Tourism in Cameroon

Since the 1970s, the government of Cameroon has cultivated the industry by creating a ministry of tourism and by encouraging investment by airlines, hotels, and travel agencies.

Impediments to further growth of the tourism sector include poor transport infrastructure and corrupt officials who may harass visitors for bribes.

[2] On 28 June 1975, Ahidjo reconstituted the body as the General Delegation for Tourism, whose purpose was to encourage private investment by airlines, hotels, and travel agencies.

Photography is difficult, since Cameroonians often resent foreigners taking photographs of things that outsiders may consider strange or that may cast Cameroon in a negative light.

[4] Treatment of tourists by Cameroonian officials has improved as the role of tourism as a source of revenue has been emphasised by the government.

[7] Cameroon's tourist destinations are in four general areas: the coast, the major cities, the Western highlands, and the north.

[4] Mount Cameroon on the coast is the highest mountain in Central and West Africa and draws hikers and climbers.

The Western highlands offer picturesque mountain scenery, waterfalls and lakes, and the altitude provides a cooler climate.

[9] The area has several wildlife reserves, including the largest and best-run in West Africa, Waza National Park.

[2] Forest reserves in the south have little tourist-oriented infrastructure, but visitors there may see chimpanzees, elephants, gorillas, and other rainforest fauna.