Tourist Places to Visit in Cameroon, Central Africa, Africa

Tourist Places to Visit in Cameroon, Central Africa, Africa

Cameroon is an African country situated in the west central part of the continent, sharing its borders with the Central African Republic towards the east, Nigeria towards the west, Chad towards the northeast and Gabon, Congo and Equatorial Guinea towards the south. Yaoundé is the capital city while Douala is the largest city of Cameroon. Cameroon is popularly called “Africa in miniature” referring its diversified geological and cultural characteristics.

The Cameroon Government follows the Dominant-party presidential republic system. Cameroon is situated at 5.1167° N 11.9167° E and covers a total area of 475,442 square kilometers, making it the 54th largest country in the world.

 

History of Cameroon:

According to the archeological findings found in the different regions of Cameroon, Cameroon was originally inhabited during the Neolithic Era. Before becoming an independent country in the year 1960 by getting emancipated from the French, Cameroon saw the rule of many powerful global empires including the Portuguese and British. The name Cameroon is the translated form of Rio dos Camarões which means ‘Shrimp River’.

 

How to reach Cameroon?

The Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport is one of the important airports of Cameroon, situated around 27 kilometers away from the capital city, Yaoundé and covers many global cities including Paris, Brussels and Istanbul.

Two other major airports of Cameroon include:

  • Douala International Airport
  • Garoua International Airport

All the major cities of Cameroon are served by both train and bus services including Yaoundé, Douala and Ngaoundéré.

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Cameroon:

Cameroon is a culturally diverse country with dozens of annual events belonging to the different communities living in the nation. Music and dance are the major parts of the celebrations.

The Central African CFA franc is the currency used in Cameroon and embroideries and handicraft products is the favorites of the tourists visiting the country.

The Most prominent international food chains as well as traditional restaurants in Cameroon are shared between the cities of Yaoundé and Douala.

 

Must see in Cameroon:

The Cameroon National Museum:

The Cameroon National Museum is housed in the former presidential palace in the city of Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon. The museum covers the art, archaeology and natural history of the country thoroughly with well preserved objects and through regular exhibitions.

 

Waza National Park:

The Waza National Park, situated in the Far North Province of Cameroon spanning over a total of 1,700 square kilometers. Established in 1934, the park is noted for rich vegetation and fauna species including hyenas and hartebeests.

 

Mus’art Gallery:

The Mus’art Gallery or Musa Heritage Gallery is a famous art museum, hub to more than 400 art objects, highly wood carvings and potteries. It is situated in the city of Kumbo in Cameroon.

 

The Basilique Marie-Reine-des-Apôtres:

The Basilique Marie-Reine-des-Apôtres is a basilica located in the capital city, Yaoundé, devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary and stands on the Cameroon’s first missionary church site.

 

Korup National Park:

The Korup National Park is one of the wealthiest rainforests in Africa in terms of vegetation, animal and bird population, covering an area of 1,260 square kilometers and situated in the Southwest Province of Cameroon.

 

List of other places of interest in Cameroon includes:

  • The Afhemi Museum
  • The Palais du Sport
  • The Cathédrale Notre Dame des Victoires
  • Hotel Akwa Palace
  • La Pagode

 

Best time to visit Cameroon:

Cameroon experiences a tropical climate with a dry season from November to February which is also the best time to visit Cameroon.

 

Accommodation options in Cameroon:

Compared to the other African countries, Cameroon holds a developed hospitality industry with around 100 upgraded hotels with latest facilities and services like airport shuttle, spa, sauna and fitness center. Here are some hotels in Yaoundé in Cameroon:

  • Hotel Mansel
  • Djeuga Palace
  • Hotel Merina Yaounde centre
  • Aurelia Palace
  • Tou’Ngou Hotel
  • Hotel Mont-Febe
  • Aurelia Palace
  • The Santa Lucia Complex
  • Hotel des Deputes
  • Hotel Franco
  • Hotel Meumi Palace
  • Prestige Hotel Palace
  • Central Hotel
  • Hotel Laginaque
  • Relais Saint Jacques

Tourist Places to Visit in Tadjoura, Djibouti, Africa

Tourist Places to Visit in Tadjoura, Djibouti, Africa

Tadjoura is one of the prime towns of the Eastern African country, Djibouti, located on the Gulf of Tadjoura. It is considered as the oldest town in Djibouti and it houses about 25,000 people, making it the 3rd largest city of Djibouti following Djibouti City and Ali Sabieh. Tadjoura is renowned for its beautiful beaches and whitewashed buildings other than its long and grand history. An eye-catching scenery and healthy air are also the other things drawing tourists to the town from all around the country and adjoining countries.

