Things to Do in National Museum of Cameroon, Cameroun

The National Museum of Cameroon, located in Yaoundé, serves as the country's premier cultural institution showcasing the rich heritage and diverse traditions of Cameroon's over 250 ethnic groups. Housed in a former presidential palace built in 1930, this magnificent museum offers visitors an extraordinary journey through Cameroon's history, from prehistoric times to the modern era, featuring an impressive collection of traditional artifacts, royal regalia, musical instruments, and contemporary art. Yaoundé, Cameroon's political capital and second-largest city, is nestled among seven hills in the country's central plateau region. Beyond the National Museum, the city offers a blend of colonial architecture, bustling markets, vibrant cultural scenes, and serves as an excellent base for exploring Cameroon's diverse landscapes. The museum district itself is part of the administrative quarter, surrounded by government buildings, embassies, and other cultural institutions that make Yaoundé the intellectual heart of Central Africa.

Top Things to Do in National Museum of Cameroon

Explore the National Museum's Ethnographic Collection

Discover Cameroon's cultural diversity through the museum's extensive collection of traditional masks, sculptures, textiles, and ceremonial objects from various ethnic groups. The ethnographic section provides deep insights into the customs, beliefs, and artistic traditions of the Bamiléké, Fang, Tikar, and other Cameroonian peoples. Interactive displays and detailed explanations help visitors understand the significance of each artifact in its cultural context.

Booking Tip: Museum entry costs around 2,000 CFA francs for adults. Visit early morning (9-11 AM) for smaller crowds and better lighting for photography. Guided tours in French or English cost an additional 5,000 CFA francs but are highly recommended for deeper cultural understanding.

Visit the Royal Regalia and Historical Artifacts Section

Marvel at the impressive collection of royal thrones, crowns, and ceremonial items from various Cameroonian kingdoms, including pieces from the Bamoun and Bamiléké dynasties. This section also houses colonial-era artifacts and independence memorabilia that tell the story of Cameroon's journey to nationhood. The highlight is the recreation of a traditional chief's palace interior with authentic furnishings and decorations.

Booking Tip: Photography permits cost an additional 1,000 CFA francs. Best visited during weekday afternoons when natural light illuminates the displays beautifully. Allow at least 2 hours for this section as it contains the most significant historical pieces.

Experience Traditional Music and Instrument Exhibitions

Immerse yourself in Cameroon's rich musical heritage through displays of traditional instruments including talking drums, balafons, flutes, and stringed instruments from different regions. Some exhibits feature audio stations where visitors can hear the actual sounds of these instruments. The museum occasionally hosts live traditional music performances in this section.

Booking Tip: Check the museum's schedule for live performances, usually held on weekends and cost an additional 3,000 CFA francs. Audio guide rentals are available for 2,000 CFA francs and enhance the musical experience significantly.

Explore the Contemporary Art and Craft Gallery

Discover modern Cameroonian artistic expression through rotating exhibitions of contemporary paintings, sculptures, and crafts by local artists. This section bridges traditional and modern Cameroon, showing how ancient techniques influence contemporary creativity. The gallery also features a small shop where visitors can purchase authentic Cameroonian art and crafts directly from local artisans.

Booking Tip: Exhibitions change quarterly, so check current displays before visiting. Artwork purchases support local artists directly. Visit on Thursday evenings when the museum sometimes hosts artist meet-and-greets and wine tastings for an additional 8,000 CFA francs.

Tour the Museum Gardens and Colonial Architecture

Stroll through the beautifully maintained gardens surrounding the museum, which showcase indigenous plants and traditional medicinal herbs used by various Cameroonian ethnic groups. The building itself is a fine example of colonial architecture, and guided tours explain both the botanical significance of the gardens and the historical importance of the structure. The gardens provide excellent photo opportunities with the museum's distinctive facade.

Booking Tip: Garden access is included in museum admission. Best photography light occurs during golden hour (4-6 PM). Botanical guide services available for 3,000 CFA francs and include information about traditional plant uses in Cameroonian medicine and cuisine.

Getting There

Yaoundé is accessible via Nsimalen International Airport, located about 25 kilometers south of the city center, with regular flights from major African cities and some European destinations. From the airport, taxis cost around 15,000-20,000 CFA francs to reach the museum district, while airport shuttles offer more economical options at 5,000 CFA francs per person. Overland travelers can reach Yaoundé by bus from other Cameroonian cities or neighboring countries, with the main bus station (Gare Routière) located about 10 minutes by taxi from the National Museum. The museum is situated in the administrative quarter near the Presidential Palace, making it easily identifiable for taxi drivers.

Getting Around

Yaoundé's public transportation consists mainly of shared taxis (taxi de ville) and motorcycle taxis (bend-skin), with shared taxis costing 200-300 CFA francs for short distances within the city. Private taxis are readily available and can be hired for full-day museum and city tours at negotiated rates of 25,000-35,000 CFA francs. The museum is within walking distance of several other attractions in the administrative quarter, including the Cathedral and Central Post Office. For longer excursions, car rental services are available near major hotels, though having a local driver is recommended due to traffic conditions and navigation challenges in the hilly terrain of Yaoundé.

Where to Stay

Centre Ville (City Center)

Bastos (Diplomatic Quarter)

Nlongkak

Mvan

Essos

Omnisport

Food & Dining

Yaoundé's dining scene reflects Cameroon's cultural diversity, with restaurants near the National Museum serving traditional dishes like ndolé (bitter leaf stew), poulet DG (chicken with plantains), and fresh fish from the coast. The administrative quarter features several upscale restaurants popular with diplomats and government officials, offering both local and international cuisine. Street food vendors around the museum area provide affordable options like brochettes (grilled meat skewers), beignets, and fresh tropical fruits. For a complete cultural experience, seek out restaurants that serve specialties from different Cameroonian regions, and don't miss trying palm wine or locally brewed beer. Many establishments near the museum cater to international visitors with English-speaking staff and familiar payment methods.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Yaounde

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

Pizzeria Glacier Grill Dolcezza

4.6 /5

(865 reviews) 2

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CrunchFood #Mange d'abord

4.5 /5

(111 reviews)

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When to Visit

The best time to visit the National Museum of Cameroon is during the dry season from November to February, when Yaoundé experiences pleasant temperatures (20-28°C) and minimal rainfall, making it comfortable for exploring both indoor exhibits and outdoor gardens. The museum is less crowded during weekday mornings, and the lighting is optimal for photography. March to May can be quite hot and humid, while the rainy season from June to October brings heavy afternoon showers that might limit outdoor activities but create lush, green surroundings. The museum remains open year-round, and indoor climate control ensures comfortable viewing conditions regardless of external weather.

Insider Tips

Hire a French or English-speaking guide at the entrance for the most enriching experience, as many exhibit labels are only in French

Combine your museum visit with the nearby Benedictine Museum of Mont-Fébé for a full day of cultural exploration

Bring cash in CFA francs as credit cards are not widely accepted, and there's a small café on-site that only takes local currency

Things to Do in National Museum of Cameroon