Capital · Cameroon
Yaoundé
Give Yaoundé 2 nights as a capital stop between Douala and the west: museums, markets and hills, no beach. Skip it if your trip is coast-only.
Yaoundé is Cameroon's capital and second city, built on hills at about 700 m, so days stay under 30°C. It is a government and business town first: museums, markets, a basilica and viewpoints, with little tourist infrastructure. Most visitors arrive by plane at Nsimalen, by train or bus from Douala, and use it as a 2-night stop before heading west or south.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- XAF
- Best months
- Nov–Feb (dry season)
- avoid Jul–Sep (heaviest rain); travel before holidays when bus seats and fares spike
- Airport
- NSI
- Nights
- 2
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 8Nine African countries on this site have no trip line bec…Sort the visa before the flight
- Africa ↗When a route touches a yellow-fever country — even a transit of 12 hours or more — keep the original yellow card (ICVP) in your hand luggage; health desks and airlines can refuse boarding or entry without it.
- Africa ↗Nine African countries on this site have no trip line because governments advise against travel; several others have no-go regions. Read your government's advice for every country on the route before paying deposits.
- Central Africa ↗Sort the visa before the flight: none of the seven countries reliably issues tourist visas on arrival to Western passports, and e-visas here are tied to named airports.
- Central Africa ↗Carry the original yellow fever vaccination certificate in your hand luggage; health desks at every Central African airport ask for it, and a missing card can mean refusal or a jab at the desk.
- Central Africa ↗Before booking anything in or near the DRC, read the WHO Ebola situation page and your own government's health notice: the 2026 outbreak brought quarantine and boarding rules for people who have been in the DRC.
- Cameroon ↗Apply for the Cameroon e-visa on evisacam.cm and fly into Douala or Yaoundé; arrivals by land or sea need a visa stamped by an embassy beforehand.
- Cameroon ↗Check your government's advice region by region: the Far North, North-West and South-West regions, Bakassi and strips along the Nigeria, Chad and CAR borders carry advice against all travel.
- Cameroon ↗Book a travel-clinic visit several weeks ahead: malaria prevention is needed everywhere in Cameroon, all year.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Yaoundé117 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Yaoundé, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Central African CFA franc (XAF), shared with neighbouring countries in the region and pegged to the euro (655.957 XAF = €1 (≈ US$2)).Cameroon-wide
- SIM or eSIMMTN and Orange are the main networks (Camtel's Blue and Nexttel too); buy a SIM at an official shop with your passport — registration is compulsory.Cameroon-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap.Cameroon-wide
- TippingHotel restaurant: 5–10% if no service charge.Cameroon-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/E. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Cameroon-wide
- SafetyYaoundé is calm by regional standards but not a walking city at night: use taxis after dark, keep to known quartiers…
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels and restaurants; squat or pit toilets on the road.Cameroon-wide
- Emergency numbers117 police · 118 fire · 119 ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysOffices close on public holidays and Friday afternoons in Muslim areas; many shops close Sunday.Cameroon-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportNSI Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport (About 27 km (17 mi) south of the centre; taxi to town about XAF 4,500–6,000, negotiated before the ride.).NSI Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport (About 17 mi (27 km) south of the centre; taxi to town about XAF 4,500–6,000, negotiated before the ride.).
- Getting aroundYellow shared taxis are the default: about XAF 250 a seat in town, negotiated, no meters; say "depot" for a private hire, around XAF 1,000…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or soft drinkXAF 500–1,500
- Street or quick mealStreet meal (beans, grilled fish, barbecue)XAF 1,000–3,000
- Beerbar / supermarketXAF 1,000–1,500XAF 600–900
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Shared taxi ride in townXAF 250
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekXAF 5,000–10,000
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum entryXAF 1,000–5,000
- Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per personXAF 6,000
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomXAF 35,000
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomXAF 70,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget XAF 15,000 · Mid XAF 30,000 · High XAF 60,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- NSI Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport (About 27 km (17 mi) south of the centre; taxi to town about XAF 4,500–6,000, negotiated before the ride.)NSI Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport (About 17 mi (27 km) south of the centre; taxi to town about XAF 4,500–6,000, negotiated before the ride.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Feb
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Mar
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Apr
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
May
not flagged
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jun
not flagged
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jul
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Aug
Avoid
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Sep
Avoid
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Oct
not flagged
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Nov
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Dec
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Best: Nov–Feb. Avoid: Jul–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest Feb (31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)), coolest Aug (19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C) low), wettest Oct (22 rain days), driest Jan (3). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Yaoundé: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
3 rd
Feb
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
4 rd
Mar
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
10 rd
Apr
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
14 rd
May
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
17 rd
Jun
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
16 rd
Jul
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
13 rd
Aug
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
14 rd
Sep
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
20 rd
Oct
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
22 rd
Nov
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11 rd
Dec
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
4 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Yellow shared taxis are the default: about XAF 250 a seat in town, negotiated, no meters; say "depot" for a private hire, around XAF 1,000, or rent by the hour for XAF 2,500–3,000. Yango ride-hailing works in the city. Stecy city buses run about 13 lines on Tap & Go cards, including two airport routes to the central post office. Moto taxis are cheap but crash-prone and restricted to their own district; avoid them. Streets mostly have no names, so navigate by quartier and landmark, not address.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: 3 h 45 min by train; bus time check
Camrail Intercity train from Gare-voyageur, or a bus from Mvan, Biyem Assi or Nsam stations
Travel by day; the road has many checkpoints and night accidents are common.
