My first visit to Cameroon was my first contact with Africa, leading to a fascination for a continent that remains unabated. In 1986 I joined a friend who was visiting his father in the Cameroonian capital, Yaoundé. I was instantly captivated by the country, not least due to its diversity, and the great contrasts to the way of life I knew. That first trip was certainly eventful. After an excursion to the north of the country I returned to Britain with two types of malaria, blackwater fever and another tropical illness, filariasis. My friend ended up in a Yaoundé hospital, also having contracted malaria and dysentery. Despite this, the strong effect Africa seems to have on many people took hold of us, and we’ve both returned to Africa a number of times. Some years later I was surprised to learn that no English-language guide dedicated to Cameroon existed, which was the impetus for asking Bradt whether they would like one. Whilst writing it was certainly a daunting task, it was always a fascinating one, and I hope that the book leads others to discover and grow to love the country too. Inexplicably, Cameroon seldom features on travellers’ plans despite the huge wealth of cultural and geographical treasures it possesses. To non-travellers it also remains a little-known country and indeed the impressive performance of its football team, the Lake Nyos tragedy of 1986 (where volcanic toxic gas claimed hundreds of Cameroonian lives) and celebrated socassa musician Manu Dibango are about the only things many people can associate with it.
Much of the year – during the rainy season especially – there are very few travellers (as most people like to call themselves) or tourists (as others call most travellers). In September, for example, in many areas you may only see one tourist a week, if that. To enjoy it most, accept that life in Cameroon, as in the whole of Africa, runs at a slower pace than most of us are probably used to. Patience is a massive virtue here. Cameroonians do not pay as much attention to time and punctuality as the typical Westerner, as they feel that one need not be enslaved by a clock. So slow down, and you’ll take it all in and enjoy it so much more.
