| |
Guide to Douala, Republic Of Cameroon
|
Click to go to Flight Prices for Douala
|
DoualaThere's continued debate as to whether Cameroon's largest port city is in fact its most influential, even without the "capital" markings, however a visit to its streets, its riverside venues, and industrial districts will most likely grant Douala the majority of votes. Only a few dozen miles from the Atlantic, Douala is considered the starting point for all travel - whether by water, air, or land - to/from/inside Cameroon. The country's official capital, Yaound, was said to be nominated as such for the it's accessibility, though as the world (including the African continent) pushed into the late-20th and early 21st centuries, networks (both virtual and tangible) grew at an astronomical rate, making it as easy for one to book a vacation to an untarnished tropical cove as doing the same for world-renowned destination. Simply put, the ease of which one can book a flight to Camerooon's capital is now matched - even exceeded - by Douala's air carrier terminal.Let's make no bones about it. Douala is a busy complex whose framework has been centered around economic prosperity for decades. Of course, its seeming infatuation with advancement has only brought expanded wealth to the region, which can be inferred to resemble the beneficial side of capitalism, however you won't be impressed by an abundance of visual delights here. Museums are likely to be the only places you can look past the images of rigidity that have made Douala such as strong contender in Cameroonian dealings (domestic and international). Also, the port is ordinarily a frenzied group of traders (importers, exporters, etc.), though you can rent a boat or perhaps befriend a local and chance a tour of the area from a more damp perspective.
When to go:
Hot and wet. Two characteristics that make the majority of Africa's coastline considered off limits by so many travelers. Douala is no exception to this fact, but it's fair to mention that because of the city's proximity to the Equator, dry stints are very likely to be forecasted for the majority of the year. And, if you're lucky to a cloudy stretch, you'll have perfectly temperate metropolis on your hands. Your likelihood for an encounter with such odds is better in winter and its shoulder seasons, though beware of late spring and early-autumn, when torrential conditions are very common.
Getting there and around:
Ten kilometers from the city's main districts lies Douala Airport. With a yearly circulation of over 500,000 travelers, the terminal is quite busy. Car rental services are available for all who meet the necessary age and licensing requirements. We recommend hiring a taxi for the trip into the city. Whether it is rush hour or the streets are open as night falls, you can indeed count on the city's public transit network to be on time and set you on the right course. With services running into the early morning hours, buses are available even after a late-night musical performance has rapped. Make it easier on yourself and purchase tickets beforehand.
Attractions:
You don't need to have booked a suite to enjoy the views and cuisine of the Hotel Akwa Palace, and this accessibility to Douala's most sought-after spectacle makes it hard to miss. Come for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and watch the activity of the streets from terrace above. A stop into the Hotel de Ville is necessary for those who'd like to view the offerings of the Musee de Douala.
|
|
|