Djoum
overnightDoor to door: check
Bus south towards Ebolowa, then onward transport
Too far for a return day; sleep one night and continue south.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
City centre (Boulevard du 20 mai, Quartier des ministères)
Central core with the central market, cathedral, post office and several hotels; walkable in daylight (check). Best for a short stay without a car.
Bastos
Upscale, quiet, embassies and NGOs; taxi ride from the centre (check). Best for business trips and longer stays.
Camp SIC Hippodrome
Central hill with banks, ministries and restaurants; a middle option between the centre and Bastos.
Omnisports (Mfandena)
Upscale hill northeast of the centre, stadium at the top. Quiet nights, taxi needed for everything (check).
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- XAF 15,000–25,000 excl. bed (2026 estimate)
- Mid
- XAF 25,000–50,000 excl. bed (2026 estimate)
- High
- XAF 50,000+ excl. bed (2026 estimate)
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 2 nights × XAF 35,000 | XAF 70,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × XAF 30,000 | XAF 120,000 |
| Nsimalen airport taxi, both ways2 × XAF 10,000 · check | XAF 20,000 |
| Shared taxi, per ride in town2 × XAF 300 · check | XAF 500 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × XAF 8,000 · check | XAF 16,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | XAF 22,700 |
| Trip total≈ XAF 62,300 per person per day, bed included | XAF 249,200 |
2026 estimate in CFA francs; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or soft drink | XAF 500–1,500 |
| Street meal (beans, grilled fish, barbecue) | XAF 1,000–3,000 |
| Restaurant main in the centre or Bastos | XAF 4,000–10,000 |
| Beer: bar / supermarket | XAF 1,000–1,500 / XAF 600–900 |
| Shared taxi ride in town | XAF 250 |
| Private taxi hire by the hour | XAF 2,500–3,000 |
| Museum entry | XAF 1,000–5,000 |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | XAF 5,000–10,000 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The Douala–Yaoundé road is congested with many checkpoints: travel by day, never at night.
- Bus companies are unregulated and short-lived; ask at the station which one currently has the best safety record, and take the 'prestige' service from Douala if you can.
- Trains are often delayed and accidents are common; scalpers and petty thieves work the stations.
- Police, gendarmerie and Prévention Routière roadblocks are frequent: carry your licence and car papers, and expect bribe requests.
- When the president or VIPs move to or from the airport, the main road can close for hours.
- Pavements have potholes, missing manhole covers and mud; vendors block what is left.
- La Briquetterie has a dangerous reputation; go for the barbecue and tailors in daylight only.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 117
- Fire
- 118
- Ambulance
- 119
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
YaoundéYaoundé
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
À cette adresse, s'il vous plaîtTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police117
- Fire118
- Ambulance119
Embassy
Most embassies and consulates are in Bastos; check your own country's listing before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Nsimalen Airport → centre, taxi: about XAF 4,500–6,000, negotiated before the ride
- Shared taxi in town: about XAF 250 a seat
- Train Yaoundé → Douala, Intercity: about 3 h 45 min; fare check at the station
Say or show
- Bonjour — Hello (bon-ZHOOR)
- Merci — Thank you (mer-SEE)
- C'est combien ? — How much is it? (say kom-BYEN)
- C'est trop cher — Too expensive (say tro SHARE)
- Je descends ici — I want to get off here (zhuh day-SAHN ee-SEE)
- Où sont les toilettes ? — Where is the toilet? (oo son lay twa-LET)
Streets mostly have no names: give the driver a quartier and a landmark, not an address.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Yaoundé. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Feb (dry season) · avoid Jul–Sep (heaviest rain); travel before holidays when bus seats and fares spike · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 7 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for NSI: taxi band, Yango fallback, night-arrival rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Boulevard du 20 mai, the museum and basilica cluster, Mokolo, Mont Fébé.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (National Museum, Cameroon Art Museum, basilica, zoo) and eat pages with last orders.
- Rain and roadblock fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialCameroon Tourism (official)
- officialCamrail (passenger rail)
- officialYaoundé Nsimalen International Airport (ADC)
- officialStecy city buses
- officialYango Yaoundé
- secondaryWikivoyage: Yaoundé, revision 5292544 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Ask about Yaoundé
Loading…
Was this useful?