The best hotels in Yaounde
Yaoundé has 450+ places to stay, and most exist for government officials and conference delegates. Finding something that works for regular travelers takes digging. We reviewed the standouts. These 10 made the cut.
Our 10 Top Picks in Yaounde
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
Albatros Premium Hôtel
Yaounde
$143/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
VILLA MARCO 1 APARTMENT
Yaounde
$190/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Residence Jardin Tropical - Two-Bedroom Apartment
Yaounde
$60/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Residence Massou_Executive_1 R
Yaounde
$264/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Vita Resort Golf Bastos
Yaounde
$482/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
La Résidence Hôtelière La Maison Blanche Afanayo
Yaounde
$192/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Résidence de la Cour des Nations
Yaounde
$136/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
HÔTEL MAA MEVFOU
Yaounde
$44/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Summit palace international
Yaounde
$24/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Royal Hillside Apartments and Hotel
Yaounde
$62/night Prices are approximate and vary by season
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Here's why each one made the cut.
Albatros Premium Hôtel
Strong reputation for a reason. At $143, you're getting solid mid-range comfort in central Yaoundé with 91 guests backing it up. The rating holds consistently, which matters in a city where quality varies wildly. Good pick if you want predictability without paying the Golf Bastos premium.
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VILLA MARCO 1 APARTMENT
Five stars from four guests. That's not enough to trust blindly. At $190, you're paying above the Albatros for far less track record. If it delivers, you're getting apartment-style space for less than most proper hotels charge per room. Book with free cancellation.
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Residence Jardin Tropical - Two-Bedroom Apartment
Best value on the list if the two-bedroom setup works for you. At $60, split between two people it's almost laughably cheap. Eight reviews at 4.55 is thin but decent. Quieter residential feel, away from the noise around Mvog-Ada market. Worth the gamble.
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Residence Massou_Executive_1 R
Ten five-star reviews is actually meaningful. At $264, this is executive pricing for Yaoundé, but you're getting serviced apartment space rather than a hotel box. Works well for business stays where you need room to spread out. Pricier than the Albatros, but the extra space earns it.
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Vita Resort Golf Bastos
Bastos is Yaoundé's diplomatic quarter, and this is its priciest option. At $482, you're paying for that address and the resort grounds. Thirteen five-star reviews on a product this expensive carries real weight. Worth it if someone else is covering it. Skip if you're paying yourself.
Address:Vita Resort Golf Bastos, Parcour Vita, Rue 6.126, Golf Bastos, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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La Résidence Hôtelière La Maison Blanche Afanayo
Six reviews at 4.7 is too thin to be confident. At $192, you're paying more than the Albatros for less track record. The Afanayo location suggests a quieter residential setting, which has real appeal if you're avoiding the city centre noise. Treat it as a backup option.
Address:La Résidence Hôtelière La Maison Blanche Afanayo, Yaoundé, Afanoya, Cameroon
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Résidence de la Cour des Nations
Sixteen reviews at 4.6 is the most reliable mid-range data point here. At $136, it undercuts the Albatros slightly with comparable scores. The name signals it caters to diplomats and NGO visitors, which usually means reliable Wi-Fi and calm surroundings. Solid, dependable choice for business travelers.
Address:Résidence de la Cour des Nations, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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HÔTEL MAA MEVFOU
Twenty-five reviews at 4.4 is the most data you'll find at this price. At $44, you're well below mid-range without landing somewhere genuinely rough. Mevfou sits east of the centre near the river, so expect a local neighborhood feel over business district convenience. Fine for budget stays.
Address:HÔTEL MAA MEVFOU, RG6G+49F, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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Summit palace international
Cheapest on the list with the most surprising rating. At $24, you're not getting luxury, but 13 guests scoring it 4.5 means it actually delivers on its real promise. Perfect for a transit night in Yaoundé when you need a clean bed and nothing else. Skip for longer stays.