Experiencing an arid climate, Tadjoura receives 186 millimeters of average annual precipitation while July is the hottest month.

 

History of Tadjoura:

There is no certain theory about the origin of the name Tadjoura, although some theory claims, Tadjoura derived its name from the Afar language term ‘tágor’ or tógor and another theory states, the name Tadjoura is a modified form of the word ‘tagór-li’ which means “abundant with water”. Tadjoura was under the French rule from the second half of the 19th century to 1977 when it became independent along with the rest of Djibouti.

 

How to reach Tadjoura?

Tadjoura hosts an airport but the airport is served rarely. So it is suggested for international tourists to first reach Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport in Djibouti City, where taxis are always being ready to visitors and also one can use buses for inexpensive airport travel. If one booked a private transfer before to reaching airport that would be great.

Tadjoura is also reachable by ferry from Djibouti City, which takes nearly two and a half hour.

 

Food and Shopping in Tadjoura:

Being a tourist destination, Tadjoura houses modern shopping and restaurant options but number is less. So, for more facilitated options, it is suggested for visitors to reach Djibouti City (around 150 km).

 

Things to do in Tadjoura:

  • Beach exploration
  • Hiking
  • Day tours

 

Places to see in Tadjoura:

 

Beaches in Tadjoura:

Beaches are the main reason for tourists coming to the town of Tadjoura during dry season. Beaches are excellent in condition, offering different kinds of water sport activities and one can also have a wide variety of sea food at the restaurants located near the beach.

 

Tadjoura Airport:

Tadjoura Airport is a public airport in Tadjoura, located 3 km away from the centre of the town. The airport is modern and well constructed, lying around 75 meters above sea level. Flights are not regular but tourists are allowed to see.

 

Whitewashed buildings in Tadjoura:

Tadjoura is famous for its whitewashed buildings spread up all around the town of which many have long historical background. One can find these typical buildings easily through taking a guided tour.

 

Day Forest National Park:

The Day Forest National Park is situated to the west of Tadjoura, coming under the Tadjoura region. Founded in 1939, the park is in the Goda Mountains region, considered as the largest forest in Djibouti with an area of 13,900 hectors. The highlights of the park are the junipers Juniperus procera trees growing up to height of 20 meters.

 

Other places of interests in and around Tadjoura are as follows:

  • Port of Djibouti
  • Mosquée Saoudi
  • ISSS Faculty of Medicine
  • University of Djibouti
  • The Djibouti National Assembly
  • Khor Ambado Beach
  • Place Menelik
  • Ali Sabieh Mountain
  • Dolphin Excursions Djibouti
  • Lagarde Park
  • Djibouti Kitesurf
  • Grande Pecherie
  • The Presidential Palace of Djibouti
  • Hamoudi Mosque

 

Best time to visit Tadjoura:

The best time to visit Tadjoura is from December to February.

 

Hotels in Tadjoura:

Tadjoura houses a limited number of tourist favor modern hotels, so it would be better if one can drive towards Djibouti City to have memorable hospitality services at star rated hotels. Some nice hotels in Tadjoura and Djibouti are as follows:

  • Corto Maltese
  • Sheraton Djibouti Hotel
  • Djibouti Palace Kempinski
  • Hotel Menelik
  • Les Acacias Hotel Djibouti
  • Lagon Bleu Village
  • Hotel la Siesta
  • Lagon Bleu Village
  • Hotel Horseed
  • Auberge le Heron
  • Hotel Residence de l’Europe
  • Hotel Dar Es Salam
  • Hotel Bellevue

Arta Tourist Places to Visit in Arta, Djibouti, Africa

Arta Tourist Places to Visit in Arta, Djibouti, Africa

Arta is a town belonging to the Arta Region in the southeastern part of Djibouti, holing a title of the 6th largest city of Djibouti. Lying on the Mountains of Arta around 755 meters above sea level, Arta is situated about 35 km west of Djibouti City, the capital of Djibouti. Arta coordinates with 11°31′ N latitude and 42°50′ E longitude, experiencing a mild climate throughout the year.

