Douala, Cameroon
Region: Littoral Region
Geographic Coordinates: 4.050000, 9.700000
Temperature Range: 23.0°C to 32.0°C (73°F to 90°F)
Climate: Tropical climate with high humidity and frequent rainfall throughout the year.
Population: 5768400
Language: French
Douala is the largest city and economic capital of Cameroon, Located on the Wouri River in the Littoral Region. It is a bustling port city with a population of over 3 million people. Douala serves as the gateway to Central Africa and is an important commercial center for Cameroon, Serving as a hub for trade in goods such as cocoa, Coffee, Oil, And timber. The city has a rich cultural heritage with influences from various ethnic groups including Bakoko, Duala, Bassa, And Bamileke. The traditional architecture of these groups can be seen in buildings throughout the city.
The Doual’art art gallery showcases contemporary Cameroonian art and hosts events such as exhibitions and artist talks. Douala has several landmarks worth visiting including La Pagode (the Pagoda), Which was built by Chinese immigrants in 1978; Espace Doual’art (Doual’art Space), An open-air museum showcasing contemporary African art; Bonanjo Cathedral; and Akwa Palace Hotel which was built during colonial times. Visitors to Douala can also explore its vibrant markets such as Marché des Fleurs (Flower Market) where fresh flowers are sold or Marché Congo where one can find anything from food to clothing to electronics.
For those interested in fashion or textiles there are many tailors who specialize in creating unique designs using traditional African fabrics like wax print cloth. The cuisine of Cameroon is diverse with influences from French cuisine due to its colonial history. In Douala visitors can try local dishes such as ndolé (bitterleaf stew), Poulet DG (chicken cooked with plantains), Or mbongo tchobi (fish stew). There are also many street vendors selling grilled meat skewers known locally as brochettes.
One must-visit attraction while exploring Douala is Mount Cameroon which stands at over 4, 000 meters tall making it one of Africa’s highest peaks. Visitors can hike to the summit or explore the surrounding rainforest which is home to many species of wildlife including gorillas, Chimpanzees, And elephants. Douala is a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage and bustling markets. It serves as an important commercial center for Cameroon and offers visitors a chance to experience traditional Cameroonian culture while also exploring contemporary African art and cuisine.
With its proximity to Mount Cameroon, Douala is also an ideal destination for those interested in outdoor activities such as hiking or wildlife watching.
- Bonanjo Central Prison: This historic prison, built in 1931, is now a popular tourist attraction and museum.
- Douala Cathedral: The largest church in Cameroon, this cathedral is a beautiful example of colonial architecture.
- La Pagode: A cultural center that hosts concerts, art exhibitions, and other events.
- Marche des Fleurs: A bustling market selling fresh produce, flowers, and souvenirs.
- Lobe Waterfalls: Located about 70 km south of Douala, these waterfalls are a popular day trip destination for tourists.
- Akwa Palace Hotel: A historic hotel located in the heart of Douala’s business district.
- Espace Doual’art: An art gallery showcasing contemporary African art from local and international artists.
- Kribi Beaches: About 150 km south of Douala are the beautiful beaches of Kribi known for their clear waters and white sand beaches.
- Mount Cameroon National Park: Located about 200 km northwest of Douala is Mount Cameroon National Park which offers hiking trails to climb the highest mountain in West Africa with stunning views over the surrounding landscape including lakes and forests.
- Limbe Wildlife Centre – It is an animal rescue centre that houses primates such as gorillas chimpanzees as well as other species like parrots or crocodiles.
- Port and shipping: Douala is the largest port in Central Africa and serves as a gateway for international trade.
- Manufacturing: The city has a thriving manufacturing sector that produces goods such as textiles, food products, beverages, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals.
- Agriculture: The fertile farmlands surrounding Douala produce crops such as cocoa, coffee, bananas, palm oil, rubber and timber.
- Banking and finance: Douala is home to several banks including Afriland First Bank Cameroon Ltd., Societe Generale Camerounaise de Banques (SGBC), Ecobank Cameroon S.A., among others.
- Retail: There are several shopping centers in the city including Bonapriso Shopping Mall which houses supermarkets like Carrefour Market and Shoprite.
- Hospitality industry: Tourism plays an important role in the economy of Douala with hotels like Hotel Akwa Palace providing accommodation to visitors from around the world.
- Transportation services: With its busy port and airport (Douala International Airport), transportation services are a major industry in the city with taxi companies like Uber operating there too.
- Telecommunications: Major telecommunications companies such as MTN Cameroon have their headquarters located in Douala providing internet connectivity to its residents among other services they offer their customers across Cameroon.
- The arrival of Portuguese explorers in the 15th century led to the naming of the Wouri River, on which Douala is situated.
- In the late 19th century, a German colonial presence was established in Douala, resulting in significant economic and cultural development.
- The Treaty of Douala was signed between Germany and Britain in 1884, establishing a boundary between their respective spheres of influence in Cameroon.
- During the early 20th century, a railway line was constructed from Douala to Yaoundé, facilitating trade and commerce throughout Cameroon.
