Yaoundé & Centre
The capital of seven hills and primate sanctuaries 🦍
Yaoundé, the political capital of Cameroon, is a sprawling city built over seven lush hills. Unlike the frenetic commerce of Douala, Yaoundé has a slightly more administrative and diplomatic atmosphere, though it remains busy and traffic-heavy. For visiting families, the city serves as the primary base for exploring the cultural and natural heritage of the Centre region. The National Museum, housed in the former presidential palace, offers a comprehensive tour through Cameroon's history, with exhibits ranging from tribal royalty to independence.
The absolute highlight for families is a trip to the Mefou National Park, located just outside the city. Run by Ape Action Africa, this sanctuary provides a safe haven for rescued primates, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and mandrills. Walking tours here are educational and moving, allowing children to see these magnificent animals in large, forested enclosures while learning about the threats of poaching and deforestation. It is a world-class conservation site that directly supports wildlife protection.
For a view of the city, families can head to the top of Mount Fébé. It offers a panoramic perspective of the hilly terrain and the urban sprawl below. Nearby, the Benedictine Museum of Mont Fébé displays a significant collection of Cameroonian art. Another worthwhile excursion is the town of Ebogo on the banks of the Nyong River. Here, families can take guided canoe trips in traditional dugouts to see massive ancient trees and local butterflies. The calm waters of the Nyong provide a peaceful contrast to the city noise. While Yaoundé is safer than the conflict zones, petty crime remains a risk, so families should use official taxis and avoid walking at night.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Home to the world-renowned Mefou Primate Sanctuary, offering families authentic encounters with rescued gorillas and chimpanzees in a pristine forest setting. The dry months of Dec-Feb provide optimal trail conditions and visibility, while the heavy rains of Sep-Oct can make forest exploration difficult.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
A sophisticated diplomatic hub featuring the National Museum and the Reunification Monument, set against a dramatic backdrop of seven lush hills. Peak conditions occur in the dry winter months (Dec-Feb) with lower humidity; torrential rains during the peak wet seasons (Apr-May and Sep-Oct) significantly impact urban mobility.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Provides high-quality primatology and Central African historical education through specialized conservation centers and well-curated national museums. Dry seasons (Dec-Feb) are best for outdoor conservation tours, whereas the heavy rainfall in Oct and May often limits access to field-based learning sites.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Luxury hilltop hotels like the Mont Fébé offer peaceful retreats with cooler temperatures and panoramic views of the forest canopy. While providing a quiet escape from the city, it lacks the dedicated world-class spa infrastructure found in global wellness hubs, with peak enjoyment occurring during the dry, sunny months.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Offers scenic drives through the 'land of seven hills' and routes into the surrounding rainforest to visit traditional villages. Driving is most enjoyable during the dry season (Dec-Feb) when road conditions are stable, but becomes challenging and less scenic during the high-precipitation months of Sep-Oct.
Attractions (28 total)
Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Mefou National Park
Mfou
A renowned wildlife sanctuary offering guided forest walks to observe rescued gorillas, chimpanzees, and other primates in large natural enclosures.
Visit website →Eco Park Ahala
Yaoundé
A family-oriented leisure and outdoor activity center featuring a mini-zoo, botanical gardens, and spacious green areas for recreation.
Ebogo Tourist Site
Mbalmayo
A serene eco-tourism center on the Nyong River featuring traditional canoe trips, forest hiking trails, and a massive 1,000-year-old Kosipo tree.
Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Mefou Primate Sanctuary
Mfou
A world-renowned sanctuary located within Mefou National Park, providing a safe haven for rescued gorillas, chimpanzees, and monkeys in a natural forest setting.
Visit website →Mvog-Betsi Zoo
Yaoundé
An established urban zoological and botanical garden featuring a variety of native Cameroonian wildlife including primates, big cats, and reptiles.
Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Mount Fébé Summit Drive
Yaoundé
Short but iconic 5km paved scenic climb (20 minutes) from the city center to the peak of Mount Fébé. This route offers the most famous panoramic views of the capital city, passing the Benedictine Monastery and the Presidential Palace grounds.
Visit website →The Road to Akono Cathedral
Yaoundé
60km paved drive (1 hour) through the humid forest zone of the Centre region. The route follows the N2 and secondary paved roads through traditional villages and cocoa plantations, culminating at the historic 1930s neo-gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame-des-Sept-Douleurs.
