Difference between revisions of "Cameroon"

From WikiOverland, the encyclopedia of Overland travel
Jump to: navigation, search
m (Bot: Automated text replacement (-''Review different GPS companies, quality and coverage \(Tomtom, Garmin, OSM, Tracks4Africa\)\.'' +Tracks4Africa are the undisputed best GPS maps for Africa.<br/>\nTracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and conta...)
m (Travel Visa for {{PAGENAME}}: Added markdown for currency.)
 
(17 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Limited_country}}
 
 
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
{{onRoute|West Africa}} {{metadata_country}} [[Category:Country]] {{pricecontrol_country}}
 
{{onRoute|West Africa}} {{metadata_country}} [[Category:Country]] {{pricecontrol_country}}
  
 
=Visiting {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Visiting {{PAGENAME}}=
''Give a brief overview of what it's like to visit. How easy is the border, how safe is the country, are there great things to see and do, etc.''
+
Cameroon is a spectacularly beautiful and friendly country to visit. From the mountains in the North West to the beaches and Mount Cameroon, there is something for everyone.
  
 
=Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
 
=Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">(date last confirmed correct)</span>'''
+
'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">March 2017</span>'''
  
==Required Paperwork==
+
==Travel Visa for {{PAGENAME}}==
''List the paperwork required to enter with a vehicle, including number of copies''
+
The travel visa for Cameroon is easy to get, with virtually everyone who travels South getting it in Calabar, [[Nigeria]].
 +
A three month visa costs the same as a one month. <br/>
 +
The visa can be paid for in Nigeria Naira, Euros, US Dollars or West African francs, though due to the black market Naira exchange rate, that is the best option. The price is <price cost="37000" currency="NGN" />.
 +
 
 +
Coming from the South, you can get the visa in Kinshasa, [[Democratic Republic of Congo]] for <price cost="110" currency="USD" />
 +
 
 +
==Required Paperwork==
 +
* Passport of registered owner.
 +
* [[Drivers license]] of registered owner.
 +
* Original [[vehicle registration]].
 +
* Proof of [[vehicle insurance]] - they might not ask for it, but it’s better to have it.
 +
* (OPTIONAL) [[Carnet de Passage]]
 +
(no copies are required)
  
 
==Process at border==
 
==Process at border==
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
+
* Get yourself stamped in at immigration.
{{visa_country}}
+
* Go to Douane to get a temporary import for the vehicle. Using the [[vehicle registration]] the officer will write out a Passavant, valid for 2 weeks.
''Briefly describe the process at the border to enter with a vehicle''
+
* If you have a [[Carnet de Passage]], you don't need the Passavant.
 +
 
 +
NOTE: Technically Cameroon is not on the list of countries that use the [[Carnet de Passage]], so be prepared to come up with a story or argument why they should accept it!
  
 
==Cost of entry==
 
==Cost of entry==
''State the cost for a vehicle to enter''
+
Entry with a [[Carnet de Passage]] is free, the passavant costs <price cost="10000" currency="XOF" />
  
 
==Permitted length of stay==
 
==Permitted length of stay==
''State the permitted length of entry for the vehicle''
+
With a passavant it's one month.
  
 
==Extension of stay==
 
==Extension of stay==
''Describe the process to extend the permitted length of entry for the vehicle, if possible.''
+
Unknown
  
 
==Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country==
 
==Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country==
Line 32: Line 44:
  
 
==Exiting with a vehicle==
 
==Exiting with a vehicle==
''Describe the paperwork requirements and process at the border to exit.''
+
* Get yourself stamped out at Immigration.
 +
* Get your [[Carnet de Passage]] stamped out if you have one.
  
