How safe is Cameroon?
In general, Cameroon (urban and rural) is a safe and very friendly place. Foreign visitors receive attention but it’s mainly warm and respectful. Cameroonians say they are kinder to strangers than to each other, however, do not flaunt iPods, newest mobile phones and other such goods. For more up-to-date information please visit the FCO website: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/sub-saharan-africa/ cameroon
What is the weather like in the South West Region?
It is advisable to take warm clothes –especially if you are planning to climb the mountain. The dry season is November to February. There’s light rain March to May and heavy (very heavy) rains between June to October and humid in July and August. Between December and May it’s an average of 40 ˚C.
Is the water safe to drink? What medicines should I bring with me?
Tap water is clean and good in Buea but in many places you should drink bottled water. It is always advisable to bring a first aid kit, antihistamine cream for insect bites, insect repellents, anti- diarrhea or constipation tablets and other medicines you regularly take including anti-malarial drugs, because getting hold of medicines can often be quite expensive and it is in fairly short supply.
Please note, that it is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel and medical insurance for your overseas trip.
What vaccinations do I need to have?
Yellow fever and meningitis vaccination certificates are obligatory on the arrival but please check with the embassy while applying for visa what is the most recent requirement.
With regards to other optional vaccinations and anti-malarial drugs please contact your GP, travel nurse or the local travel clinic. You should find the links below also very informative:
Centre for Disease Control and Prevention website: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/cameroon.htm
Travel Doctor website: http://www.traveldoctor.co.uk/africa.htm#1stb
NHS website: http://www.nhs.uk/nhsengland/Healthcareabroad/pages/Healthcareabroad.aspx
Where do I exchange the money?
Please try to obtain the local currency which is CFA from your local exchange office. Advice is not to take traveler cheques unless you are able to exchange them in Douala or Yaounde before moving to smaller cities, where there is no means of exchanging them. To be safe, take money with you or better still, have it wired. The only problem with wiring money is that it charges for the service so this is something to consider.
If you’re UK resident you can also get a Fair FX (Mastercard) card which currently gives the best exchange rates. It can be used however, only in Limbe, which is 30 mins drive from Buea. VISA card is the most popular.
It is possible to use ATMs in the main cities, so setting up a Cameroonian bank account is not necessary. If you decide however, to have one then bring with you few passport photos. All accounts from major international banks can be accessed via some Cameroon’s ATMs (BICEC and SGBC). Normally Cameroonian banks will charge a % on cash withdrawals. There is also a number of money exchange centers which are very easy to use – both in Cameroon and for those back home sending the money.
What clothes should I take?
Clothing needs vary depending on which time of year you go. You will need either dark, not overly revealing clothes for the dry season (dust is a major issue) and waterproof clothes for the rainy season. Do bring good trekking, waterproof shoes with summer clothes for the day and jumpers for the evenings.
Would there be anything useful for the organization I could take?
Our members would be grateful for any office equipment items, anything from pens, pencils, staplers, USB sticks, used (unlocked) mobile phones, to study books in English (or French), games, toys, clothes which we could donate to local orphanages.
