Hotels in Yaoundé

Yaoundé: Cameroon's Hilltop Capital

Yaoundé sits across seven hills roughly 750 metres above sea level in central Cameroon, about 250 km northeast of Douala. Founded as a German agricultural station in 1888, the city became the administrative capital under French colonial rule and retained that role after independence in 1960. Today it holds around 4 million residents and functions as the seat of government, home to the National Assembly, the Palais de l'Unité, and the Musée National housed in the former presidential palace on Avenue Foch.

Where to Stay

Most hotels cluster in the Bastos diplomatic quarter and along Boulevard du 20 Mai, both within 3–5 km of the central Nlongkak district. Business travellers account for a large share of arrivals, drawn by embassies, the African Union offices, and regional headquarters concentrated in Bastos. Leisure visitors use the city as a base for day trips to the Dja Faunal Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site roughly 200 km to the southeast.

Practical Tips

• Getting around: shared taxis (clandos) cover most routes; agree on a fare before departing.
• Climate: the city receives rain in two wet seasons (March–June and September–November); pack a light waterproof layer.
• Currency: the Central African CFA franc (XAF) is the local currency; ATMs are available in Bastos and near Marché Central.
• Entry: most nationalities require a visa; apply through the Cameroon e-visa portal before travel.