Cameroon Disney Travel Agents Near Me

Overview

Introduction

Cameroon is often referred to as "Africa in miniature" because in many ways it is a microcosm of the continent: It has mountains, volcanic highlands, coastal plains, jungle rivers, rain forest and savanna. Its jagged boundaries, drawn up arbitrarily by German colonizers during the 19th century, enclose more than 150 different ethnic groups, scattered around five distinct geographical regions. In recent years, corruption and poverty have prevented the country from taking advantage of its natural resources. Yet while Cameroon reflects much of what Africa has to offer, it's a bit too rough around the edges to be a good introduction to the continent. For adventurous, experienced African travelers, however, it offers a remarkable range of attractions.

Geography

Cameroon is bordered by Nigeria, Chad, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and the Gulf of Guinea. The terrain of the country is reminiscent of many other parts of Africa. Its mountains are similar to those of Rwanda, the grasslands in the northern part of the country evoke the savannas in Tanzania, its southern rain forests and jungles are somewhat like the Congo's, its volcanic highlands are akin to those surrounding the Great Rift Valley, and its beaches are reminiscent of those of the Seychelles. Especially in the mountainous north, the land is visually stunning.

History

Cameroon had a difficult coming of age. After the Germans were defeated in World War I, the colony was divided between the British and the French. Both colonies achieved independence in 1960. A year later, they formed a loose federation, with capitals in Yaounde and Buea. The federation proved difficult to manage, however, and in 1972 the two Cameroons were finally united as a republic.

In its first years as a new nation, Cameroon appeared to be a model for developing African countries: a stable, multicultural society, with a well-maintained infrastructure and a high standard of living. The only thing lacking was democracy—the country had always been under strict one-party rule, and in the years after independence, tensions slowly developed. The ruling party, headed by Paul Biya, finally agreed to hold democratic elections in 1992, and although the opposition was heavily intimidated—six members were shot and its rallies were dispersed by riot police—Cameroonians for the first time were allowed to choose who would run their country.

The ruling party's victory did little to ease the pressures building in the country, however. Despite its rich resources, Cameroon began to languish economically and had to be rescued by the International Monetary Fund. Biya was re-elected again in 1997 and 2004.

Snapshot

Game parks, spectacular jungle scenery, mountain resorts, friendly people, coffee plantations, African art and local handicrafts are among the chief attractions of Cameroon.

Cameroon will appeal to experienced, adventurous travelers who love African history, culture and game parks and who don't mind the risks associated with political instability. Though some modern services are available, expect the delays and inconveniences that typically occur in developing countries.

Potpourri

Cameroon has an extra currency: beer-bottle caps. When cash is in short supply, people pay for taxis and food with bottle caps. The catch is that the bottle tops have to be special tops—developed as a promotion by local beer companies—that can be exchanged for a free beer.

The Indomitable Lions (Cameroon's soccer team) are a source of great national pride.

Among the Bamileke people of western Cameroon, a shaved head traditionally indicates a recent death in the family.

Mt. Cameroon is an active volcano. It has erupted twice since 1999.

Georges Collinet, longtime host of the popular (U.S.) National Public Radio program AfroPop Worldwide, is from Bitye, Cameroon.

You'll hear modern African pop music in discos, cafes and bars. At the Hotel Meridien in Douala and in other discos, this music takes over very late at night after a round of more traditional European music. Only then do the local African nightclub-goers arrive and liven up the scene. Consult the hotel concierge for these hours.

Some 1,700 people were killed in 1986 when an enormous cloud of carbon dioxide wafted out of Lake Nyos in northwest Cameroon. Scientists believe carbon dioxide is seeping into and becoming trapped within Lake Nyos from underground springs. Area residents have always believed the crater lake to be inhabited by spirits.