Address:Summit palace international, Mballa3 a côté du village noah, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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Royal Hillside Apartments and Hotel
Thirteen reviews at 4.5 for $62 puts this in solid budget territory. The hillside part is real. Yaoundé sits across seven hills, so expect elevation, better airflow, and views. Taxis cost more if you're heading downhill constantly, but the value holds up for a multi-night stay.
Address:Royal Hillside Apartments and Hotel, Entrée Frazati- Damas, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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Didn't find your match above? Here's every hotel in Yaounde.
Every scored hotel in the city. Filter by price, rating, or type to find yours.
| # | Hotel | Our Score | Guest Rating | Reviews | Type | Price/Night | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Albatros Premium Hôtel | 4.8 | 91 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $140/night | Book → | |
| 2 | VILLA MARCO 1 APARTMENT | 5.0 | 4 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $190/night | Book → | |
| 3 | Residence Jardin Tropical - Two-Bedroom Apartment | 4.5 | 8 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $60/night | Book → | |
| 4 | Residence Massou_Executive_1 R | 5.0 | 10 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $260/night | Book → | |
| 5 | Vita Resort Golf Bastos | 5.0 | 13 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $240/night | Book → | |
| 6 | La Résidence Hôtelière La Maison Blanche Afanayo | 4.7 | 6 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $190/night | Book → | |
| 7 | Résidence de la Cour des Nations | 4.6 | 16 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $140/night | Book → | |
| 8 | HÔTEL MAA MEVFOU | 4.4 | 25 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $40/night | Book → | |
| 9 | Summit palace international | 4.5 | 13 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $20/night | Book → | |
| 10 | Royal Hillside Apartments and Hotel | 4.5 | 13 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $60/night | Book → | |
| 11 | STAR LAND HOTEL BASTOS | 4.3 | 668 | 4★ | $250/night | Book → | |
| 12 | hôtel njenka | 5.0 | 4 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $40/night | Book → | |
| 13 | Renova-Immo | 5.0 | 3 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $50/night | Book → | |
| 14 | Residence OKEO meublé | 4.4 | 24 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $50/night | Book → | |
| 15 | Villa Lova Havre de Paix Odza Yaoundé | Apartment / Guesthouse | $50/night | Book → | |||
| 16 | Villa Torino 2 - moderne et spacieuse avec toutes les commodités pour vous sentir chez vous | 5.0 | 1 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $270/night | Book → | |
| 17 | Jean | 4.3 | 77 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $50/night | Book → | |
| 18 | HELEN HOTEL | 4.3 | 58 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $50/night | Book → | |
| 19 | Village Noah | 4.2 | 137 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $120/night | Book → | |
| 20 | Résidence hôtelière MEDOM PALACE, Bastos | 3.9 | 8 | Apartment / Guesthouse | $100/night | Book → |
Where to Stay in Yaounde
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
Bastos: the diplomatic quarter worth paying for
Bastos sits on the hills north of Centre Ville. The neighborhood is home to most embassies, the UN compound, and the Hilton. Streets are wider, cleaner, and better lit than the rest of Yaoundé. Security is visible but not oppressive.
Hotels here cater to diplomats, NGO staff, and business travelers. That means reliable power, functional WiFi, and staff who speak English. You pay more ($100-420/night) but the peace of mind is real. Le Safoutier restaurant and the Hilton pool bar are the social hubs.
The downside: you're isolated from the real city. A taxi to Mfoundi Market takes 20 minutes. A taxi to the National Museum takes 15 minutes. You'll eat at hotel restaurants more than you'd like unless you make the effort to explore.
Centre Ville: budget base with market energy
Centre Ville is the commercial heart. Government buildings, banks, the central post office, and Mfoundi Market are all here. Hotels run $30-80/night but quality varies wildly. Some are excellent value. Others have no running water after 6pm.
The area around Avenue Kennedy and Rue Nachtigal has the best budget hotels. Look for places with generators (listed in reviews) and recent renovation dates. The Grand Hotel de Yaoundé on Place de l'Indépendance is a mid-century landmark that still functions.
