Cycling in Cameroon
Including Bamenda Highlands Loop, Dja Forest Gravel Trail, and Douala‑Kribi Coastal Route. On the map.
The vibe
Cycling across this landscape is a test of endurance against unpredictable road surfaces and heavy transport traffic that dominates the main arteries. It is best tackled during the cooler, drier months when the dust settles and the heat is less punishing on long climbs. Expect a very local experience where you are largely invisible to the flow of daily commerce and must be entirely self-reliant.
Bamenda Highlands Loop
Northwest
Udo Schmidt from Deutschland / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
A 350 km circuit winding through the Northwest Region’s rolling plateaus, coffee farms, and volcanic peaks. The route links Bamenda, Bafut, Kumbo and the scenic town of Buea, offering a blend of paved roads and well‑maintained gravel sections.
Access. Bike‑tour operators in Bamenda provide multi‑day packages with bike rentals and luggage transfer between guesthouses. Public buses connect the main towns; bikes can be loaded onto them for short hops.
Notes. Ideal in the cooler dry months (Oct‑Feb). Some sections have moderate traffic; wear sturdy tires. Suitable for road bikes with wider tyres or gravel bikes.
Dja Forest Gravel Trail
East
A 120 km gravel adventure threading the edges of the UNESCO‑listed Dja Faunal Reserve. Riders experience dense rainforest, river crossings and occasional wildlife sightings on compacted earth roads.
Access. Guided gravel‑tour operators based in Yaoundé arrange bike rentals and transport to the trailhead at the town of Ngoundi. Overnight stays are in eco‑lodges within the reserve.
Notes. Visit during the dry season (Dec‑Feb) to keep river fords passable. Some sections are remote; carry a repair kit and sufficient water. No e‑bike charging points.
Douala‑Kribi Coastal Route
South
A 250 km coastal ride from the bustling port city of Douala down to the palm‑fringed beaches of Kribi. The road alternates between smooth asphalt and sandy‑gravel stretches, passing mangrove lagoons, fishing villages and the stunning Lobe Waterfalls.
Access. Bike rentals are plentiful in Douala; several tour companies offer bike‑and‑gear transport to Kribi. The route can be split into 2‑3 day stages with accommodation in towns such as Edea and Campo.
Notes. Travel in the dry season (Nov‑Mar) to avoid road wash‑outs. Traffic can be heavy near Douala, so start early. Gravel sections may be dusty; bring a spare tube.
Lake Oku Circuit
Northwest
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
A 90 km loop encircling the high‑altitude volcanic Lake Oku, with a mix of paved village roads and packed‑dirt tracks. The route offers panoramic views of the crater lake, pine forests and the surrounding Bamenda Plateau.
Access. Bike rentals are available in the nearby town of Bafut; local guides can arrange daily shuttles to the start point at the lake’s northern shore. Simple guesthouses provide overnight lodging.
Notes. Cool temperatures year‑round; bring a warm layer. The gravel sections can be muddy in the rainy season (May‑Oct). Suitable for gravel bikes or robust road bikes.
Mount Cameroon Ascent
Southwest
Atabong Armstrong / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The paved road climbs over 4,500 m from the coastal town of Limbe to the summit of Africa’s fourth‑highest volcano. The route is famed for the annual Mount Cameroon Race of Hope, offering relentless gradients and spectacular cloud‑forest scenery.
Access. Bike rentals are available in Limbe and Buea; shuttle services can transport bikes to the race‑start in Buea. Most riders start the ascent from Buea and descend back to Limbe.
Notes. Best ridden in the dry season (Nov‑Mar) to avoid heavy rain on the mountain. The climb is very demanding (average 8 % gradient, sections over 12 %). E‑bikes are allowed but may struggle on the steepest parts.