- Antoine Mariaux
Finding the right international schoolsin Yaoundé for our children was much easier when we had the InterNations network to help us.
Life in Yaoundé
Healthcare in Yaoundé
The healthcare in Yaoundé is not up to international standards, and it is recommended that expats purchase health insurance before moving to Yaoundé. Good insurance companies include Interglobal, Cigna and Geoblue and expats should contact them for more information. Good insurance can cover treatments in other nearby countries, some which have universal healthcare systems.
For minor injuries and illnesses, Yaoundé has some of the best health services and hospitals in the country. The city’s largest hospital is the Central Hospital of Yaoundé, which contains 650 beds and the biggest trauma center in the city. Emergency number for the ambulance is 112.
When visiting places such as Cameroon preparation is always important. Expats need to vaccinate themselves against yellow fever in order to get a visa, but in addition they should protect themselves from Malaria. Ideally it is best to bring a supply of Malaria tablets though they can also be found at healthcare clinics in the city.
Transportation in Yaoundé
Taxis, buses and mototaxis may sound insufficient for the center of an international city such as Yaoundé, but they actually provide an efficient, and by western standards, very cheap service.
The yellow taxis cost about 2000 XAF (3.5 USD) and can be shared if you want a cheaper ride. For 200 – 300 XAF (0.3–0.5 USD) they take you, and anyone else they pick up along the way, a short to medium distance through even the heaviest traffic.
The mototaxis are like motorbikes with a cabin and cost around the same as the yellow taxis. The difference is that they move through the traffic a lot faster.
If you are looking to travel outside of the city you can take a bus, train or plane. Buses leave from the outskirts of town. Recommended bus companies include Central Voyage and Guaranti Express. There is no bus station as such. Expats have to get information, pay, and catch buses directly from the bus company’s office.
Arguably the most comfortable way to travel to and from Yaoundé is by train. It is also the most popular with the locals, and during the holidays you may struggle to find a seat. At other times, however, you can travel to places in first or second class seats or sleeping compartments.
Those who want to beat the traffic can fly from the Nsimalan International, about 45 minutes from the city center. Comair flies locally and Air France and Turkish airlines fly internationally.
Culture and Leisure
As the country’s capital, Yaoundé is awash with culture, including some of the country’s best museums and most popular festivals. Musee d’Art Camerounais in the city center offers an introduction to the art, history and culture of Cameroon. Exhibits include the “Great Maternal Figure,” a brass sculpture found in the country’s northeast region.
The Musee National, also in the center, is worth visiting for its masks from across the country. Expats wanting to see places with more regional artwork can visit the private gallery at Musée Afhemi. With a welcoming spirit typical of the locals, the owner is known to invite visitors to lunch.
The country’s culture really comes to life when the sun comes down. Many nightclubs offer entertainment to locals and visitors alike, with music from hip hop to disco.
Food is an important part of the country’s culture and in Yaoundé restaurants can be found serving both traditional and international dishes at inexpensive prices
See all upcoming events for expats in Yaoundé
Our Global Partners
- Antoine Mariaux
Finding the right international schoolsin Yaoundé for our children was much easier when we had the InterNations network to help us.
- Amanda Miller
As I moved to Yaounde for work, InterNations has helped me make friends outside of the office.