=Driving in {{PAGENAME}}=
+
All should be free, do not pay for this.
==Insurance requirements==
+
''Yes or No if insurance is mandatory, and what kind is acceptable.''
+
  
==Cost of insurance==
+
=Driving in {{PAGENAME}}=  
''State the price of insurance and a time period.''
+
==Recommended books for Overlanding in {{PAGENAME}}==
 +
{{guide_books_country}}
  
==Where to purchase insurance==
+
==Travel insurance for {{PAGENAME}}==
''Describe where insurance can be purchased.''
+
{{Travel insurance country}}
 +
 
 +
==Vehicle insurance requirements==
 +
Insurance does not seem to be required, Police never seem to ask for it for people just transiting through, though you might want to have something to show anyone looking for a bribe.
 +
 
 +
==Cost of vehicle insurance==
 +
Unknown.
 +
 
 +
==Where to purchase vehicle insurance==
 +
Unknown within Cameroon
  
 
==Driving license==
 
==Driving license==
''State the kind of driving licenses required. i.e. International Driving Permit.''
+
Anything from your home country will be accepted.
  
 
==Driving side of road==
 
==Driving side of road==
 
Right. <br/>
 
Right. <br/>
Unknown if RHD vehicles can be driven in {{PAGENAME}}.
+
RHD vehicles are allowed without problem.
  
 
==Mandatory items in vehicle==
 
==Mandatory items in vehicle==
''State any mandatory items that must be carried in the vehicle.
+
You probably need two safety triangles, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher.  
(i.e. safety triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc.)''
+
 
 
==Roads==
 
==Roads==
 +
 
===General Road quality===
 
===General Road quality===
''Give a brief description of the general road quality. Mention if one way streets are common.''
+
Cameroon has a mix of good tarmac and horribly potholed roads. Many of the main roads between big cities have been damaged by heavy fuel tanker traffic. There is a lot of work being done on the roads but you will undoubted get many stretches that are horrible. Where new roads have been built, they are excellent.
  
 
===Road signs===
 
===Road signs===
''Briefly describe the overall quality & existence of road signs for directions and hazards.''
+
Limited road signs, some do exist but not always obvious. Those that do exist are not always good quality.
  
 
===Toll roads===
 
===Toll roads===
''List the frequency and approximate price of toll roads.''
+
The major highways in Cameroon do have toll booths. You can expect to pay either <price cost="500" currency="XOF" /> or <price cost="1000" currency="XOF" /> every few hundred kilometres on those roads.
  
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
''Briefly describe how common bribery is and whether it should be expected, and the best way to deal with it.''
+
Bribery is common, you should expect officers at checkpoints to either directly ask for money or a gift. Maybe they will invent a story about why you must pay. Be polite, and don’t pay
 +
 
 +
See the [[bribery tips]] page for general advice.
  
 
==Checkpoints==
 
==Checkpoints==
''describe the frequency of checkpoints (police or military and what to expect.''
+
There are many checkpoints and random stops where Police will check all your paperwork. Don't pay. Stay friendly and polite. Never use your mobile phone or camera at check points.
  
 
==Traveling with pets==
 
==Traveling with pets==
Line 74: Line 98:
  
 
=Gas price in {{PAGENAME}} and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Gas price in {{PAGENAME}} and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}=
'''Last updated: <span style="color:red">October 2012</span>'''<br />
+
'''Last updated: <span style="color:red">March 2017</span>'''<br />
  
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
Line 85: Line 109:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Unleaded
 
| Unleaded
| <price cost="1.18" currency="EUR" unit="liter" /><ref name="Travelcost">[http://www.mytravelcost.com/petrol-prices/ World petrol prices, gas prices, diesel prices|MyTravelCost.com]</ref>
+
| <price cost="638" currency="XAF" unit="liter" />
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Diesel
 
| Diesel
| <price cost="1.08" currency="EUR" unit="liter" /><ref name="Travelcost" />
+
| <price cost="583" currency="XAF" unit="liter" />
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
 
==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
''Briefly describe if gas shortages are known to occur.'' <br/>
+
All towns have stations, all stations always have gasoline and diesel. Both are also available in small containers on the side of the road. Quality is likely very bad when bought like that. Near Nigeria it's possible to get cheap fuel from there, but again, the quality is probably not great.
''Also state the approximate average distance between gas stations. This is a very rough estimate.''
+
  
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
''Discuss if gasoline / diesel considered "clean" or "dirty", and generally high or low quality.''<br />
+
Usually very bad - both have dirt and/or water, diesel is likely extremely high sulphur content.<br />
''State the sulfur content of diesel, if known.''
+
  
 
=Safety and Security Considerations=
 
=Safety and Security Considerations=
 +
 
==Driving at night==
 
==Driving at night==
''Discuss driving at night and if it should it be avoided. Mention why.''
+
Driving at night is not recommended out of towns and cities due to poor lighting, poor road conditions and increased police checks after 6pm in the evening. There can also be armed robbery on the roads in remote places and some even place bogus road blocks. Also watch out for cars without lights.
  