Visit website →The Ebogo Forest Drive
Yaoundé
65km paved route (approx. 1.5 hours) heading south-west from the capital through the lush equatorial forest to Mbalmayo and the Ebogo Tourist Site. Highlights include dense tropical canopy, the Nyong River crossing, and access to the 'Arbre Millénaire' (thousand-year-old tree).
Visit website →Hiking & Cycling Routes
Mount Fébé Summit Trail
Yaoundé
6.2km moderate loop trail with an elevation gain of approximately 380m. The route typically takes 2.5 hours to complete. It is a popular path for both hikers and mountain bikers, offering panoramic views of the Yaoundé skyline. The terrain is a mix of paved sections and rugged forest paths. No specific bike rental shops are located at the trailhead, but local operators in the city center can provide equipment.
Visit website →Ebogo Ecotourism Forest Trail
Mbalmayo
4.5km easy loop trail located within the Ebogo Ecotourism site along the Nyong River. Elevation gain is minimal at 80m. This forest walk takes about 1.5 hours and is famous for the 'Big Tree' (a 1,000-year-old Kosipo tree). The trail is flat and well-maintained, suitable for nature walks and seeing local flora and fauna. Often combined with traditional canoe trips on the river.
Visit website →Mbankolo Cross Trail
Yaoundé
5.4km moderate loop with an elevation gain of 310m. Typical duration is around 2 hours. The trail leads to the summit of Mount Mbankolo, known for the large pilgrimage cross. It provides excellent bird-watching opportunities and views of the Messa and Bastos neighborhoods. The route is frequently used for trail running and weekend fitness hikes.
Visit website →Mount Eloundem Ascent
Yaoundé
8.5km challenging out-and-back trek with an elevation gain of 610m. This trail usually requires 4 to 5 hours to navigate. The path is steep and can be slippery, cutting through dense humid forest to reach one of the highest peaks surrounding the capital. It is well-known among the local hiking community for its physical challenge and biodiversity.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
National Museum of Cameroon
Yaoundé
Housed in the former presidential palace, this museum showcases Cameroon's diverse cultural history through traditional regalia, masks, and colonial artifacts.
Reunification Monument
Yaoundé
A symbolic historic site featuring a spiral tower and bronze statues representing the 1961 union of French and British Cameroon.
Palais de Charles Atangana
Yaoundé
The historic colonial-era residence of the paramount chief of the Ewondo people, representing an important piece of the city's political history.
Basilique Marie-Reine-des-Apôtres
Yaoundé
Constructed on the site of the first Catholic mission in Cameroon, this basilica is a significant historic and religious landmark with unique modernist architecture.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame-des-Victoires
Yaoundé
A historic landmark in the heart of the capital, known for its striking triangular roof and as a central gathering place since the colonial era.
Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Bois Sainte Anastasie
Yaoundé
A well-maintained urban park in the city center offering manicured paths, tropical greenery, and a relaxing environment for families.
Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Centre Artisanal de Yaoundé
Yaoundé
A vibrant cultural market area where visitors can observe local artisans crafting traditional masks, textiles, and jewelry.
Ebogo Ecotourism Site
Mbalmayo
A cultural and natural village site on the Nyong River where families can ride traditional pirogues and see thousand-year-old trees.
Museum of Cameroonian Art
Yaoundé
Located within the Benedictine Monastery on Mount Fébé, this museum showcases a rare collection of traditional masks, bronze statues, and wooden carvings.
National Park / Nature Reserve
Mount Fébé
Yaoundé
A prominent green peak offering fresh air and the most famous panoramic views overlooking the capital city of Cameroon.
Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Musée d'Art Camerounais
Yaoundé
Located in a tranquil monastery on Mont Fébé, this collection features exceptional wood carvings and bronzes that provide a serene cultural experience for families.
Blackitude Museum
Yaoundé
This museum captivates visitors with a vast collection of tribal masks and royal regalia that represent the diverse cultural heritage of Cameroon.
Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Basilique Marie-Reine-des-Apôtres de Mvolyé
Yaoundé
A stunning piece of modern religious architecture on Mvolyé hill, known for its unique tent-like structure and impressive interior woodwork.
Cathédrale Notre Dame des Victoires
Yaoundé
A prominent city landmark with a unique modernist design and large capacity, serving as the spiritual heart of the capital's downtown area.
Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Ebogo Eco-touristic Site
Mbalmayo
A serene riverside destination offering traditional wooden canoe trips on the Nyong River and educational trails through ancient mangrove forests.
Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Mvog-Betsi Zoological Garden
Yaoundé
A natural history and wildlife education center featuring indigenous Cameroonian species including reptiles, primates, and lions.
