Yaounde Centre, Cameroon Travel Guide
Yaounde Nsimalen International Airport (NSI) is the main airport, located approximately 25 kilometers (16 miles) south of the central area. Airlines include Camair-Co, France's National airline, Brussels Airlines, The National flag carrier airline of turkey, Ethiopian Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, and Kenya Airways.
Peak travel seasons (December-February, July-August) tend to possess higher flight prices. Booking 3-6 months in advance recommended for better rates. NSI offers basic facilities: ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free, limited restaurants. Wi-Fi available, often for a fee.
Find affordable flights using services like Dollar Flight Club for deal warnings and Skyscanner for comparisons.
Booking flights 3-6 months in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons (Dec-Feb, Jul-Aug).
Pre-arrange airport transfer with your hotel or be prepared to negotiate a taxi fare upon arrival.
Generally not recommended for tourists. Poor road conditions, aggressive driving, lack of clear signage, and security concerns. Consider DiscoverCars.com if you need to rent, but with caution.
If you choose to drive, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required in conjunction with your home country's driver's license.
Driving at night is strongly discouraged due to poor visibility, unlit vehicles, pedestrians, animals, and increased security risks. Check local security advisories before long-distance traveling by road.
Yaounde's inland position means sea and river arrivals are not directly applicable to the city itself. The main port for Cameroon is located in Douala, approximately 200 kilometers (124 miles) to the west.
River transit for tourist travel to or from Yaounde is limited or non-existent. Most river transport serves local communities and commercial cargo in specific regions.
Land crossings are relevant for travel to nearby areas within Cameroon or to neighboring countries. Road conditions can be poor, and safety varies by region. Visas for onward countries are strictly required and should be secured in advance.
For inter-city travel, consider taking "Le Rapide" train to Douala for comfort, or a reputable "VIP" bus for other places. Avoid self-driving and night travel on roads. Research current security situations before planning any cross-border land travel.
| Category | Details | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Exit Fees/Taxes | Typically included in international airfare from NSI. Verify with airline. | Verify with your airline or travel agent when booking your ticket. |
| Airport Arrival Timing | Arrive at NSI at least 2-3 hours before international flights; 1.5-2 hours for domestic. | Factor in extra travel time for unpredictable Yaounde traffic. |
| Documents & Facilities | Passport, boarding pass, Yellow Fever certificate. NSI services are limited (shops, cafes). | Have documents ready. Expect basic facilities at NSI and bus/train stations. |
Yaounde's public transportation system is informal but functional, mainly relying on buses and shared taxis. The city does not have a metro or tram system.
Operated by Yaounde Urban Community (CUY) and private companies. Route info less formal.
Shared vans on fixed routes, frequent stops. Inexpensive but crowded.
Yellow taxis pick up multiple passengers. Flag down, state destination, negotiate price.
Always confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey to avoid any misunderstandings.
Buses: Fares paid to conductor upon boarding. Minibuses/Shared Taxis: Fares usually fixed for specific routes/distances, pay driver/conductor. Formal route maps scarce; ask locals for directions. Main centers: Mvog-Mbi, Mokolo Market, Mfoundi Market.
Public transport operates mainly during daylight hours. Service frequency can be irregular. Not accessible for travelers with mobility challenges. Learn basic French phrases; be prepared for large groups of people. Keep belongings secure.
For an authentic, budget-friendly experience, use shared taxis. Always verify the fare before riding and be prepared for crowds.
Yellow cars, typically with yellow license plates. Hail anywhere on the street. Negotiate fare before starting journey; meters rarely used.
Short shared ride: 200-300 XAF/person. Short solo ride: 500-1,000 XAF. Longer rides: up to 2,000-3,000 XAF. Pay with cash (XAF) only; have small denominations.
Shared taxis can be crowded. Solo taxis safer. Ride-sharing apps like Uber not widely available. Moto-taxis ("bendskins") faster but carry higher risk; not recommended for tourists.
Avoid unlit taxis at night. Avoid using taxis if the driver seems intoxicated, the vehicle is in poor condition, or if you feel uncomfortable. Avoid moto-taxis due to severe road safety issues, heavy traffic, and lack of proper protective gear.
Car rental services are available from international (e.g., Europcar, Hertz) and local agencies, often at NSI or main hotels. Renting a car with a local driver is highly recommended to mitigate challenges like poor road conditions and navigation. Motorcycle and scooter rentals are less common for tourists and generally not recommended due to severe road safety issues. Bicycle sharing programs are not available, and casual bicycle rentals are uncommon.
Valid driving license, International Driving Permit (IDP), passport, credit card. Minimum age 23-25 years. Cost 50,000-100,000 XAF/day (often includes driver).
Drive on the right. Seatbelts mandatory. Speed limits often ignored. Road conditions vary, many potholes. Driving at night is strongly discouraged. Consider DiscoverCars.com if you choose to rent.
Formal parking limited; street parking challenging. Moto-taxis ("bendskins") common but not recommended for tourists due to safety risks.
Walking possible in commercial districts and near attractions during the day, but challenging due to hilly terrain and uneven sidewalks. Always remain vigilant. Organized walking tours are limited. Consider hiring a local private guide for safety, context, and insights.
Yaounde lacks dedicated bicycle infrastructure. Cycling is not recommended for tourists due to aggressive traffic and safety concerns.
