I left home as a girl and returned as a woman. It had been 13 years since my departure from Cameroon, so I felt both nervous and excited to return. I secured my flight through Air France, and surprisingly it was one of the lowest airfares I’ve ever purchased. It saves money to travel after the holidays—January through April are the best time slots. Check out my 10 top travel sites recommendation here! Anyone who has ever traveled to a country in Africa knows that paying for a plane ticket is only half the battle. For those who haven’t, here’s what you need to know:

1. You absolutely need to apply for a visa no less than 90 days before your arrival. What this means is you must apply for a visa 3 months *PRIOR to your departure or arrival in Cameroon. The visa costs $93 for up to 3 months, $184 for up to 6 months, and $275 for a year.

2. Processing time for visa applications is around 7 business days but could take longer depending on peak periods. You can apply for a visa in person by appointment only, or by mail.
   I personally recommend doing this by mail, because it’s much easier. It is, however, costly because you must provide a *PREPAID return envelope with tracking.

3. Proof of yellow fever immunization is mandatory when applying for a visa and entering the country. I used Passport Health clinic for my consultation, and it was painless. I got the yellow fever and tetanus shots, along with malaria pills. You can never be too careful. The yellow fever cost $305, so plan in advance.

Check out the full visa requirements here.

The plane ticket and visa are secured, now what? You have no idea what to expect or where to visit to live your best life. I felt the same way at first because I left home when I was 13 and returned at 26. Things changed. and everything I knew was no more. This was frightening to me because I also changed. I grew to value peace and quiet, beautiful aesthetics, and self-care. If you’re like me here’s what you need to know about picking an accommodation in Cameroon:

1. Use Airbnb. I’m here to debunk the myth that hotels are a better at accommodating visitors of Cameroon. They’re not. Hotels are often overpriced and take away from your traveling experience. I used Airbnb to find my accommodation in Kribi, located in the Western most part of Cameroon, and I enjoyed every moment spent there.

2. If you’re staying in Yaoundé, I recommend looking for a safe and quiet neighborhood. Bastos and Odya are at the top of my list. These cities are chic, quiet and poise. On the other hand, if you love the hustle and bustle of the city anywhere close to Avenue Kennedy is a go. There’s nothing quiet about downtown, so be prepared for the noise. Most Airbnb accommodations only take cash, so factor that into your expenses. None of these accommodations have safety deposit boxes, so make note of that. I also don’t recommend trekking around town with your passport because the pick-pocketing rate is at an all-time high.

3. Taxis are everywhere, so do not worry about access to transportation. If you value your life, I suggest you not drive in Cameroon. If you have the means, renting a car for someone else to drive you around is an option. Drivers might consist of a family member or a trustworthy friend. As a heads up, renting a car costs around 500,000 FCFA a week. This could be a huge expense which you don’t need.

You have a plane ticket, a visa, and secured lodging, now what? When planning for Cameroon I was a bit nervous since I’d traveled to many exotic islands I developed a strong taste for that type of environment. Still, I knew not to expect the same from the main city, Yaoundé. I did my research of which cities had access to beaches and stumbled upon Kribi, Cameroon—an absolute dream. Kribi lies at the edge of a tropical rainforest zone, on the Gulf of Guinea and the Atlantic Ocean.  I spent the 3 of the most magical days of my life there. Here’s all that you need to know to live your best life in Cameroon:

1. Visit Kribi, Cameroon. If you love the beach and need to get away from Yaounde for a few days, Kribi is the city to go. I stayed at the Residence Taz Resort and loved it! My mom skeptical about everything in life but refused to leave that resort. The woman had to be carried out, that’s how much she enjoyed lounging by their pool.  The rooms cost $45 a night, which is a bit pricey for the local currency but well worth it. My room overlooked the pool and the private beach. The room was impeccable and clean and the villa was breath-taking. The breakfast was nothing spectacular but I love breakfast vibes.

   Did you know that fish is a staple dish in Cameroon? In Kribi, you will eat the best our country/culture has to offer. Fishermen bring back fresh fish from the sea every single day. I had the tastiest fish in Kribi, and I still dream about it to this day.