 
==Vehicle parking==
 
==Vehicle parking==
''Discuss if vehicles can be parked on the street, if they are considered "safe" at night.''
+
Cars can be parked but watch out for the tow zones in major cities and also pay and display.
''If vehicles can not be parked on the street, list the other options that exist.''
+
Vehicles can be parked on the streets and usually are safe. At night try to park in compounds or other known safe zones
  
 
==Special driving considerations==
 
==Special driving considerations==
''A List of special things to be careful of (i.e. Unsigned speed bumps, abnormal road rules, people or animals on the road, etc.).'' <br/>
+
Speed bumps even on high speed roads. Road blocks for police which can be twigs or trees also used for vehicles that are broken down. Drivers don't always drive smoothly and can pull out it is usual to horn before and whilst overtaking. Likewise when approaching a junction to alert people of your present. Pedestrians jaywalk so again use the horn and drive with care. Animals such as cows and goats can be in the road. Watch for people and children at school times and also on Fridays (Mosque days) and Sundays (church days). People tend to dress in dark clothing and lighting may be poor so watch out at night.
''List any roads that are not recommended to drive for safety or other security reasons.''
+
 
 +
Remote roads where there is no traffic. Stick to main roads as more likely to get help if you need it in case of break down etc.
  
 
==Security advisories and information==
 
==Security advisories and information==
Line 117: Line 141:
  
 
=Camping in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Camping in {{PAGENAME}}=
''Describe if organized "pay" camping is common. List the facilities commonly found at these campsites.''<br />
+
Camping is not common in Cameroon, though it can be done in the right places.<br />
''List the approximate average price range of camping in organized campgrounds.'' <br />
+
Wildcamping is possible, though it's difficult to get away from people. Often the Military or Police will want you to register with them beforehand, which turns into an ordeal.
''Also discuss the possibility of "wild" or "roadside" camping. How common is it? Is it considered safe, or a bad idea.''
+
  
 
==Camping guide books==
 
==Camping guide books==
Line 125: Line 148:
  
 
==Drinking water==
 
==Drinking water==
''Describe if the regular tap water is safe to drink.''
+
It's not recommended to drink tap water - filter it or buy bottles.
''If not, describe where safe water can be purchased and the approximate average price range.''
+
  
 
=Navigation=
 
=Navigation=
 
==Paper maps==
 
==Paper maps==
Reise Know-How are amoung the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in {{PAGENAME}}
+
Reise Know-How are among the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in {{PAGENAME}}
 
{{paper_maps_country}}
 
{{paper_maps_country}}
 +
 
==GPS Maps of {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==GPS Maps of {{PAGENAME}}==
Tracks4Africa are the undisputed best GPS maps for Africa.<br/>
+
* [http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/ Garmin Open Street Maps] has excellent coverage of all roads - highways and cities.
Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
+
* Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
<al imageurl=http://www.tracks4africa.ch/images/stories/virtuemart/product/resized/t4a_1405_sd_200x200.jpg>0986987662</al>
+
<al imageurl=http://www.tracks4africa.ch/images/stories/virtuemart/product/resized/t4a_1405_sd_200x200.jpg nolocalize=true>0986987662</al>
''(with links to each).''
+
  
 
==GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in {{PAGENAME}}==
''Link to sites that have a list of GPS co-ordinates (or directions) for camping locations (including "wild" campsites), propane filling, gas stations, repair shops, places of interest, etc.''
+
* [http://ioverlander.com/ iOverlander] is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.
  
 
=Special Overland Travel interests=
 
=Special Overland Travel interests=
''List any special items / places that are popular with Overlanders''
+
* There are quite a few great spots listed in iOverlander - check there.
 
