Cameroon

Cost of living

What a month costs

Local markets and street food are cheap. But the expat-standard Bastos district, imported goods and international-school fees push a Western lifestyle far above the national norm. Budget extra for a generator and water storage, since power and supply cut out often.

The scores

How it rates for a moving family

See and do

Top 10 in Yaoundé

1. Reunification MonumentSpiral concrete tower marking the 1961 union of French and British Cameroons.
2. Our Lady of Victories CathedralThe city's landmark Catholic cathedral in the centre.
3. National Museum of CameroonArt, masks and national history inside the former presidential palace.
4. Mvog-Betsi ZooSmall zoo and primate rescue centre that families enjoy.
5. Mont FébéForested hill above the city with a Benedictine monastery and its museum of Cameroonian art.
6. Basilica of Mary Queen of ApostlesModern hilltop basilica at Mvolyé with sweeping city views.
7. Mokolo MarketSprawling, chaotic market for produce, fabric and everyday goods.
8. Blackitude MuseumPrivate museum of traditional Cameroonian art and artefacts.
9. Boulevard du 20 MaiCeremonial avenue and parade ground used for national day celebrations.
10. BastosLeafy embassy and expat quarter with the best of the city's international dining.

Where to go

Weekend escapes

1. KribiPalm-lined Atlantic beach town about three hours south, home to the Lobé Falls that spill straight into the sea.
2. Mefou National ParkRescued gorillas and chimps at the Ape Action Africa sanctuary, under an hour from the city.
3. EbogoNyong River village south of town for pirogue trips beneath giant hardwood trees.
4. DoualaThe steamy port and business capital, three to four hours west by road or a short hop by air.
5. FoumbanThe Bamoun sultanate's royal palace and craft workshops in the western highlands, a longer weekend haul.

Coffee

Best cafes

1. Le FournilBastos bakery, pastry shop and tea salon good for coffee and a quiet sit-down.
2. Le Moulin de FranceTraditional bakery and tea salon at Carrefour Bastos with daily fresh bread.
3. Kaela CaféRelaxed café pairing French and African plates with coffee and tea.
4. La Maison du CaféEasygoing coffee and tea spot that is laptop-friendly.

Restaurants

Where to eat

1. La SalsaBastos favourite mixing Cameroonian dishes with international plates.
2. IstanbulTurkish and Middle Eastern kebabs, shawarma and pizza, an expat staple.
3. Route 66 Bar & GrillAmerican grill and lounge with a bistro feel.
4. Le BaronLebanese flavours near Carrefour Bastos.
5. SocratMiddle Eastern and Mediterranean cooking on Nouvelle Route Bastos.
6. Cosy PoolFrench cuisine in a calm Bastos setting.

Morning

Best breakfast

1. Le Moulin de FranceCroissants and fresh bread from early morning, with a tea salon upstairs.
2. Le FournilPastries, paninis and a proper sit-down business breakfast in Bastos.
3. Boulangerie Cameroon FrançaiseFrench bakery open from 7am with a wide spread of pastries.
4. Hilton YaoundéBuffet breakfast at the city's best-known landmark hotel.