- The mid-20th century saw the growth of an urban middle class as well as significant political activism and resistance against French colonial rule.
- Notable individuals associated with Douala include musician Manu Dibango, writer Mongo Beti, and footballer Samuel Eto’o.
- Doual’art is a contemporary art center that showcases both local and international artists.
- La Nouvelle Liberté is a monument dedicated to Cameroon’s independence from France.
- The Musée Maritime de Douala is a museum that focuses on the maritime history of Cameroon.
- The Marché des Fleurs et des Oiseaux is a colorful market where you can find flowers, birds, and other exotic animals for sale.
- The Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul de Douala is a beautiful Catholic cathedral located in the heart of the city.
- The Musée Africain de Douala showcases traditional African art and culture through its ethnographic collection.
- Place du Gouvernement is the central square of Douala where many important events take place throughout the year.
- Palais des Rois Bell was once home to one of the most powerful kingdoms in pre-colonial Cameroon, the Bell dynasty.
- Jardin Botanique et Zoologique de la ville de Douala features an impressive variety of plant and animal species on display in its botanical garden and zoo area.
- Union Douala: Founded in 1958, Union Douala is one of the oldest football clubs in Cameroon. They have won several domestic titles, including the Cameroonian Cup and the Cameroonian Super Cup.
- New Stars FC: Established in 2001, New Stars FC is a relatively new team but has quickly made a name for itself by winning the Cameroonian Cup twice (in 2017 and 2019).
- Coton Sport FC: Based in Garoua, Coton Sport FC also has a strong presence in Douala as they regularly play matches at Stade de la Réunification. They have won several league titles and represented Cameroon at international competitions like the CAF Champions League.
- FAP Yaoundé: Although not based in Douala, FAP Yaoundé is one of the most successful basketball teams from Cameroon. They have won multiple national championships and represented Cameroon at international tournaments.
- AS Etoa Meki: Founded in 1995, AS Etoa Meki competes in both football and basketball leagues across Cameroon. They have had some success on both fronts but are still considered an up-and-coming team.
- Douala Hip Hop Festival: This festival celebrates hip hop culture and music in Douala, with local and international artists performing.
- FESTAC: The Festival of Arts and Culture is an annual event that showcases the cultural diversity of Cameroon through music, dance, theater, and visual arts.
- International Jazz Festival: This festival brings together jazz musicians from around the world to perform in Douala.
- Ngondo Festival: Celebrated by the Sawa people of Cameroon, this festival is a traditional cleansing ceremony that takes place on the banks of the Wouri River in Douala.
- National Day Celebration: On May 20th each year, Cameroon celebrates its independence from France with parades, cultural performances, and fireworks displays.
- International Trade Fair: This event brings together businesses from across Africa to showcase their products and services in Douala.
- African Fashion Week: A showcase for African fashion designers to display their latest collections on the runway in front of international buyers and media representatives.
- World Music Day: Held annually on June 21st , this event features live music performances across various venues throughout Douala.
- Reggae Sunsplash Festival : A celebration of reggae music featuring both local Cameroonian artists as well as international acts from Jamaica and other countries.
- Cameroon International Film Festival : An annual film festival held in December showcasing films made by Cameroonian filmmakers as well as films from other African countries.
- Ndolé – a dish made with bitterleaf stew, peanuts, and meat or fish. It is a popular dish in Cameroon.
- Poulet DG – a dish made with fried chicken, plantains, and vegetables. It is one of the most famous dishes in Cameroon.
- Suya – grilled meat on skewers seasoned with spices like ginger, garlic, and cumin.
- Koki beans – mashed black-eyed peas mixed with spices and palm oil.
- Chez Wou – a popular restaurant that serves traditional Cameroonian food such as ndolé and poulet DG.
- La Boucherie Moderne – a restaurant that specializes in grilled meats such as beef skewers and goat chops.
- Le Pelican Noir – serves traditional Cameroonian dishes such as fish pepper soup and yam pottage.
- Le Jardin Savoureux – offers an extensive menu of African cuisine including grilled fish served with plantains or rice balls.
- Chez Clarisse- known for their delicious seafood dishes like shrimp creole.
- Mama Mia Restaurant- serves Italian cuisine like pizza, pasta, etc.
- Jardin Botanique de Douala is a botanical garden that boasts over 500 plant species.
- Parcours Vita is a well-known jogging and fitness trail.
- Parc de la Lékié is a large park that features walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
- Douala Beach is an area with water sports and recreational activities available for visitors to enjoy.
- Golf Club de Douala is a golf course located within the city limits of Douala.
- Le Meridien Hotel Swimming Pool & Fitness Center offers public access to swimming pool facilities as well as a fitness center.
- La Nouvelle Liberté amusement park has rides, games, and entertainment for all ages to enjoy.
- Akwa Palace Hotel Casino provides visitors with the opportunity to experience casino gaming during their stay in Douala.
- Bano Palace Cinema offers movie theatre experiences for tourists visiting the city.
Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, some of these parks/activities may be temporarily closed or have limited access; it’s best to check ahead before planning any visits or activities in Douala, Cameroon.
