Yaoundé
The city of seven hills - Cameroon's green, spread-out capital set among rolling hills, of bustling markets, museums, monuments and cathedrals, a laid-back administrative hub and gateway to the country often called Africa in miniature.
Updated 19 October 2026
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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.
History
The outpost of Epsumb or Jeundo was founded between the Nyong and Sanaga rivers in 1887, 1888 or February 1889 by the German explorers Richard Kund and Hans Tappenbeck, with the agreement of local chiefs, and from December 1889 to May 1895 the botanist Georg August Zenker ran it as an agricultural research station called Jaunde, trading in rubber and ivory. A garrison set up by Major Dominik in 1895 made room for a Pallottine mission and school at Mvolyé, and in 1922, under the French mandate, Yaoundé was chosen as the capital, growing fast after 1957 and remaining the seat of government at independence (Wikipedia, Yaoundé).
The main sights
- 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.
Before you go
As a greener, more relaxed capital than Douala, 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.
Key facts
Source: Wikidata, item Q3808, read on 18 October 2026.
What to pack for Yaoundé
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Strong insect repellent - DEET or picaridin; the jungle is where bites and disease risk are highest. Find on Amazon
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- Modest clothing - Shoulders and knees covered - the single most common requirement. Find on Amazon
- Long, light, quick-dry clothing - Covers skin from insects and sun without cooking you in the humidity. Find on Amazon
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