Cameroon: Africa's Best-Kept Secret

While the world rushes to the pyramids of Egypt or the safaris of Kenya, Cameroon sits quietly in Central Africa — a mysterious, multilingual, and massively misunderstood country.

It's a country that doesn't beg for attention but deserves it anyway. With more than 200 ethnic groups, ancient rainforests, lava-spewing volcanoes, and one of the world's oldest presidents, Cameroon is not an Instagrammable destination. It's better — it's real.

Map of Cameroon.

🌍 Where the Entire Continent Lives in One Country

Cameroon is often referred to as "Africa in miniature," and it's not just a slogan. From humid coastal plains to Sahelian savannahs, rainforest jungles to volcanic peaks, Cameroon encompasses nearly every African landscape within its borders. Add to that an estimated 230 to 282 distinct ethnic and linguistic groups, and you begin to grasp the country's complexity.

In Cameroon, even saying “hello” comes in more dialects than you’d hear across the entire EU.

Traffic Circle in Yaoundé - the Capital City of Cameroon.

This human mosaic hasn't just survived — it thrives. Local festivals, ancient rituals, modern fashion, and culinary traditions reflect a living anthropology that you won't find in sanitized resorts.

🇨🇲 Etymology of "Cameroon"

1. Portuguese Origins

The name "Cameroon" comes from the Portuguese word "Camarões", which means "shrimps" or "prawns."

• In the 15th century (1472), Portuguese explorers led by Fernando Pó (or Fernão do Pó) sailed up a large river on the West African coast.
• There, they encountered an overwhelming abundance of shrimp in the river — so many that the explorers were stunned.
• They called the waterway the Rio dos Camarões, meaning "River of Shrimps."

The name "Cameroon" originates from the Portuguese word "Camarões," meaning "shrimps" or "prawns."

2. Colonial Mispronunciation + Linguistic Evolution

• As other European powers came in — the Germans, British, and French — they transformed the name:
  • German: Kamerun
  • French: Cameroun
  • English: Cameroon
• Despite their different versions, all stemmed from the original Portuguese name, which is based on the shrimp-rich river.

The Reunification Monument in the capital city of Yaoundé, Cameroon, was constructed in the 1970s and commemorates the reunification of British and French Cameroon following colonial rule.

3. The Shrimp River = Wouri River

• The original "Shrimp River" is now known as the Wouri River, which flows near Douala, Cameroon's largest city.
• So yes — the entire country is essentially named after a seafood sighting by 15th-century Portuguese sailors.

Savannah in Waza National Park. Waza National Park is a national park located in the Far North Province of Cameroon.

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🧠 Fun Historical Irony:

• Cameroon is now known for its volcanoes, gorillas, rainforests, and ethnolinguistic complexity…
• Yet the entire name comes from something as humble and edible as a shrimp.

Mud buildings in Koza commune in Mayo-Tsanaga Department, Cameroon. In 2005, the population was recorded at 81076 people.

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🤓 One-Sentence Summary:

“Cameroon” comes from the Portuguese ‘Rio dos Camarões’ — ‘River of Shrimps’ — named in 1472 after explorers were overwhelmed by crustaceans in what’s now the Wouri River.”

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🌋 Mount Cameroon: The Sleeping Giant

At 4,095 meters, Mount Cameroon is West Africa's highest peak — and it's alive. This massive volcano last erupted in 2012 and remains a thrilling, climbable beast for adventure tourists.

Scenic View of Mount Cameroon Mountain with Green Forest during Sunset.

We collected eight unique facts about Mount Cameroon:

• "Chariot of the Gods": Mount Cameroon is known locally as "Mongo ma Ndemi," which translates to "Mountain of Greatness" or "Chariot of the Gods." This name reflects the awe and respect the local Bakweri people have for the towering volcano.
• One of Africa's Most Active Volcanoes: Mount Cameroon is one of the continent's most active volcanoes, experiencing frequent eruptions. Its most recent major eruption occurred in 2000, and several minor eruptions have been recorded since then.

