Cameroon is Africa in miniature, offering diverse landscapes from volcanic Mount Cameroon to wildlife-rich Waza National Park, pristine beaches at Kribi, and vibrant cities like Douala and Yaoundé. Experience rich cultural heritage, French-African fusion cuisine, and warm hospitality in this Central African gem.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Limbe Wildlife Centre
Cameroon's premier wildlife rescue centre in Limbe houses chimpanzees, drills, mandrills, gorillas, and West African crocodiles in naturalistic forest enclosures. Guided walks bring families face-to-face with rescued primates in a way that's educational and deeply memorable. Combine with Limbe black sand beach for a full day.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Mefou National Park Primate Sanctuary
Just 45 km south of Yaoundé, Mefou National Park is managed by Ape Action Africa and offers guided forest walks through the primate enclosures. Children are awed by the proximity of chimpanzees, gorillas, and monkeys in the forest setting. Visit at 8 AM for feeding time when animals are most active.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Kribi Beach Day
Kribi's white sand beach on the Gulf of Guinea offers calm swimming, beachside grilled seafood, and pirogue boat rides suitable for families with children. The hotel strip north of town has beach facilities including sunbeds and restaurants. The Lobé Falls (8 km south) add a spectacular natural highlight accessible by moto-taxi.
Duration: Full day
Limbe Botanical Garden Walk
One of Africa's oldest botanical gardens established in 1892 with labelled tropical trees, birds, and ocean views. Children enjoy the enormous ferns, exotic fruit trees with explanations, and the walk to the coastal viewpoint. Connects easily to Down Beach for beach activities afterwards.
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Douala Doual'art Public Art Walk
A self-guided walk through Douala's Bali and Akwa neighbourhoods to discover the public art installations of Doual'art — Africa's most ambitious urban art programme. Large-scale sculptures, murals, and architectural interventions delight children and adults, and maps are available free from the Doual'art gallery.
Duration: 2 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Hilton Yaoundé
Yaoundé's most family-reliable luxury hotel with an outdoor pool, spacious rooms, multiple restaurants for picky eaters, round-the-clock room service, and an attentive staff experienced with family needs. The Bastos location is safe for evening walks.
Family features: Large outdoor pool, spacious connecting rooms available, kids menu at La Terrasse restaurant, reliable WiFi for entertainment
Azur Hotel Kribi
The best family option on the Cameroonian coast with direct beach access, two swimming pools, beachside activities, water sports rentals, and an excellent seafood restaurant. Ocean-view bungalows provide space and privacy for families with young children.
Family features: Two pools including shallower area, direct beach access, water sports, family bungalows, beachside snack bar
Pullman Douala Rabingha
Douala's top family hotel in the safe Bonapriso neighbourhood with a large outdoor pool, excellent buffet breakfast, family rooms, and proximity to Doual'art public art walks. The hotel's restaurant offers a children's menu.
Family features: Large pool, family rooms with extra beds, buffet breakfast, safe neighbourhood for evening walks, children's menu
Hotel Tou'Ngou Kribi
A good-value mid-range beach hotel in Kribi with pool, beachfront access, and a family-friendly restaurant. More affordable than Azur while still offering the key beach family amenities. Popular with Cameroonian families from Douala.
Family features: Pool, beachfront location, family rooms, on-site restaurant, water sports nearby
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Most mid-range and upscale restaurants in Yaoundé and Douala welcome children and can provide simple dishes (rice, chicken, omelette) even if not on the menu — just ask
Le Glacier ice cream parlour in Bastos Yaoundé is a reliable hit with children after a long sightseeing day — excellent homemade tropical flavours
Patisserie Calafatas in Akwa Douala sells excellent French pastries, sandwiches, and treats that make ideal beach picnic supplies for Kribi trips
Children enjoy the visual drama of choosing their fish from the grill at Kribi beach restaurants — it makes for a memorable and participatory meal experience
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Malaria prophylaxis is essential for all family members including children — consult a paediatric travel clinic 6-8 weeks before departure for age-appropriate medication
Keep all children hydrated in the heat and humidity — children dehydrate rapidly; carry electrolyte sachets and ensure regular water breaks
Pack a comprehensive family first-aid kit from home including children's paracetamol, rehydration sachets, antihistamine, and antiseptic — not all paediatric medications are available locally
Focus the family itinerary on Yaoundé, Douala, Kribi, and Limbe — these areas have good infrastructure and medical facilities; avoid the Northwest, Southwest, and Far North Regions with children