2. Trek up the Mont Febe. Mont Febe sits where Cameroon reaches its peak, outside of Yaoundé. It gives you a bird’s eye view of the city and it’s magical. If you enjoy hiking, this can be a good bonding exercise family, friends, or loved ones. You’re met with intricate turns as you make your way to the top. At the top you’re greeted with a serene atmosphere and beautiful scenery. This was my favorite activity with my family. To extend your experience, also check out the Benedictine Museum of Mont Febe. There you’ll enjoy more quiet time on the monastery grounds.

3. Night Life in Yaoundé and Douala are an absolute must! Music is a huge part of Cameroon’s culture, which you’ll get a taste of while exploring the night life. I love dancing but I didn’t get the chance to shake my bum during my last visit. I do, however, have a Cameroonian brother who visited around the holiday season and lived it up. @Brunobalo on Instagram. Here are his recommendations:

   - Black and White Nightclub, both located Yaounde and Douala
   - Twist, both located in Yaounde and Douala
   - Opium, Bonapriso Yaounde
   - Palecio, Douala
   - Midnight,  Douala

4. Visit the National Monument of Reunification. If you love art and fancy learning about the different tribes in Cameroon, this is it. This monument was built in 1973 and signifies the reunification of both the French and English parts of Cameroon. The country’s former president, Ahmadou Ahidjo, launched a national and international competition for citizens of the world to create art that would represent the reunification. To this day, during every December there’s a competition at the National monument. The National Monument of Reunification is situated close the National Assembly (L’assemble Nationale). This is absolutely something you don’t want to miss!

5. Experience “La Brick” Quarter next to the Sports Palace (Palais des sports). This is the place to buy Ankara fabric in Yaoundé. It’s laced with so much culture, from the local dishes to Cameroonian artifacts. La Brick is where most Muslims in Yaoundé reside, so they make up most of that neighborhood. While there, I suggest you try a Senegalese classic—Poulet Yasser at the ‘Restaurant Senegalais Le Baobab.’  ‘Clitchy’ is also a famous dish known to the Haoussa people, who make up most of population there. I recommend that you give this appetizer a try as well.

As a first-time visitor of Cameroon what cultural dishes must you absolutely try?

1. Poisson Braisse and Frite De Plantain (Grilled fish and fried plantain) – The number one dish in Cameroon. It tastes even better if you can have it in Kribi, Cameroon.

2. Eru and Water Fufu – This is a classic in the Anglophone region and a personal favorite. The dish consists of greens, palm oil, dry fish, cow skin, beef and crawfish. Fufu is another rendition of pounded yam, which is extremely tasty.

3. Ndole and Sweet Plantain - Have you ever tastes bitter leaves? Do not be alarm, the leaves are on the bitter side but delicious. Ndole is a Cameroonian spinach stew made of bitter leaves, crayfish, shrimp, beef, peanuts and garlic. It is the perfect contrast between sweet and spicy.

4. Mbongo Tchobi and Yuca – Mbongo Tchobi is a black stew cooked frequently in both Cameroonian homes and restaurants, specifically in the littoral province among the Bassa Tribe.

5. Koki and Sweet Plantains – An absolute favorite as it consists of koki bean, red palm oil, onions, and scotch bonnet. Koki and Sweet Plantain stems from the Bamileke tribe in both West and Northwest of Cameroon. The dish consists of koki beans, red palm oil, onions, and scotch bonnet.

6. Le Taro Sauce Jaune (Taro and yellow soup) – Originating from the Bamileke tribe in the Northwest region, Taro is a crushed greyish paste, while the yellow sauce is made from palm oil, mushrooms, meat, and spices. This dish is then eaten using one’s hands, no forks ladies and gentlemen!

Now you have a plane ticket, a visa, secured lodging, and recommendations, now what? You go forth and have the time of your life! Cameroon is an absolute gem and I am grateful to be rooted there. Please share your top recommendations with me. I’d love to try them!

Xx, Kris