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Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon, spreads across a series of green hills in the forested south of the country, which is why locals call it the city of seven hills. Quieter and more administrative than the port city of Douala, it is the seat of government, of the main universities and of many ministries, embassies and churches.
The city grew from a German post founded in the late nineteenth century and developed under French administration before becoming the capital of independent Cameroon in 1960. Landmarks of that story stand side by side: the Reunification Monument, the Notre-Dame des Victoires Cathedral, the hill of Mvolyé where the first mission stood, and the former presidential palace that now houses the National Museum.
Visitors come for museums of traditional art, busy markets such as Mokolo, views from Mont Fébé and the shady paths of the Mvog-Betsi Zoo. Beyond the city, the Mefou primate sanctuary offers close encounters with rescued gorillas and chimpanzees.
The Reunification Monument in Yaoundé was built in the 1970s to celebrate the 1961 reunification of the formerly French and British parts of Cameroon. Its spiralling concrete tower winds up to a slender spire, a large sculpted group stands nearby and a hall below holds carved panels.
Notre-Dame des Victoires Cathedral is the Catholic cathedral of the Archdiocese of Yaoundé, rising in the heart of the city centre. Its tall facade is easy to spot from nearby streets, and inside a long nave leads to the main altar. Sunday Mass is lively with choral singing, so arrive early.
Mvolyé Basilica, dedicated to Mary Queen of the Apostles, crowns Mvolyé hill in Yaoundé, where Catholic missionaries founded the first mission in the area in the early 1900s. The modern church has a bold sweeping roof and an airy interior. From the hill there are good views over the city.
Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Mfandena, Yaoundé, was built for the 1972 Africa Cup of Nations and has hosted generations of Indomitable Lions internationals. It was renovated for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. A match day, with drums and singing in the stands, shows the city's football passion.
The Cameroon National Museum occupies the former presidential palace in central Yaoundé, and its grand rooms now hold the collections. Galleries trace the country's history from traditional kingdoms through colonial rule to independence, with masks, sculpture, textiles and memorabilia on display.
Musée La Blackitude in Yaoundé is a small museum devoted to the traditional cultures of Cameroon, with thrones, masks, beadwork and ceremonial costumes from the country's many kingdoms and chiefdoms. Guides explain the meaning of the objects and rituals behind them, so allow time for a guided walk.
The Benedictine Museum of Mont Fébé, in the monastery on the hill above Yaoundé, keeps a collection of Cameroonian art gathered by the monks over decades. Carved masks, statues, bronze castings, pipes and everyday objects from many regions fill its rooms. Pair it with the monastery chapel next door.
Mokolo Market is one of the largest and busiest markets in Yaoundé, a maze of stalls selling fruit and vegetables, spices, fabrics, household goods and second-hand clothes. It shows everyday city life at full volume. Go in the morning with a local guide, keep valuables close and bargain politely.
Mont Fébé rises on the northern edge of Yaoundé and is one of the forested hills behind the capital's nickname, the city of seven hills. A road climbs past the Benedictine monastery and the Mont Fébé hotel to viewpoints over the rooftops. Cooler air and greenery make it a favourite escape.
Yaoundé Municipal Lake is an artificial lake near the city's administrative quarter, bordered by trees and walking paths. Recent works have tidied up its banks for strolling and relaxing. It makes a calm stop between museums and monuments, especially in the softer light of the late afternoon.
Mvog-Betsi Zoo, the zoo-botanical park of Yaoundé, is a shady green space where visitors see primates, parrots, birds of prey and other animals among tall tropical trees. Rescued primates are cared for here with help from conservation groups. It makes an easy family outing in the city.
Mefou Primate Park, south of Yaoundé, is a sanctuary run by Ape Action Africa that shelters gorillas, chimpanzees and mandrills rescued from the bushmeat and pet trades. Guided walks follow forest paths past enclosures where the apes live in natural surroundings. Plan it as a half-day trip.
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