The city of Douala, the economic capital of Cameroon is the perfect combination of modern activity and cultural diversity and natural beauty. It is the main port and the business hub of the nation located along the banks of the Wouri River and it hosts tourists globally. Despite the fact that most of the tourists view Douala as a gateway leading to other destinations in the country, the city itself has undergone the treasure trove of activities that could be enjoyed. They will make the Things to Do in Douala exciting to any type of traveler with cultural landmarks and historical sites, bustling markets and beautiful natural features.
The diversity of Cameroon can be represented by the city with its art, history, food, and colorful local life. Douala will be in the past as you take a stroll at the colorful Marche des Fleurs in pursuit of strange souvenirs, the world of contemporary African creativity at Doualart and you make a day trip to the magnificent Kameruna Ekow Nkam Waterfalls. To be more realistic, the city also provides the travellers with a possibility to contact the cultural identity and natural treasures of Cameroon. Before traveling to Cameroon, international travelers should obtain the right Cameroon Visa or Cameroon travel visa as this is a common prerequisite of the majority of foreigners. Travelling with Gokite Oman can assist travellers to relax and ensure a safe journey by making prior arrangements with the services of a trusted company. This is a reference manual on what to see, do, and tour in Douala in order to make the most out of your time in the city.
Here are the Douala Travel Guide: Best Things to Do
- Visit Maritime Museum of Douala.
One of the most interesting cultural sites in the city is Maritime Museum of Douala that offers an understanding of the role of maritime trade and fishing in the development of the country by presenting the artifacts, models and photographs. One of the places that people can explore is interactive exhibits on the subject of shipbuilding, sea life and Douala as a significant trading centre in Central Africa. .A visit here is not only informative but also makes the traveller understand how Douala became the economic centre of the state of Cameroon. One may also have panoramic views of the port within the museum and have a personal observation of the bustling harbor of the city. Maritime Museum is a magnificent tourist destination to learn about the culture and at the same time get acquainted with the history.
- Walk in Marché des Fleurs.
The Marché des Fleurs (Flower Market) is an attraction to every traveler who is fond of shopping and local crafts. This colorful market is crowded with stalls of colored handmade souvenirs; wood carvings, beads, fabrics and pictures. The place is an ideal place to get genuine souvenirs that represent the various artistic cultures of Cameroon. In addition to shopping, it is a full cultural experience in the market. You will be talking directly with craftsmen, seeing how the process of making craft was handled in past, and you will be drinking coffee and breathing the air full of flowers and native herbs. Haggling is included in the fun part and it offers tourists an opportunity to interact with the friendly and hospitable sellers.
- Doual art Contemporary art experience.
Doualart is among the most dynamic cultural centers of Douala which is dedicated to the modern African art. .The gallery was started in the 1990s and displays the work of the new and well-established artists in the continent as a non-profit organization. You may also expect to see exhibits of paintings, sculpture, photography and multimedia art installations, which constitute the contemporary African identity, social issues and creative imagination. .The center also opens the door to cultural projects such as the public art and installations in the city which offers you a fresh view into the future and the present of the African art. .This will provide the lover of art with fresh valuable discussion.
- Day-trip to Ekom Nkam Waterfalls.
Ekom Nkam Waterfalls are highly recommendable in the mood of natural beauty and not in the city as it covers a distance of about 80 kilometers to Douala. The landscape is more than incredible with the falls of water dropping over 80 meters in a green bushy valley. It was known to the whole world after the location was utilized in films like Greystoke:The Legend of Tarzan. Besides the cinematic eminence, the waterfalls can be explored to carry out some hiking, make photographs and have a glimpse of the beautiful natural Cameroon. Ekom Nkam will also be a perfect vacation spot to visit nature lovers since it is a refreshing place, particularly in the hectic environment of the city.
- See the Cameroon Reunification Monument.
A historical monument in Douala that qualifies as a historical monument is the Cameroon Reunification Monument of 1961 that commemorates the reunification of French and British Cameroon. It is also a major tourist attraction since it represents unity of the nation and individuals who wish to learn more about the political and cultural background of Cameroon. The tourists will be in a position to enjoy the design of the monument and reflect on the course of the nation on the road towards unity and independence. The place is also beautiful to take pictures and not only does it have architecture but it also has history. It is an essential place of visit to all those travelers who want to sightsee but at the same time get acquainted with more serious cultural background.
- Hike Mount Cameroon
One of the places that any adventurous traveler would enjoy visiting, but not in Douala per se, is the day trip or even overnights stay at the mount Cameroon. Central and West Africa has the tallest heights known as the Chariot of the gods which has an elevation of over 4,000 meters. Hiking the volcano is a challenging and a satisfying experience that gives one the panoramic views of the land formations surrounding. The Cameroon mountain is culturally significant to the people as well as housing flora and fauna. Decide between a hike that takes a short time or an adventure that takes several days, the mountain will create a lasting adventure. Many travelers are basing on Douala to Mount Cameroon.
Have a rest at Limbe Botanic Garden.
Limbe Botanic Garden is another good day trip site of Douala. There are a lot of exotic trees, tropical plants, and medicinal herbs that have been cultivated in this botanical garden in the late 19 th century. It was first made a place of agricultural research, but today it serves as a conservatory reserve and tourist attraction. The garden forms a perfect getaway beyond the urban bustle and the shaded paths and scenic spots to sit down are the best to rest around. There is also the option to inform the visitors about the biodiversity of Cameroon and the use of plants as a means of traditional medicine. This in combination with nearby Limbe beaches make it a great day out.
Conclusion
Besides it being a business hub of Cameroon, Douala is a rich city in its own way in terms of culture, colorful markets and the sightseeing of some magnificent natural phenomena. The travelers would have plenty of things to cherish the things to do in Douala like Maritime Museum, Doual’art, and the Marche des Fleurs, and going out to see things like the Ekom Nkam Waterfalls, Mount Cameroon and Limbe Botanic Garden.
A Cameroon Visa or Cameroon travel visa should be requested by international tourists to before they go out on this adventure. Gokite Oman can be used by professionals to process travel arrangements and you can concentrate on the journey. Douala in general is a historical, artistic, cultural, and natural wonder to new and seasoned tourists. Book a trip today and visit these attractions and leave Gokite Oman to help you discover the treasures of Cameroon easily.