Walking in Centre Ville during the day is fine. After dark, stick to main streets and use taxis. The area near Mokolo Market gets sketchy after sunset. But the daytime market energy is genuine: Mfoundi is one of Central Africa's great markets.
Mont Febe: views and isolation at the top
Mont Febe is the highest point in Yaoundé. The Mont Febe Hotel sits at the summit with panoramic views across the city. On clear days, you can see the green hills rolling 30km in every direction.
The hotel was the premier address in the 1970s and retains some of that character. Rooms run $80-180/night. The Benedictine monastery nearby produces Cameroonian craft goods. The golf course is passable.
The problem: you're 8km from Centre Ville and 5km from Bastos. Everything requires a taxi. The views are stunning, but after the first sunset, you'll wish you were closer to restaurants and markets. Stay one night for the experience if you like.
Mfoundi Market: the must-visit experience
Mfoundi is Yaoundé's central market, a sprawling labyrinth of stalls selling everything from pineapples to phone cases. The food section is the highlight: grilled plantains ($0.50), brochettes (meat skewers, $1-2), and avocados the size of your head.
Go in the morning (8-11am) when produce is freshest and the crowd is manageable. The textile section has wax print fabrics from $3/yard. Bargaining is expected. Start at 50% of the asking price and settle at 60-70%.
Don't bring a fancy phone or camera. Pickpocketing is common in the dense crowds. A small amount of cash in your front pocket is all you need. The experience is worth the small hassle.
Day trip to Kribi: beaches 3 hours south
Kribi is Cameroon's beach town, 3 hours south of Yaoundé by bus ($6-8, multiple departures daily). The Lobe Waterfalls drop directly into the ocean, which is a geological oddity worth the trip. The beach stretches 15km with golden sand.
Hotels in Kribi run $30-100/night. The town is small and walkable. Fresh grilled fish on the beach costs $4-7. The seafood is the best in Cameroon.
If Yaoundé is your base, Kribi works as an overnight trip. Leave early morning, arrive by noon, beach afternoon, overnight, back to Yaoundé next day. It's the break from the capital that everyone needs.
Getting around: taxis, motos, and staying safe
Yellow shared taxis are everywhere. Flag one down, say your destination, agree on the price (300-500 CFA for shared, 2,000-5,000 CFA for private). Don't take taxis without license plates. At night, always take a private taxi or have your hotel call one.
Moto-taxis (motos) are the fastest way through traffic. Riders weave between cars and cut travel time in half. The downside: helmets are rare, accidents happen, and your travel insurance probably doesn't cover it. Hotels strongly advise against motos.
For a full day of sightseeing, hire a driver through your hotel ($30-50/day). They know the city, wait while you explore, and handle the traffic stress. It's the most comfortable way to see the National Museum, Mfoundi Market, and Mont Febe in one day.
Yaounde's best hotel regions
Bastos is where the embassies and NGOs cluster, so the hotels know international standards. Centre Ville is cheaper and puts you closer to the markets. Mont Febe has the views but you'll taxi everywhere.
Bastos (Diplomatic Quarter) 4 vetted hotels Embassies, the Hilton, and the city's most reliable hotels.
Embassies, the Hilton, and the city's most reliable hotels.
Bastos is where the money and the infrastructure are. The US, French, and German embassies anchor the neighborhood. Hotels here have generators, real WiFi, and staff who handle international guests daily.
The Hilton Yaoundé ($200-420/night) is the top address. Djeuga Palace ($150-300/night) is the local alternative with a pool and conference facilities. Several smaller boutique hotels in the $80-150 range offer solid quality.
The social scene revolves around hotel bars and the handful of international restaurants. Le Safoutier and Cafe de Yaoundé are the standouts. After 10pm, Bastos is quiet. That's a feature, not a bug.
