Flight to Douala (DLA)

Flying to Douala: tips and information for your trip

The sound of Makossa, the popular urban music style, was born in the streets of Douala, the commercial and economic capital of Cameroon. As a port on the Atlantic Ocean, Douala is the business hub of Cameroon and is a top economic power in central Africa. It handles most of the country’s major exports, such as oil, coffee, metals and fruits.

Cameroon enjoys a great deal of stability. A highly developed infrastructure, and a peaceful environment for successful business and the good life make Douala popular with many European and American expats.

So what are you waiting for? Book your flight ticket to Douala today and discover Cameroon with Brussels Airlines!

What to do in and around Douala?

1. The Douala Maritime Museum will give you a better understanding of the city’s history and cultural heritage. From the evolution of types of ships that have entered the port to a 3D simulation of a storm at sea.
   
   
2. Doual’art is a non-profit organisation founded in 1991. It’s an excellent place to witness the city’s growing art scene and explore temporary exhibitions by artists from Cameroon and the rest of Africa.
   
   
3. The highest peak in sub-Saharan western and central Africa lies northwest of Douala and is better known as Mount Cameroon. This active volcano, also one of Africa’s largest, has an elevation of over 4000 metres and some 600 craters. For those who aren’t afraid of a challenge, it’s possible to hike up the mountain in 3-4 days, crossing forests and savannahs.
   
   
4. The white sand coastlines of Kribi and Grand Batanga are among the prettiest of Cameroon. Coconut trees, dugout canoes on the water and beach huts where they serve the best fish and famous large sea shrimps make these beaches a true paradise. Don’t miss out on the Lobé Waterfalls, the only place in the world where a river cascades directly into the Atlantic.
   
   
5. In comparison to many African zoos, Limbe Wildlife Centre is a rare exception and focusses on the future of Cameroonian wildlife. Its ultimate goal is to reintroduce rescued chimpanzees, gorillas and other primates into the wild population. This rehabilitation centre has well-informed staff and will give you lots of interesting information.

Practical information for your trip

• Brussels Airlines flights arrive and depart from Douala International Airport, the country’s busiest airport, located 10 km from the city centre.
• Currency: The official currency of Cameroon is the Central African CFA franc (XAF). There is no need to bring large sums of cash with you. Douala has a world-class banking system and allows you to easily use your credit cards, with Visa being the most popular. If you’d rather have some cash on you, there are plenty of ATMs in the city and hotels also offer money exchange services to their guests.
• Telephone calls and Wi-Fi: The Cameroon country code is +237. In Cameroon there is a decent telephone network throughout the entire country. Wi-Fi network service is limited and only available in hotels.
• Electric sockets: In Cameroon the power sockets are of type C and E. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. If you use American or British plugs, you will need an adaptor.
• Travel information: A visa is mandatory to enter Cameroon. To obtain a tourist visa, you must meet several prerequisites. Contact the Embassy or Consulate of Cameroon in your country for more information.
• Vaccination: Before travelling to Cameroon, the Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory and proof of vaccination is required upon arrival. Cameroon also has year-round malaria transmission, so make sure to bring along medication to prevent malaria infection.

Dos and don’ts

• In Cameroon it is common to eat with your hands, although foreigners may be offered cutlery. If you want to eat like the locals, be sure to use the right hand.
  
  
• It is strongly advised to drink bottled water and to avoid ice cubes in your drinks. Peel your fruit, make sure all your meals are well cooked, don’t drink fresh-squeezed juices and wash your hands frequently.
  
  
• Tipping in Cameroon is customary. Leave an extra 5 to 15% when the service is appreciated, and remember that for some professionals, such as baggage handlers at the airport, it is also their only income.
  
  
• When invited to a Cameroonian’s house, it’s always a good idea to bring some fruit. Unless your host is of Muslim religion, you can also bring whisky or wine. Don’t be offended if gifts aren’t opened right away, and always give with both hands.
  
  
• Take your time to greet the Cameroonians, it should never be rushed. And take into account that there is a hierarchical society in Cameroon, so always greet the elders first.
  
  
• Greeting each other in Cameroon varies between the Francophone and Anglophone area. In both areas it is common to shake hands. While in the Anglophone North, close friends have a unique handshake, in the Francophone South they often embrace each other.
  
  
• It’s advisable to travel as much as you can by taxi. Although Douala has a highly developed infrastructure, road travel in the rest of Cameroon can be hazardous. During the rainy season, roads can be flooded or landslides can occur.

Cultural events

• In Cameroon, January 1st isn’t just the start of the New Year, it is also the date to celebrate the independence from France, proclaimed in 1960.
• International Women’s Day is an official celebration in Cameroon. On 8 March, women take centre stage and in major cities such as Douala and Yaoundé, many nightclubs are reserved for them only.
• Every year on 20 May, Cameroon celebrates its foundation with National Day. On this day in 1972, the country voted to replace the existing federal state with a unitary state.
• The Sawa, the coastal people of Douala, celebrate Ngondo every first week of December. Among the festivities are a Miss Douala contest, dancing shows and pirogue races.

When to go to Douala in Cameroon?

Cameroon is located in the heart of Africa, just above the equator, and has both a tropical and an equatorial climate. Douala is a coastal city, with a dry season from December to February and a longer rainy season from June to October, with the worst rainfall in August. The city generally has warm and humid conditions, with year-round temperatures between 25° and 30° C.

What to eat?

Given that Cameroon is located at the crossroads between the north, west and centre of Africa, its cuisine is one of the most varied on the continent. With the addition of German, French and English influences, European cooking techniques and culture were introduced. Among the specialties are brochettes, ndolé and taro. In some parts of the country insects are eaten.