Arta is identified as a tourist town, mainly for its position on the mountain region which draws a substantial number of tourists, especially hikers and nature lovers.

 

History of Arta:

Arta holds hundreds of years’ history and its documented history starts from the rule of Ifat and Adal sultanates in the Middle Ages. As like the other Djiboutian cities and towns, Arta also came under the French rule as a part of the French Somaliland protectorate in the early 20th century. With the Djibouti’s freedom from the French in 1977, Arta got emancipation.

 

Getting Arta:

Arta is catered by Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport, the most important airport of the country, handling flights from Paris, Berbera, Jeddah, Mogadishu, Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa, Ta’izz, Dubai, Jeddah, Hargeisa, Nairobi, Doha, Istanbul, Sana’a and Mogadishu. The airport is situated around 35 km away from the midpoint of Arta which can be crossed by bus or taxi or private transfers.

Arta has a good connectivity to all the major cities and towns of the country through roadway.

 

Food and Shopping in Arta:

Due to its nearness with the capital, Djibouti City, shopping and finding standard restaurants would not be a difficult task for visitors and between these two cities buses are regular and one also hire a rental car for regular travel.

 

Things to do in Arta:

  • Mountain hiking
  • Shopping
  • Cycling

 

Tourist Attractions in Arta:

 

Mountains of Arta:

The Mountains of Arta or Great Mountains of Arta, lies at an altitude of 700 meters, towards the south of the Gulf of Tadjoura. It is a great place for tourists who are fond of nature and hiking and adventurous sport activities.

 

Djibouti City:

Located around 35 east of Arta, Djibouti City is the capital of Djibouti, packed with full of natural and manmade attractions with traditional features. The most recognized attractions in Djibouti City include Saoudi Mosque, Lagarde Park, the Presidential Palace of Djibouti and Dolphin Excursions Djibouti.

 

Lake Ghoubet:

Lake Ghoubet is an attractive lake, located between Lac ‘Assal (lake) and the town of Arta. This lake can be explored best through a guided tour for which one can book a guided tour in Djibouti City and start tour from there, which is also a recommended option.

 

Other places of interest in and around Arta include:

  • Le Marche Central
  • Ali Sabieh Mountain
  • The Presidential Palace of Djibouti
  • Hamoudi Mosque
  • Lagarde Park
  • Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport
  • Mosquée Saoudi
  • Djibouti Kitesurf
  • ISSS Faculty of Medicine
  • University of Djibouti
  • Port of Djibouti
  • Grande Pecherie
  • Dolphin Excursions Djibouti
  • Khor Ambado Beach
  • Place Menelik
  • The Djibouti National Assembly

 

Ideal time to visit Arta:

Art features a hot desert climate and probably the best time to visit Arta is from November to March.

 

Accommodation options in Arta:

Modernized hotels are less in number in Arta but one can find it in nearby Djibouti City, which is around 35 km east of Arta, housing numerous star rated hotels with a wide range upgraded facilities and services including spa and sauna. The prominent hotels in Djibouti City near Arta are as follows:

  • Djibouti Palace Kempinski
  • Sheraton Djibouti Hotel
  • Les Acacias Hotel Djibouti
  • Lagon Bleu Village
  • Hotel la Siesta
  • Hotel Menelik
  • Auberge le Heron
  • Residence Hotel Bellevue
  • Imperial Resort And Red Sea Hotel
  • Hotel Bellevue
  • Hotel Dar Es Salam
  • Hotel Residence de l’Europe
  • Hotel Horseed

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Dikhil, Djibouti, Africa

Best Tourist Places to Visit in Dikhil, Djibouti, Africa

Dikhil is a town coming under the region with same name (Dikhil Region) in the western part of Djibouti, sprawling over an area of 10 sq. km. It is located near the Ethiopian border with Djibouti, around 100 kilometers southwest of the national capital, Djibouti City. Dikhil is a green town, dotted by gardens and fruit trees all around the town. The economy of Dikhil is based on its agricultural activities and is also a trade link between Ethiopia and Djibouti City.