The Summit of Mountain Cameroon with its craters.

• Home to a Unique Species: The mountain is home to the Mount Cameroon francolin (Pternistis camerunensis), a rare and endemic bird species found only on its slopes. This makes it a significant site for biodiversity.
• Foot Race of Hope: An annual event called the "Mount Cameroon Race of Hope" is held on the mountain. This grueling race attracts athletes from around the world who compete to be the first to reach the summit and descend.
• Diverse Climatic Zones: Despite being a single mountain, Mount Cameroon exhibits a remarkable range of climatic zones, from tropical rainforest at its base to sub-alpine grasslands and even bare rock near its summit.

Mount Cameroon is just behind.

• Coastal Volcano: It's one of the few volcanoes in Africa that is located so close to the coast, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean from its upper slopes on clear days.
• Tea Plantations: The fertile volcanic soils at the foot of Mount Cameroon are ideal for agriculture, and extensive tea plantations can be found on its lower slopes, contributing significantly to the local economy.

A beautiful setting in Ngaoundaba, a popular tourist destination close to Ngaoundere in the Adamaoua region of Cameroon. Ngaoundaba is home to a crater lake surrounded by lush vegetation and a diverse array of birds.

• Historical Explorations: Mount Cameroon has long attracted explorers and botanists. The first recorded ascent by a European was made in 1861 by Sir Richard Francis Burton, a renowned British explorer.

“Cameroon is ‘Africa in miniature’ — we have the full range of African cultures, climates, languages, and landscapes in one country,” says Ngune Delphine, a Certified National Tour Guide from Yaoundé. “What makes us different isn’t just the nature — it’s the people. Our food, our festivals, our clothes, even our housing styles change from one region to the next. It’s like crossing borders without leaving home.”

The International Crafts Fair of Cameroon (SIARC) is a biennial event that promotes, markets, trains, and facilitates exchanges of crafts. It is the culmination of a long process of identifying and selecting the best works, which begins in the municipalities, continues at departmental fairs, and ends with regional fairs, from which the works that will represent Cameroon's artisanal diversity are selected.

Debunscha Point

And just below it, the village of Debundscha earns another title: the wettest inhabited place on Earth, with annual rainfall that makes London look like a desert. We collected five curious facts about Debunscha Point on Mount Cameroon:

1. One of the Wettest Places on Earth: Debunscha Point is renowned for its extraordinarily high annual rainfall, receiving over 10,000 mm (400 inches) of precipitation per year. This makes it one of the top five wettest places globally, often compared to Cherrapunji and Mawsynram in India.

A rare guided canoe tour through the flooded rainforest near Debundscha Point — one of the wettest inhabited places on Earth. Don't try this alone. Go deep with a local guide who knows every branch, bend, and current.

2. Rain almost every day: Due to its unique geographical position at the foot of Mount Cameroon, directly facing the South Atlantic Ocean, Debunscha experiences consistent and heavy downpours throughout much of the year, particularly from May to October. Locals sometimes describe it as raining almost every day.

3. Mountain's Rain Shadow Effect: The massive Mount Cameroon, rising sharply from the coast, effectively blocks rain-forming clouds from passing further inland. This "rain shadow" effect forces the moist air to release its precipitation heavily on the southwestern slopes, where Debunscha Point is located.

The Kapsiki Mountains, situated in the Mayo-Tshanaga region of the Far North, are renowned for their breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Among these peaks, the iconic Rhumsiki Peak stands out as a prominent landmark, attracting hikers and nature enthusiasts alike. This region is characterized by its dramatic rock formations, lush valleys, and diverse flora and fauna, making it an ideal destination for adventure seekers and those interested in exploring the natural beauty of Cameroon. Visitors to the Kapsiki Mountains can also engage with the local communities, experiencing the unique traditions and lifestyles of the indigenous peoples.

4. Impact of Climate Change: Historically known for its extreme wetness, there have been reports of a substantial decrease in precipitation in recent years, which some attribute to global warming. This has led to changes in the local environment, impacting traditional activities such as fishing and agriculture.

