Ngaoundéré, a vibrant city nestled in the heart of the Adamawa Region of Cameroon, captivates visitors with its rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty. Serving as the regional capital, Ngaoundéré is renowned for its bustling markets, where the colors, aromas, and sounds of daily life intertwine in a captivating dance. The city’s diverse population reflects the mosaic of Cameroon, creating a dynamic atmosphere where traditions blend harmoniously with modernity.

Surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, Ngaoundéré offers a serene escape into nature, with opportunities for exploration and adventure in its nearby parks and reserves. Whether savoring the flavors of local cuisine, immersing oneself in traditional music and dance, or embarking on a journey through the picturesque landscapes, Ngaoundéré invites visitors to experience the essence of Cameroonian hospitality and the allure of its cultural heritage.

I share a few of the many things I did in this beautiful northern Cameroon city for the first time.

Discover Cameroon’s educational facilities at the University of Ngaoundéré

Upon entering the University of Ngaoundere, one is greeted by the sight of majestic gates, marking the vast expanse of land dedicated to education. Lining the tarred roads leading to the faculties are welcoming flower trees, creating an atmosphere akin to entering a home for learning. The campus sprawls with modern structures, each boasting unique designs, spread out across the expansive terrain.

Navigating the campus is made easy by well-tarred main roads, facilitating movement for both pedestrians and vehicles. For a comprehensive tour, hiring a motorbike is recommended to explore the extensive grounds efficiently.

Inside the amphitheaters, sturdy wooden benches offer seating, crafted from high-quality wood to ensure durability.

How are govvernment universities structured?

Government universities offer open public lessons, allowing anyone interested to attend any class. For instance, during my tour, I found myself in an English economics class by accident. I quietly sat at the back and studied for free for about 20 minutes. With such large class sizes, it’s virtually impossible for professors to know every student personally. For example, I recall having around 6000 classmates at the University of Yaounde II, Soa in 2007.

Flexibility reigns at large state universities, where students are free to enter and exit classes at their convenience. However, challenges exist within the education system, such as the delegation of exam grading to Doctorate and Masters students, impacting the quality of evaluation.

Maintenance of classrooms may be lacking, with some structures showing signs of age and neglect. Exam results are publicly displayed on notice boards, lacking privacy, as anyone can access scores with the student’s name or number. Transcripts are issued only once per academic year, posing challenges if lost.

Despite these challenges, the campus is adorned with vibrant purple and red flower trees, offering a welcome respite amidst the dry season’s barren landscape. A surprising cultural gem awaits near the main gate—a small Musgum hut built with mud, a testament to the university’s diverse heritage.

Relax at the Ngaoundéré university campus lake

There’s a small lake on campus. How cool is that? Just stroll down the short path and ask around.

It was incredibly peaceful sitting there. I spent a few minutes singing and soaking in the gentle breeze. The area is surrounded by trees and offers a mini forest view. It quickly became my favorite spot in the city. You’ll absolutely love it there.

I didn’t see anyone swimming and wouldn’t recommend it, but it’s truly a breathtaking sight.

Fellowship at a campus church or the Ngaoundéré Cathedral

Cameroon’s law guarantees freedom of religion, fostering respectful cohabitation between Muslims and Christians. Despite being located in a predominantly Muslim region, Ngaoundéré, like other areas, maintains religious harmony. While one might expect to see more mosques, the presence of churches also reflects the diverse religious landscape.

As a Christian myself, discovering the small campus church while walking along the main road was a pleasant surprise. It serves as a place for fellowship and worship, providing a sense of community amidst the predominantly Muslim environment.

On another occasion, I visited the grand Ngaoundéré Cathedral, a Catholic Church dedicated to Christian fellowship. The beautifully designed building, surrounded by a short fence visible from the outside, exudes a sense of reverence.

Inside the cathedral, I was struck by the presence of tombs honoring former missionaries and Cameroonian Bishops. Witnessing such a high level of reverence for these individuals was truly remarkable. The adorned graves, adorned with flowers and large photo frames bearing their names, served as a testament to their contributions.

Seeing the graves of those who dedicated their lives to serving God ignited a deep sense of motivation within me. Despite the challenges they faced, they remained steadfast in spreading the message of Christ. After my tour, I spent over an hour inside the cathedral. Seated on one of the many pews towards the back, I joined the congregants in prayer. It wasn’t a formal church service; rather, it was a serene atmosphere of quiet reverence and worship.

Eventually, I had to leave to return to work, but this experience remained the second highlight of my time in Ngaoundéré.

Shop at Ngaoundéré Marche Central and Petit Marche

Exploring the fresh food markets like Marche Central and Petit Marche is essential for knowing what to eat in Cameroon. Freshness is key to our cuisine, with vegetables harvested daily from the farms and brought to the markets. Perishable items are incredibly affordable, especially in the evenings, offering great value for money. I once purchased a watermelon for less than a dollar!

Apart from fresh produce, you can also find high-quality fabrics and other items, although be prepared to navigate dusty streets during your shopping expedition.

Why not buy a traditional hat even if it is just for home decoration. I got myself one and will cherish forever at the beach. It was just 1000frs ($1.5).

I equally got a fabric. Currently unsure what I will sure with it.

Engage with friendly people

Engaging with the locals in Cameroon, I discovered a warmth and friendliness that characterized the people. Despite facing challenges stemming from governmental mismanagement, Cameroonians maintain a remarkable sense of joy and humor. Rather than succumbing to negativity, they often find ways to lighten the mood with jokes and laughter.

Even within the Muslim communities of Ngaoundéré, I encountered cheerful individuals. Whether it was women and girls adorned in long hijabs or men dressed in traditional “gandora” robes, laughter seemed to be a common sight.

Conversing with motorbike riders and seeking recommendations from hotel receptionists or locals on the street, I was met with openness and hospitality. Despite my limited French skills, everyone was patient and offered helpful suggestions, making me feel welcomed and at ease. In their company, I never felt like a stranger.

Where to lodge in Ngaoundéré

If you’re looking for lodging in Ngaoundéré, don’t expect to find options listed on popular platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb.com. In 2024, it was surprisingly difficult to find accommodations easily in Cameroon. I took the risk of arriving in Ngaoundéré without a booking and stumbled upon Hotel Adamaoua Plus, located just a few minutes’ walk from the train station.

Despite its hefty price tag of 17,000frs ($27), I expected a luxurious room filled with high-quality amenities. However, the reality was quite different. The room had only basic furnishings, the staff were somewhat impolite, and the bathroom was worn out. Nevertheless, the air conditioning provided much-needed relief from the hot weather, making the stay worthwhile.

Although Hotel Adamaoua Plus had its drawbacks, it was still one of the few hotels in the area with hot water for showering and convenient access to the main road. When hunger struck during the night, I ventured downstairs to the hotel’s restaurant. While the atmosphere was simple, the food left much to be desired.

The following day, I decided to explore other lodging options and came across a few cheaper hotels priced at 5000 – 10,000frs ($9-15). Despite being more basic, these hotels provided everything I needed for my short trip, and I happily relocated.

To read the next part of the many things I did within my one week stay in this beautiful city, check this link regularly in the future.