Tourist Places to Visit in Foumban, Cameroon, Africa

Tourist Places to Visit in Foumban, Cameroon, Africa

Foumban is a historic city coming under the Western province of Cameroon between the coordinates 5°43′ N latitude and 10°55′ E longitude. Foumban nearly has the equal distance from the country’s capital, Yaounde (around 310 kilometers) and the country’s largest city, Douala (around 310 kilometers) and from its provincial capital Bafoussam, Foumban is located around 70 kilometers away.

The Royal Palace of the Sultan of Bamun is the prime landmark structure as well as a tourist attraction of Foumban and popularity is also extended by its cultural centers and agricultural activities. The geographical coordinates of Foumban are 5°43′ N 10°55′ E.

History of Foumban:

Foumban holds a strong historical background as it was the foundation location of the Bamoun Dynasty, founded in the year 1934 by Mfon Nshare Yen, who was also considered as the founder of Foumban and later Foumban was promoted as the capital of the dynasty. Foumban also witnessed many significant wars in the Cameroon’s history between the Bamoun Dynasty and neighboring kingdoms in the late 14^th century and early 15^th century.

How to reach Foumban?

Foumban Nkounja Airport is also deserved for charter flights. International visitors can choose either Douala International Airport or Yaounde International Airport to reach Foumban of which both have international flights, including from Paris, Istanbul and Brussels and located around 300 kilometers away from the city of Foumban.

In addition, of availing buses, one can also opt pre-booked private transfers more comfortable and convenience airport travel, which is also a recommended option.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Foumban:

The Sultan’s Museum and Musée des Arts et des Traditions Bamoun are the prominent cultural centers of Foumban with regular events and exhibitions showcasing the city’s culture and history.

The street market on the Rue des Artisans is famous for the purchase of wood carving. Foumban also houses many restaurants with mainly traditional dishes.

What to do in Foumban?

Shopping
City tours
Walking

What to see in Foumban?

Palace of the Sultan of Bamun:

The Palace of the Sultan of Bamun is a symbolic structure, belonged to Bamoun Dynasty, which was founded in the end of the 14^th century by Mfon Nshare Yen. The present structure of the palace dates back to 1917.

Sultan’s Museum:

Housed in Palace of the Sultan of Bamun, the Sultan’s Museum is wholly involved in describing the Bamoun Dynasty’s and palace’s history, including glorious moments with the well preserved objects like musical instruments, jewelry, royal gowns, statues, chairs and wood carvings.

Musée des Arts et des Traditions Bamoun:

In addition to the Sultan’s Museum, the Musée des Arts et des Traditions Bamoun also showcases the history of the Bamoun Dynasty with statues, masks, gongs and ornaments. These two museums are connected by the road Rue des Artisan where the street vendors offer a wide range of colorful sculptors, basket makers and embroiderers at affordable prices.

Bafoussam:

Bafoussam is the capital city of the West province under which Foumban comes, located around 70 kilometers away from Foumban. Bafoussam is also a tourist favor city well known for the nightlife activities, traditional markets and breweries.

List of other places of interest in Foumban include:

Foumban Nkounja Airport
Akwa
La Nouvelle Liberte
Doual’Art
The Palais du Sport
Hotel Akwa Palace
Marche des Fleurs
Waza National Park
The Cameroon National Museum
The Afhemi Museum
Korup National Park
La Pagode
The Cathédrale Notre Dame des Victoires
The Basilique Marie-Reine-des-Apôtres

Ideal time to visit Foumban:

Throughout the year is best, especially from November to February is the best time to visit Foumban.

Where to stay in Foumban?

Foumban houses a limited number of hotels, so here is provided the list of the best hotels in Bafoussam (around 70 kilometers) and Douala (around 310 kilometers) and both these cities have bus connection to Foumban.