5. Small Coastal Village: Despite its global fame for rainfall, Debunscha Point is a relatively small village situated on the coast in Cameroon's Southwest Region, specifically in the Fako Division. Its existence is primarily defined by its unique meteorological conditions and its proximity to the active volcano.

Forest Understory Spotlight

In Cameroon, the rainforest undergrowth isn't just green—it's teeming with life. Watch for Impatiens sakeriana, whose crimson-yellow flowers hover midshaft like nature's signposts, and Gnetum africanum, the wild vine locals harvest for cuisine and medicine. These plants thrive under constant humidity and filtered light—a secret world beneath the canopy.

This biodiversity-rich understory hides everything from edible vines used in local soups to bright blossoms pollinated by sunbirds. What plants would you name if you were here?

⚠️ Note for Tourists

• Always ask before touching or picking forest plants — many have medicinal or cultural value.
• Take nothing but photos—Cameroon's understory includes vulnerable and endemic species that deserve protection.
• Learn from your guide. Local knowledge brings the forest to life in ways no guidebook can.

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Spectacular Ekom Waterfall, Height of 80 m, one of the Ekom-Nkam Waterfalls in the Jungles of Nkongsamba in the Lush Green Rainforest of Cameroon.

Wildlife of Cameroon

Cameroon, often dubbed "Africa in miniature" due to its incredible geographical and climatic diversity, boasts a vibrant array of wildlife. From the dense tropical rainforests of the South to the semi-arid savannas and montane regions in the north, the country supports a vast number of species. Its forests are part of the critical Congo Basin ecosystem, providing vital habitats for endangered primates, such as the Western lowland gorilla and chimpanzees, as well as forest elephants, leopards, and a wide variety of monkeys, rodents, and bats.

Locals enjoy playing water games in the Gulf of Guinea.

The northern savannas are home to lions, cheetahs, hyenas, and the largest hippopotamus population in West-Central Africa. The country also harbors numerous bird species, with over 900 recorded, including endemics such as the Mount Cameroon francolin and Bannerman's turaco, alongside a diverse reptile and amphibian population, making it a hotspot for biodiversity.

Scenic Verdant Landscape in Foumbot, Cameroon.

The flora of Cameroon is equally impressive, with over 9,000 plant species identified across its varied ecosystems. The hot and humid South is characterized by dense rainforests with towering hardwood evergreen trees, such as mahogany, ebony, and sapelli, often festooned with orchids, mosses, and lichens. Along the coast, extensive mangrove forests thrive. As one moves northward, the vegetation transitions to semi-deciduous forests, then wooded savannas with scattered trees, and finally to sparser, drier scrubland near the Chad basin. The montane regions, including Mount Cameroon, exhibit a unique high-altitude flora, featuring distinct species of trees, grasslands, and even bamboo, which demonstrates the country's remarkable botanical diversity.

Cameroon sheep (Ovis aries cameroon).

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🐸 The Goliath Frog (Conraua goliath): Everything Tourists Should Know

🎯 Basic Facts First (to impress the casual tourist):

Feature	Detail
Scientific name	Conraua goliath
Location	Cameroon 🇨🇲 Equatorial Guinea 🇬🇶
Habitat	Fast-flowing rainforest rivers with waterfalls and boulders
Length	Up to 34 cm (13 in) (body only — without legs!)
Weight	Over 3.2 kg (7 lbs) (heavier than a Chihuahua)
Lifespan (in the wild)	10–15 years
Conservation status	Endangered due to habitat loss and hunting

 

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🧠 Extra-Wild Facts That Tourists (and Bloggers) Will Love:

• They're the Only Known Amphibians to Build Nests with Rocks
  • Goliath frogs physically move heavy stones with their limbs to create safe pools in the riverbed for their tadpoles.
  • That's not just rare — it's architectural intelligence in a cold-blooded body.