Browse all Bastos (Diplomatic Quarter) hotels → Centre Ville (Downtown) 3 vetted hotels Budget hub near Mfoundi Market and the National Museum.
Budget hub near Mfoundi Market and the National Museum.
Centre Ville puts you in the thick of it. Government ministries, banks, markets, and street food stalls are all within walking distance. Hotels run $30-100/night with varying quality.
The area around Avenue Kennedy has the most reliable options. Always verify generator availability before booking. The Grand Hotel de Yaoundé and Hotel La Falaise are old-school picks with character.
Noise is constant: traffic, market vendors, and roosters starting at 4:30am. But that's the authentic Yaoundé experience. If you want the real city, not the sanitized embassy version, this is where you stay.
Browse all Centre Ville (Downtown) hotels → Nlongkak / Mfandena 2 vetted hotels The middle ground between Bastos luxury and Centre Ville budget.
The middle ground between Bastos luxury and Centre Ville budget.
Nlongkak sits between Bastos and Centre Ville, which makes it the practical compromise. Hotels here run $50-130/night and tend to be newer constructions targeting Cameroonian business travelers.
The neighborhood is residential with a growing restaurant scene. You're 10 minutes by taxi to either Bastos or Centre Ville. The main Nlongkak road has shops, pharmacies, and a few internet cafes.
Quality is uneven. The best hotels here match Bastos at half the price. The worst are concrete boxes with intermittent water. Check reviews from the last 3 months and look for generator confirmation.
Browse all Nlongkak / Mfandena hotels → Mont Febe / Quartier du Lac 1 vetted hotel Hilltop views and lakeside calm, far from the city center.
Hilltop views and lakeside calm, far from the city center.
Mont Febe is the scenic option: the hotel at the summit has city panoramas, the Benedictine monastery produces local crafts, and the air feels cleaner at 900 meters elevation.
Quartier du Lac (the lake district) is a quieter residential area between Mont Febe and Centre Ville. A handful of guesthouses offer $40-80/night rooms with garden settings.
Both areas require taxis for everything. The isolation works for a night or two but gets old quickly. If your trip to Yaoundé is short (2-3 nights), you're better served in Bastos or Nlongkak where everything is closer.
Browse all Mont Febe / Quartier du Lac hotels →Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel.
Culture
The National Museum near Centre Ville (entry $3) has Cameroon's best collection of traditional art, masks, and colonial-era artifacts. Mfoundi Market is the living cultural experience: 3 hours of negotiation, color, and grilled plantains.
Budget
Centre Ville guesthouses from $30-45/night. Street food at Mfoundi Market: $2-4 for a full meal. Yellow shared taxis: $0.50 per ride. A full day in Yaoundé costs under $25 if you eat local and ride shared. Cameroon's capital is genuinely affordable.
Foodie
Ndolé (bitter leaf stew with prawns) is the national dish and Le Moulin Rouge on Rue Nachtigal does the best version ($6-10). Grilled fish and plantains at any roadside stand: $2-3. Le Safoutier in Bastos bridges Cameroonian and French cuisines for $15-30 per main.
Family
Yaoundé isn't a family tourist destination. The Mvog-Betsi Zoo ($2 entry) has rescued primates that kids enjoy. The Hilton pool is family-friendly. Mont Febe's grounds are good for a morning walk. But this is a business city, so family activities are limited to 2-3 days maximum.
Romantic
Mont Febe Hotel's terrace restaurant has the most romantic setting in Yaoundé: sunset views over the city with green hills behind. Dinner for two runs $30-50. Le Safoutier in Bastos has the most intimate dining room. The city isn't romantic by design, but these spots deliver.
Beach
No beach in Yaoundé. The nearest coast is Kribi, 3 hours south by bus ($6-8). Kribi has a 15km golden sand beach and the Lobe Waterfalls dropping into the ocean. Douala's beaches are closer (3.5 hours) but not as good. Budget an overnight trip.
