What to do and see in Yaounde, Centre Region: The Best Multi-day Tours

Reviewed By venantiusv

Review 21 day trip Cameroon with Buma Peter Linonge of Ecotour Guides Cameroon, Buea From 15th December 2019 until 12th January 2020 I travelled to Cameroon. I have been many times in Africa, but never visited this fascinating and beautiful, rich (nature, culture) country. As I prefer to travel alone, but not all alone, as I like good company, I decided to look for a local guide. I found the most wonderful guide one can wish for in Mr. Buma Peter Linonge, owner of Ecotour Guides Cameroon, located in Buea. I found Buma on internet and I sent him an e-mail if he was available during the indicated period. Also I asked him to provide a program containing lots of hikes in the most stunning nature of Cameroon, as well as the richness of its culture. Cameroon is not a small country, and travelling is not easy, but with Buma it was the most efficient and spectacular experience. Our Itinerary comprised of 5 sections: 1) Douala – Kribi – Lobe Waterfalls – Campo Ma’an National Parc – Douala 2) Douala – Ekom Nkam waterfalls – Dschang civilisation Museum – Baffousam – Metche waterfalls – Foumban – Mt. Mbapit – Baham – Bandjoun – Yaoundé 3) Yaoundé – Dja forest Reserve – Yaounde 4) Yaoundé – Buea – 5 days hike Mt. Cameroon – Limbe 5) Limbe (hotel at beach) This program was so well worked out by Buma. It was full, but very balanced in variety as to nature, culture, activities. This trip I would have never been able to do by myself in such a short time. Buma made my dream come true in all aspects. Finding a guide who resonates so well with his customer is like finding a needle in a haystack. Buma is very skilled, experienced over many years, up to date in local information, has a large network in Cameroon, is easy going (which is admirable given the circumstances). Buma will do his utmost to make your holiday you will never forget in your life. He provides service almost to perfection. Buma is most fun to be with, has lots of information, knowledge, intelligence and wisdom, which feels like luxurious. Most importantly: he makes me feel at home and safe where ever we are. Why do I strongly recommend Buma? 1. STRONG COMMUNICATION SKILLS It all starts with very good and strong communication. It took a pleasant while by emailing hence and force until we settled a very good agreement for both parties. What is most important (at least to me) is trust. It is quite a risk to go on a trip with a guide you do not know. But from moment one Buma was very reassuring, and made me feel at ease, in which he never disappointed me. During the three weeks we were together Buma gave me daily updates of the tour, and we discussed other options, made some adaptations, which increased the end result enormously. 2. PERSONABLE & OUTGOING Buma is sensitive to your wishes and wants to meet them by providing the maximum possible service. He is also very assertive in indicating what is possible and what not. He is outgoing, very sociable, entertaining, and has a lot of humour. 3. A MEMORY LIKE A STEAL TRAP Buma knows his way in Cameroon by heart. He provides local guides who have knowledge of the area (culture, nature, hicking) 4. IMPROVISATIONAL SKILLS Travelling in Africa needs flexibility, on only for a guide, but also for the traveller. It takes two to tango. We made very clear agreements in advance, but we know that reality is sometimes different. Sometimes it leads to a small disappointment, but in this journey it mostly led to unexpected surprises. And this needs an open mind, mutual understanding, and improvisation. Buma is capable of providing what is needed in the moment, given the circumstances. 5. ENTHUSIASM Buma is very enthusiastic about Cameroon, travelling, and showing the beauty of his country. Every country has its downsides, he gives a very realistic picture of living in Cameroon, without making it a burden. To stay enthusiastic despite sometimes hardships is really an art of living, which buma understands very well. To me Buma is a genuine person and tour guide. 6. HUMOUR Buma has a lot of humor, which is necessary and entertaining. It is quite human and normal that one gets sometimes tired or irritated (as this is not a all inclusive package deal holiday in Benidorm), but Buma and me were always capable of seeing the humour of every situation. 7. PUNCTUALITY Buma is very strict in appointments, shows up in time in an almost un-african manner (I don’t want to be perojative!). Being Dutch, I am used to being punctual, and agreement is agreement. Buma loves this mantra too, which is a necessity if you have a very ambitious itinerary in a relative short time. 8. ORGANISATION SKILLS Being alone in a strange country (I can say I have travelled the world) it is very important that you have a guide who knows his way, or where to find other local guides to lead our path. Buma has a vast network of local guides. I never got the feeling being lost (but Cameroon is definitely not the Netherlands in terms of size and accessibility by transport). Despite the vastness, all transport went smoothly. Buma has extensive logistic and organisation skills to be able to offer such a vast and varied program as he has offered and completed. 9. THE KNOWLEDGE OF A LOCAL The reason I definitely wanted to travel with a local is that I wanted to look through the eyes of a local. For me local knowledge of local customs, culture is a must. Additional local guides provided a broad picture of the vast country of Cameroon. 10. PASSION Knowing the facts of the country is necessary, but the tour is really becoming outstanding if your guide is passionate about what he is doing, and about his country. Every day I felt positively carried away in a by the program. I told Buma: everywhere we go I want to stay longer, which is a good sign. Buma knows how to convey his enthusiasm to me, the tourist. Last but not least: be open minded, and (very) fit, and not over demanding. You will have a most wonderful and splendid holiday in Cameroon with your excellent host Buma Peter Linonge of Ecotour Guides Cameroon in Buea.