+
* The Chimpanzees in Marionburg are a highlight of West Africa!
==Travel Guide Books==
+
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
+
{{guide_books_country}}
+
 
+
  
 
=Vehicle Maintenance=
 
=Vehicle Maintenance=

Latest revision as of 05:42, 5 April 2019

West Africa > Cameroon Currency to display:

Visiting Cameroon[edit]

Cameroon is a spectacularly beautiful and friendly country to visit. From the mountains in the North West to the beaches and Mount Cameroon, there is something for everyone.

Entering Cameroon with a Car or Motorbike[edit]

Correct as of: March 2017

Travel Visa for Cameroon[edit]

The travel visa for Cameroon is easy to get, with virtually everyone who travels South getting it in Calabar, Nigeria. A three month visa costs the same as a one month.
The visa can be paid for in Nigeria Naira, Euros, US Dollars or West African francs, though due to the black market Naira exchange rate, that is the best option. The price is ₦37,000.00 NGN.

Coming from the South, you can get the visa in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo for $110.00 USD

Required Paperwork[edit]

(no copies are required)

Process at border[edit]

  • Get yourself stamped in at immigration.
  • Go to Douane to get a temporary import for the vehicle. Using the vehicle registration the officer will write out a Passavant, valid for 2 weeks.
  • If you have a Carnet de Passage, you don't need the Passavant.

NOTE: Technically Cameroon is not on the list of countries that use the Carnet de Passage, so be prepared to come up with a story or argument why they should accept it!

Cost of entry[edit]

Entry with a Carnet de Passage is free, the passavant costs CFA10,000.00 XOF

Permitted length of stay[edit]

With a passavant it's one month.

Extension of stay[edit]

Unknown

Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country[edit]

Describe if/how a vehicle can be stored, and for how long.
Also mention if the owner / temporary importer can leave the country while the vehicle is in storage.

Exiting with a vehicle[edit]

  • Get yourself stamped out at Immigration.
  • Get your Carnet de Passage stamped out if you have one.

All should be free, do not pay for this.

Driving in Cameroon[edit]

Recommended books for Overlanding in Cameroon[edit]

Overland Travel Essentials: West Africa: Myths, Miscon...
Overland Travel Essentials: West Africa: Myths, Miscon...
by Dan Grec
From $click on Amazon
Lonely Planet French Phrasebook & Dictionary (lonely P...
Lonely Planet French Phrasebook & Dictionary (lonely P...
by Lonely Planet
From $3.74 on Amazon
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
by Dan Grec
From $click on Amazon
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $22.49 on Amazon
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $click on Amazon
Eco-efficient Masonry Bricks And Blocks: Design, Prope...
Eco-efficient Masonry Bricks And Blocks: Design, Prope...
From $166.24 on Amazon

Travel insurance for Cameroon[edit]

World Nomads offer the most flexible Travel Insurance at the best prices for multi-country / multi-year trips. You can buy, extend and claim online, even after you've left home.

Vehicle insurance requirements[edit]

Insurance does not seem to be required, Police never seem to ask for it for people just transiting through, though you might want to have something to show anyone looking for a bribe.

Cost of vehicle insurance[edit]

Unknown.

Where to purchase vehicle insurance[edit]

Unknown within Cameroon

Driving license[edit]

Anything from your home country will be accepted.

Driving side of road[edit]

Right.
RHD vehicles are allowed without problem.

Mandatory items in vehicle[edit]

You probably need two safety triangles, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher.

Roads[edit]

General Road quality[edit]

Cameroon has a mix of good tarmac and horribly potholed roads. Many of the main roads between big cities have been damaged by heavy fuel tanker traffic. There is a lot of work being done on the roads but you will undoubted get many stretches that are horrible. Where new roads have been built, they are excellent.

Road signs[edit]

Limited road signs, some do exist but not always obvious. Those that do exist are not always good quality.

Toll roads[edit]

The major highways in Cameroon do have toll booths. You can expect to pay either CFA500.00 XOF or CFA1,000.00 XOF every few hundred kilometres on those roads.

Bribery in Cameroon[edit]

Bribery is common, you should expect officers at checkpoints to either directly ask for money or a gift. Maybe they will invent a story about why you must pay. Be polite, and don’t pay

See the bribery tips page for general advice.