• They Don't Croak or Ribbit
  • Goliath frogs don't vocalize like most frogs. They communicate through body language and vibrations in water.
  • So, if you hear a frog chorus — it's not them. Goliaths are the silent giants.

• They Jump Like Olympic Athletes
  • Despite their size, they can jump up to 3 meters in a single bound.
  • That's about 10 times their body length — and almost always into water.

• They're Not Slimy — They're Muscular and Dry
  • Tourists expecting a soft, gooey frog may be surprised: Goliaths feel firm and muscular, almost like a small dog.

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🧭 Where to See Them (Realistically):

• You'll need to travel to southwestern Cameroon, especially near:
  • Mount Manengouba
  • Ebo Forest
  • Nkam River and Sanaga Basin
• Local guides (like Delphine) may be able to connect tourists with wildlife trackers or conservationists who know the terrain.

Fishing Boat in Cameroon.

⚠️ Warning:

These areas are not touristy. No signs, no fences. Just nature and real adventure — which is precisely the appeal.

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📜 How Tourists Should Behave if They Encounter a Goliath Frog

This is crucial for responsible tourism and conservation:

✅ DO:

• Observe Quietly
  • Stay silent. Goliaths are shy. Loud noises = splash, gone forever.
• Keep a Distance
  • Stay at least 2–3 meters away. Use zoom lenses if you're taking photos.

• Watch for Their Nest
  • If you see a small rock pool with tadpoles, that's probably a Goliath nursery. Don't disturb it.
• Go with a Local Guide
  • Never try to find them alone. It's dangerous (slippery rivers, snakes), and you'll likely fail.
• Be Patient and Move Slowly
  • Frogs will spot sudden movement. Blend in and wait.

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❌ DON'T:

• Never Touch or Pick Them Up
  • It causes severe stress and can damage their skin. Plus, they can carry bacteria that's harmful to humans — and vice versa.
• Don't Shine Bright Lights
  • Flash photography or headlamps can disorient them and scare them off — or worse, damage their sensitive eyes.

• Don't Feed Them
  • Goliath frogs eat live prey (insects, fish, crustaceans). Human food can be harmful or fatal.
• Don't Post Exact Locations on Social Media
  • Poachers monitor Instagram and YouTube for wildlife locations. Keep coordinates vague.

Western Lowland Gorilla.

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🛡️ Why They Matter (and Why They Might Vanish)

Goliath frogs are endemic — they are found only in Cameroon and a small region of Equatorial Guinea. That makes them ultra-vulnerable.

• They're hunted for meat and the exotic pet trade.
• Habitat destruction from agriculture and logging is a huge threat.
• Climate change is altering river flow, which in turn affects the breeding sites of these species.

So every respectful tourist visit helps create demand for preservation — and shows locals that wildlife is more valuable alive than in a stew pot.

Rural Life Scene in Cameroon with Child and Motorcycle.

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Then there are the Western Lowland Gorillas, which are critically endangered and notoriously shy. Cameroon is one of their last safe habitats. Seeing one — even for a second — is something no zoo or documentary can replicate.

Western Lowland Gorilla.

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🌊 The Tragedy of Lake Chad

In the far north, you'll find the drying belly of Lake Chad. Once one of Africa's largest lakes, it has shrunk by over 90% in the last 60 years due to climate change and human mismanagement.

What remains is a hauntingly beautiful scene — faded fishing boats, floating villages, and a fragile ecosystem clinging to memory.

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The "Immeuble de l'émergence" building houses various ministries. The building is famous for its many years as a shell.

Cameroon's Cultural Tapestry in Motion

From secret societies and traditional mask dancers to spiritual harvest ceremonies and royal court rituals, Cameroon's cultural life is rich, layered, and still thriving. Each ethnic group maintains its own ways of marking life, death, transition, and seasons — often blending ancient symbolism with modern performance.

A masked performer representing ancestral spirits during a traditional ritual in western Cameroon. These figures are often part of secret societies or harvest festivals, blending dance, storytelling, and spiritual symbolism.

