Tourism in Cameroon: An Immense Potential to be Exploited

Cameroon: the tourist sleeping giant

Africa in miniature, microcosm of Africa, tourist Eldorado, island of peace, all Africa in one place, the list of names vaunting Cameroon’s tourist potential is endless. And these are not unfounded if you consider the geography, history and culture of the nation. The highest summit in west and central Africa, the rainiest place in Africa, Mount Cameroon featuring an annual international mountain race; a climate and vegetation that represents every variety in Africa from the dense equatorial rainforest in the South to the desert surrounding Lake Chad in the northern tip of the country, passing through the montane forests of Mount Cameroon, the Kupe-Manenguba and Western Highlands; the moonscape of the Kapsiki and Rumsiki; the white and grey sandy and rocky beaches from Kribi to Rio del Rey; lively people from all the main human groups in Africa including Pigmy, Sudanese and Bantu, with their varying cultural heritage.

Historical background

Yet, just like its economic potential as a whole, the tourism potential of the country has remained dormant since the country started making efforts to develop the sector. These efforts began with President Ahmadou Ahidjo who, in 1974, created a general commissariat of tourism and up graded it to the General Delegation for tourism which he charged with encouraging private investment in tourist and transport infrastructure. The creation of the ministry of tourism has done little more than translate the government’s will to see this sector truly emerge and deliver on all the expectations, judging that Cameroon, with almost an equivalent tourist potential as Kenya or Tanzania, has only an infinitesimal fraction of their international tourist visit numbers. 

According to a posting on Wikipedia, tourists face several obstacles in Cameroon. Photography is difficult, since Cameroonian authorities resent tourists taking photographs that may cast Cameroon in a negative light. The government forbids all photography of government buildings and personnel, airports, bridges, and markets. Treatment of tourists by Cameroonian officials is deplorable since tourists are subjected to unnecessarily long, thorough searches on entering and leaving the country and police or gendarmes at roadblocks, airports and border posts usually misinterpret the law to harass foreign visitors for bribes.

Today

These problems persist in various forms. Not only do some ministry of tourism officials attempt to downplay other attractions and foster not so attractive sites in localities where they have private interests, but also, local tourism, which should be a foundation of the activity is virtually in the doldrums since an economic crisis sent the country’s economy crashing like a pack of cards in 1987 and the present regime ushered in an unprecedented era of corruption and embezzlement which has hindered public infrastructure development while regime barons have made a lot of irrational investments with embezzled money. While walking along the beaches in Kribi, towering hotels can be seen running decrepit under the chelating sea salt as they wait in vain for tourists, counting themselves lucky to receive a handful per year. The hotels were built to very high standards, targeting imaginary tourists while local tourists entertain a dream of sleeping in them one day but are forced to make do with a few hours stay and hurried returns to limit expenses.

The home travel industry in France is worth ….., that of Italy ….., Spain ….., USA …., South Africa ….., Kenya …., Nigeria …., Egypt …. It will therefore seem that, Cameroonians need to start enjoying their attractions before they will become more saleable to international tourists. Simply, international tourists should meet already organised circuits, trained guides and caterers, etc, and these should have been established, no tourist will like to offer themselves as an opportunity for lame duck caterers to learn their trade. Tourists want to enjoy the best there is.

Nevertheless, there is hope! Given that the economy is growing at an annual rate of 5% and the state has undertaken several giant infrastructural development projects, with many others in the pipeline, the tourism sector stands to gain from the momentum infused by increased business travellers. The government has not spared efforts in marketing the country as a safe haven for investments. The country’s eco-tourism potential, by virtue of its geographical diversity is now well known the world over, the reputation being spread by the country’s huge intellectual diaspora. Then, there is the pure irresistible quality of the attractions.

The news is also good because of the rising middle class in the country. The more educated type who recognize the value in taking a holiday with their family. If you are part of this group, then there many reasons why you should.  

If you feel tempted and have saved up enough for a trip, here are a few attractions you should not fail to visit for any reason on earth. They are certified to make good discussion in every social gathering, if not cut my fingers since I am typing and not talking. Where will you meet me? May be you will catch me revisiting one of them, for I have never gotten enough despite my myriad visits.

Chariot Hotel

Buea, has been on the global tourist map but had always lacked a classy hotel, always losing potential customers to its more vibrant seaside neighbour, Limbe. But with Chariot hotel, things have changed and don’t be surprised to catch Limbe residents sneaking in to catch on the bliss. With its giant conference and show rooms and a world class night club, it is easily the best Hotel West of the Mungo. One thing, if you are Phelps emulator, you can spend time with young blood University of Buea students in its Olympic sized pool.

Mount Cameroon race and eco-tourism attractions

 Scrubland on the Chariot of the Gods

No one needs to introduce the Mountain Race to you again, even if you were born during the last rainfall, but this is what you may want to know. After the race, several amateur mountaineers organize excursions to benefit from the road cleared for the race. Do you like to experience life from the roof of west and central Africa or the chariot of the gods? Then don’t forget to get a rucksack and some sturdy shoes. The mountain is also a temple for nature lovers with main attractions including elephants, drills, and endemic birds. And if Cameroon is Africa in miniature, then, Mount Cameroon is Cameroon in miniature. Climate and vegetation wise at least as there is a gradual transition from the dense equatorial forest on the foot of the Mountain from Limbe, Tiko, through Mutengene. There is a gradual transition into a more open forest upwards from Buea and thence into various shades of savannah before the steppe of the summit, that reminisces of a cold Sahara morning under the biting Harmattan.

Bafut fon’s palace and Saddle Hill Ranch, Lehla festival, Bali

Saddle Hill Ranch may be a Benjamin among tourist rest houses but its reputation has ridden on the horse of ICTs and spans the entire globe. Talking of horses, you are free to try riding one at the ranch. If you are the culture and history loving type, then you will want to visit the Bafut Palace with its antiquities museum and why not the Bali annual dance festival, the Lehla coming up in December.

Menchum, Abi Falls

Are you one of those who stand fascinated and humbled by nature each time you see its wonderful work of sculpture? You’ve seen nothing yet if you have not seen the Menchum and Abi falls. If you are a sturdy one then you may start your visit on the Abi in the heart of Mbengwi town and navigate along the banks to the fastflowing Mezam River and thence to the majestic Menchum Falls, Cameroon’s greatest HEP potential which has unfortunately been relegated to the backwaters for political expediency. The rivers dwindle significantly during the dry season but it is the best time to go visiting because the rainfall and danger of flash floods during the rainy season tick this period off. Under the scorching sun, the occasional pool may be tempting for a swim but beware of the rocky riverbed and above all, make sure you are a Mungo Park or Zintgraff because, my friend, you simply have to walk most of the 40 km between these two wonders of nature.

Hanging Bridges (Manyu)

Experience the feel of extreme sports on the hanging bridge spanning the Manyu on the road linking Mamfe to Akwaya and if you are bold enough, you may be able to contemplate how the Germans achieved the feat of constructing it in those colonial days when technology was in its infancy. Lake Ejagham, with its fish catching eagles and the hippopotamuses and alligators of the Monaya, Manyu and Cross Rivers are also a must watch.

Twin Manenguba Lakes

Korup National Park

Limbe Zoo and Botanic Gardens