We reviewed 450+ options across Yaoundé. Many budget hotels in Centre Ville have unreliable power and water. The conference hotels are overpriced for what they offer. We focused on places with genuine reliability: consistent electricity, working WiFi, and staff who handle international guests regularly.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
Every hotel on this page earned its spot through this process.
When to Visit Yaounde
Hotel prices, crowds, and weather vary by season.
Dry Season (Nov-Feb)
The most comfortable months. Lower humidity, less rain, and roads stay passable. December is conference season, so Bastos hotels fill up and prices rise 10-20%. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for December. January and February are the driest and most pleasant.
Short Dry Season (Jul-Aug)
A brief dry spell between the two rainy seasons. Temperatures drop to 22-28°C, which is the coolest Yaoundé gets. Tourist presence is near zero. Hotels discount 10-15% from peak rates. Not bad if your schedule demands it.
Light Rainy Season (Mar-Jun)
Rain increases gradually from March. By June, expect afternoon showers most days. Roads in lower areas get muddy. Hotel prices soften slightly. The city is green and lush. Mornings are usually dry enough for sightseeing.
Heavy Rainy Season (Sep-Oct)
September and October are the wettest months. Heavy daily rain, occasional flooding in Centre Ville, and unpaved roads become difficult. Some budget hotels lose power for extended periods. If you must travel during this time, stay in Bastos with generator-equipped hotels.
Booking Tips for Yaounde
Smart booking strategies for Yaounde.
Verify generator status before booking
Power cuts in Yaoundé happen daily, sometimes lasting 4-8 hours. Budget hotels in Centre Ville often lack generators entirely. When booking, ask specifically: 'Does the generator cover guest rooms, not just common areas?' The Hilton, Djeuga Palace, and most Bastos hotels have full backup.
Carry CFA francs in small bills
Many taxis and market vendors can't break 10,000 CFA ($16.50) notes. ATMs at Ecobank and Afriland First Bank dispense 5,000 and 10,000 CFA notes. Break them at hotels or supermarkets before heading out. $50-100 worth of CFA is enough for a day of local transport and food.
Get the yellow fever vaccine before arrival
Cameroon requires proof of yellow fever vaccination. You'll be asked for the International Certificate of Vaccination at Yaoundé-Nsimalen Airport. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel. It's valid for life. Without it, you may be vaccinated on arrival (uncomfortable and uncertain) or denied entry.
Use hotel taxis after dark
Yellow shared taxis at night carry risks: unlicensed vehicles, unmarked routes, and occasional robberies. After 8pm, have your hotel call a trusted driver. The $3-5 premium over a street taxi is cheap security. During the day, shared taxis are fine for getting around.
Drink only bottled water
Tap water in Yaoundé is not safe to drink. Buy 1.5-liter bottles at any shop (500-800 CFA, roughly $1). Use bottled water for brushing teeth too. Ice in restaurants is usually fine at Bastos establishments but questionable in Centre Ville street stalls.
Book Douala connections in advance
The Camrail train from Douala to Yaoundé sells out 1st class seats ($15) quickly. Buy at the station the day before or online. Central Voyages buses ($8-10) are the most comfortable road option, departing every 1-2 hours. Avoid arriving at Yaoundé after dark if possible. The airport taxi rank has a fixed rate of 15,000 CFA ($25) to Centre Ville.
Hotels in Yaounde, FAQ
Straight answers from our team.
What is the best area to stay in Yaoundé?
Bastos is the safest bet. The diplomatic quarter north of Centre Ville has embassies, international restaurants, and the most reliable hotels. Hilton Yaoundé is here. Rooms run $100-420/night. For budget stays, Nlongkak (between Bastos and Centre Ville) offers decent guesthouses at $45-80/night with easier access to both areas.
How much do hotels cost in Yaoundé?
