problems and can be a challenge, but it's worth it.
Warning
Theft and banditry are irritants for travellers in Cameroon, especially in the north. Occasionally violent carjackings can occur in Douala, Yaounde, Maroua and Kribi. Poorer neighbourhoods, such as Yaoundé's La Briquetterie and Mokolo, should be avoided.
The border with Congo is closed now. Overland journeys can be difficult. Border areas along the Central African Republic and the Nigerian Bakassi Peninsula region should be avoided.
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