Yaoundé

Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon, is a green, sprawling city built across rolling hills, earning it the nickname the city of seven hills. More laid-back and administrative than the bustling economic hub of Douala, it offers a gentler introduction to the country often described as Africa in miniature for its extraordinary geographic and cultural diversity. Its attractions include lively markets, the National Museum in the former presidential palace, grand monuments like the Reunification Monument, cathedrals and the Mvog-Betsi zoo, all set amid the green, hilly landscape, making it a useful and reasonably relaxed base for exploring the heart of Cameroon.

What you actually see

• The National Museum - the collection in the old presidential palace.
• The markets - the bustling Mokolo and central markets.
• The monuments and cathedrals - the Reunification Monument and churches.
• The seven hills - the green, hilly cityscape and viewpoints.

When to go

November to February, the drier season, for the most comfortable weather to explore the city and its markets and museums; Yaoundé's hilly setting gives it a slightly cooler, greener feel than the steamy coast. It serves as the administrative capital and a gateway for onward travel into the diverse regions of the country.

Honest expectations

As a greener, more relaxed capital than Douala, though, with its hills, markets and museums, Yaoundé is a reasonable introduction to diverse Cameroon.

Nearby

The rainforest, the economic hub of Douala and the western highlands are beyond.