Visitors lucky enough to witness these ceremonies (under the guidance of a local expert) will see more than a spectacle: they'll glimpse a way of understanding the world that's both sacred and community-driven.

A ceremonial gathering featuring dancers and community elders, preparing for a fertility or harvest ritual. The use of natural symbols, such as branches and gourds, reflects deep ties to agricultural cycles and spiritual gratitude.

Cameroonian Cuisine: Where Fire Meets Flavor

Cameroonian food is bold, diverse, and unapologetically rich. From the nutty bitterness of ndolé to the smoky rubber chew of cow skin (kanda), every dish is layered with texture, spice, and history. Meals are often communal, celebratory, and best eaten with hands. If you're lucky enough to be invited to a home-cooked spread like this — forget your diet, and bring an open mind.

No filters, no fusion — just pure Cameroonian hospitality. From bitterleaf ndolé to cocoyam-wrapped ekwang, spicy cow skin, and sizzling chicken, this feast is a deep dive into one of Africa's richest culinary traditions. Warning: not for picky eaters or those with bland palates.

🏛️ The President Who Outlasted Everyone

While Cameroon's nature continues to evolve, its leadership remains unchanged. President Paul Biya has been in power since 1982. That's longer than most of his citizens have been alive, and longer than some entire countries have existed in their current form.

President Paul Biya has been in power since 1982.

One local joke goes: “Even Mount Cameroon erupts more often than our elections.”

Now in his 90s, Biya continues to govern, often from a luxury hotel in Geneva. He is, quite literally, the political equivalent of the Goliath frog — ancient, immovable, and oddly fascinating.

Traditional male dancers perform an initiation or seasonal rite near royal buildings. In many Cameroonian cultures, dance, rhythm, and costume play a crucial role in sacred communication and the transmission of intergenerational knowledge.

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🎨 Beyond Stereotypes: Why Cameroon is Worth Your Curiosity

Cameroon isn't flashy. It's not optimized for mass tourism, and that's what makes it powerful. It's unpredictable, raw, and diverse in a way that no travel brochure can capture in a slogan.

Cameroon Football Fan.

• You won't find all-inclusive luxury resorts, but you will eat smoked fish on the street with people who speak four languages fluently.
• You won't get a five-star spa, but you might get invited to a tribal dance in a village that isn't even on Google Maps.

A youth drum ensemble performs at a cultural celebration — preserving rhythms that have echoed through Cameroonian history for centuries. Music is not just art here; it’s a ceremony, a storytelling, and a memory.

• You won't post daily selfies — because the WiFi is weak — but you'll come home with real stories and a shifted perspective.

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Cameroon doesn't offer you luxury — it gives you a challenge. And that's what makes it unforgettable.

“Yaoundé is more than a capital — it’s a city of seven hills, like Jerusalem,” says Taise Ngune Delphine. “It’s known for hospitality, religious harmony, and a calm, welcoming spirit. If you start your journey here, you’ll understand Cameroon with your heart first.”

This is not the place for influencers or beach clubs. It's for curious travelers, explorers, and anyone tired of seeing the same five destinations on every top-10 list. Cameroon is raw, intense, absurdly diverse, and astonishingly real. From frogs that build homes to gorillas that vanish into the mist, this country offers something rare: authenticity.

The Sanaga River separates two tropical moist forest ecoregions: the Cross-Sanaga-Bioko coastal forests to the north, between the river and Nigeria's Cross River, and the Atlantic Equatorial coastal forests to the south, extending through southwestern Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, Cabinda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

And the best part? You don't have to figure it out alone. With a local guide by your side, you'll see a side of Africa most people never even hear about.

Taise Ngune Delphine, a certified tour guide from Yaoundé, is one of the local experts helping to show Cameroon to the world — her shared photos and personal perspective added invaluable authenticity to this article.

👉 Start your journey here: www.pg.world and explore the real Cameroon — before the world catches on.

 

 

Read our previous article - Unreal Expectations: When the Tour Doesn't Match the Tourist's Fantasy

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