Budget guesthouses in Centre Ville start at $30-45/night. Mid-range hotels in Nlongkak and Mfandena run $60-150/night. Bastos hotels average $120-250/night. The Hilton and Djeuga Palace at the top end charge $200-420/night. Prices barely fluctuate seasonally because Yaoundé is a business city, not a tourist destination.
Is Yaoundé safe for tourists?
Reasonably safe with precautions. Bastos and the hotel zones are fine during the day and evening. Avoid walking alone after dark in Centre Ville and especially around Mokolo Market at night. Petty theft (phone snatching, pickpocketing) happens in crowded areas. Use registered taxis (yellow with license plates). Most hotels can arrange trusted drivers for $30-50/day.
How do I get from Douala to Yaoundé?
The train takes 4 hours (Camrail, departures from Douala Bessengue station, tickets $8-15). Comfortable buses take 3.5 hours and cost $6-10, with Central Voyages being the most reliable company. Shared taxis at the Bonaberi motor park cost $5-8 per seat. The road is paved and in decent condition. Flights exist but are rarely worth it for a 250km trip.
What should I know about electricity in Yaoundé hotels?
Power cuts happen regularly. Budget hotels in Centre Ville may have no generator, so you'll lose lights, AC, and WiFi for hours. Mid-range and up should have generators. Ask before booking: 'Do you have a generator that covers the whole hotel?' The Hilton and Djeuga Palace have full backup power. Bring a power bank regardless.
Is Yaoundé worth visiting as a tourist?
It's not a tourist city. The National Museum has a solid collection of Cameroonian art and history (entry $3). The Reunification Monument is worth 20 minutes. Mfoundi Market is the real cultural experience: 3 hours of chaos, color, and the best grilled plantains you'll eat. Mont Febe has panoramic views. But 2 nights is enough before heading to Kribi or Limbe.
What's the best restaurant scene in Yaoundé?
Bastos has the international options: Le Safoutier for French-Cameroonian fusion ($15-30 mains), Cafe de Yaoundé for Lebanese ($8-15). Centre Ville's street food is the highlight: grilled fish and plantains at Mfoundi Market for $2-4. Le Moulin Rouge on Rue Nachtigal does excellent ndolé (bitter leaf stew) for $6-10. The Hilton's restaurant is reliable but overpriced at $20-40 per main.
Do I need a visa for Cameroon?
Most nationalities need a visa. The e-visa launched in 2023 and costs $93 for single entry (processing 5-7 business days). You can also get visas at Cameroonian embassies. The Yaoundé airport sometimes issues visas on arrival, but it's inconsistent and not recommended. Apply online at least 2 weeks before travel.
What language do they speak in Yaoundé?
French and English are both official languages, but Yaoundé is predominantly French-speaking. In Bastos, many hotel staff speak English. In Centre Ville, expect French only. Learning 'Bonjour', 'Merci', 'Combien?' (how much?) and 'L'addition' (the bill) covers 90% of daily interactions. Google Translate works when data is available.
How do I get around Yaoundé?
Yellow shared taxis are the main transport. A shared ride (you pick up other passengers en route) costs 300-500 CFA ($0.50-0.85). A 'course' (private taxi, no shared passengers) costs 2,000-5,000 CFA ($3.30-8.30). Negotiate before entering. Moto-taxis (motorcycle taxis) are faster in traffic but riskier. Hotels can arrange private drivers for $30-50/day.
What about health precautions for Yaoundé?
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory (you'll be asked for the certificate at the airport). Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended. Yaoundé has malaria year-round. Bring DEET repellent and use the bed net if your hotel provides one. Drink bottled water only. The Centre Pasteur de Yaoundé handles vaccinations and travel health consultations.
When is the best time to visit Yaoundé?
November through February is the driest period. Temperatures hover around 23-30°C and humidity is manageable. The heavy rains (September through October) make unpaved roads muddy and can cause flooding in lower parts of the city. December is the busiest month for conferences, so hotel prices edge up 10-20%. Avoid August if possible: school holidays plus rain.
Useful links for Yaounde
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