Checkpoints[edit]

There are many checkpoints and random stops where Police will check all your paperwork. Don't pay. Stay friendly and polite. Never use your mobile phone or camera at check points.

Traveling with pets[edit]

List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.

Gas price in Cameroon and Diesel price in Cameroon[edit]

Last updated: March 2017

Currency and unit to display:

Gasoline Grade Price
Unleaded FCFA638.00 XAF per Liter
Diesel FCFA583.00 XAF per Liter

Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency[edit]

All towns have stations, all stations always have gasoline and diesel. Both are also available in small containers on the side of the road. Quality is likely very bad when bought like that. Near Nigeria it's possible to get cheap fuel from there, but again, the quality is probably not great.

Gas and Diesel Quality[edit]

Usually very bad - both have dirt and/or water, diesel is likely extremely high sulphur content.

Safety and Security Considerations[edit]

Driving at night[edit]

Driving at night is not recommended out of towns and cities due to poor lighting, poor road conditions and increased police checks after 6pm in the evening. There can also be armed robbery on the roads in remote places and some even place bogus road blocks. Also watch out for cars without lights.

Vehicle parking[edit]

Cars can be parked but watch out for the tow zones in major cities and also pay and display. Vehicles can be parked on the streets and usually are safe. At night try to park in compounds or other known safe zones

Special driving considerations[edit]

Speed bumps even on high speed roads. Road blocks for police which can be twigs or trees also used for vehicles that are broken down. Drivers don't always drive smoothly and can pull out it is usual to horn before and whilst overtaking. Likewise when approaching a junction to alert people of your present. Pedestrians jaywalk so again use the horn and drive with care. Animals such as cows and goats can be in the road. Watch for people and children at school times and also on Fridays (Mosque days) and Sundays (church days). People tend to dress in dark clothing and lighting may be poor so watch out at night.

Remote roads where there is no traffic. Stick to main roads as more likely to get help if you need it in case of break down etc.

Security advisories and information[edit]

Camping in Cameroon[edit]

Camping is not common in Cameroon, though it can be done in the right places.
Wildcamping is possible, though it's difficult to get away from people. Often the Military or Police will want you to register with them beforehand, which turns into an ordeal.

Camping guide books[edit]

List and link to books specifically for camping.

Drinking water[edit]

It's not recommended to drink tap water - filter it or buy bottles.

Navigation[edit]

Paper maps[edit]

Reise Know-How are among the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in Cameroon

Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea 1:1,300,000 Travel ...
Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea 1:1,300,000 Travel ...
by Reise Knowhow
From $12.95 on Amazon
Nonfiction Reading And Writing Workshop Springboard: A...
Nonfiction Reading And Writing Workshop Springboard: A...
by National Geographic Learning
From $14.95 on Amazon
Cameroon 1:1,500,000 And Gabon 1:950,000 Travel Map (i...
Cameroon 1:1,500,000 And Gabon 1:950,000 Travel Map (i...
by ITM Canada
From $4.99 on Amazon
Lonely Planet French Phrasebook & Dictionary
Lonely Planet French Phrasebook & Dictionary
by Lonely Planet, Michael Janes, Jean-Bernard Carille...
From $3.96 on Amazon

GPS Maps of Cameroon[edit]

  • Garmin Open Street Maps has excellent coverage of all roads - highways and cities.
  • Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
Gps Map Of Africa
Gps Map Of Africa
From $click on Amazon

GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in Cameroon[edit]

  • iOverlander is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.

Special Overland Travel interests[edit]

  • There are quite a few great spots listed in iOverlander - check there.
  • The Chimpanzees in Marionburg are a highlight of West Africa!

Vehicle Maintenance[edit]

Dealers[edit]

4x4s / Trucks

Motorbikes

Local Garages[edit]

Add known good mechanics here.

Buy or sell a car or motorbike in Cameroon[edit]

Buy
Describe how a foreigner can buy a vehicle. List any difficulties or limitations on where the vehicle can be driven.

Sell
Describe how a foreigner can sell a foreign-plated vehicle, or list not possible.'

References[edit]

Links to the source of any information - blogs or discussion forums, etc.


Helpful External links[edit]

Add any helpful external links here.