Geographically, Dikhil is located at an elevation of 507 meters, between 11°06′30″ N latitude and 42°22′16″ E longitude.

 

History of Dikhil:

Dikhil is ancient town and its history goes back to fourth or third millennium BC which is concluded from the archeological site Handoga Dikhil, located near the town. The name of Dikhil may be derived from the Afro-Asiatic Somali language, meaning “water hole or a well”. Along with the rest of Djibouti, Dikhil had also seen the rule of the French from the late 19th century to 1977 when Djibouti became an independent country.

 

How to reach Dikhil?

Dikhil hosts an airport but it is currently served by no flights, so international visitors can make Djibouti City as their way to Dikhil. After arriving Djibouti–Ambouli International Airport, one can take an airport taxi to Dikhil or wait until the arrival of bus. Although availability of buses in Djibouti City, the first option taxi is more comfortable and convenient one.

By bus, it takes around three hour from Djibouti City to Dikhil.

 

Culture, Food and Shopping in Dikhil:

People belong to Issa Somali and the Afar form the higher proportion of Dikhil’s population, whose languages are also unique. Dikhil houses a few modern shopping and restaurant options.

 

What to do in Dikhil?

  • Village tours
  • Hiking
  • Exploring Lake Abbe

 

What to see in Dikhil?

 

Lake Abbe:

The Lake Abbe is a spectacular lake, shared between the countries of Ethiopia and Djibouti. The lake measures an average depth 36 meters and surface area of 45,000 hectors. The lake is a heaven for the bird lovers, inhabited by thousands of flamingos. The lake is not too far from Dikhil, can be accessed by a rental car from Dikhil.

 

Palm garden of Dikhil:

The green town Dikhil is rich in vegetation, holding a great number of palm garden all around which is well supported by relatively cool weather of the region.

Dikhil Airport:

The Dikhil Airport is one of the major landmarks as well as tourist attraction of Dikhil. Although not receiving frequent flights, the airport draws a group of tourists for its nice construction and surrounding location with cool environment.

 

Other attractive places to see in and around Dikhil include:

  • Ali Sabieh Mountain
  • Lagarde Park
  • The Presidential Palace of Djibouti
  • Hamoudi Mosque
  • Sports stadiums in Ali Sabieh
  • Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport
  • Mosquée Saoudi
  • ISSS Faculty of Medicine
  • University of Djibouti
  • Port of Djibouti
  • Grande Pecherie
  • Dolphin Excursions Djibouti
  • The Djibouti National Assembly
  • Khor Ambado Beach
  • Place Menelik
  • Djibouti Kitesurf

 

When to visit Dikhil?

Throughout the year is best, though the most ideal time to travel nature town Dikhil is from November to March while the weather in condition and supportive to explore nature points of Dikhil.

 

Where to stay in Dikhil?

Being a tourist favor town, Dikhil boasts some traditional accommodation options but modern hotels are difficult to find here, for which one can drive towards Djibouti City. The prominent hotels in Djibouti (around 100 km from Dikhil):

  • Djibouti Palace Kempinski
  • Lagon Bleu Village
  • Hotel la Siesta
  • Sheraton Djibouti Hotel
  • Les Acacias Hotel Djibouti
  • Hotel Menelik
  • Hotel Residence de l’Europe
  • Auberge le Heron
  • Hotel Bellevue
  • Hotel Dar Es Salam
  • Hotel Horseed
  • Residence Hotel Bellevue
  • Imperial Resort And Red Sea Hotel
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