10 Must-Do Activities in Bertoua Cameroon for Every Season

Key Takeaways:

• Bertoua offers a blend of cultural traditions, vibrant markets, and nearby natural escapes that are perfect year-round.

• Whether you’re exploring forests, engaging with local festivals, or relaxing in nature, there’s always something new to enjoy.

• This guide highlights ten authentic and unforgettable activities you can experience anytime in Bertoua, Cameroon.

Bertoua, the capital of Cameroon’s East Region, is a cultural crossroad and eco-adventure gateway nestled in a region rich with forests, rivers, and diverse ethnic traditions. Originally a small village, it grew into an important hub due to its strategic location on trade routes and its proximity to vast natural reserves. Today, it serves as a jumping-off point for both cultural immersion and outdoor exploration, offering travelers a slower, more authentic side of Cameroon. Visitors are drawn to its community spirit, vibrant markets, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re hiking rainforest trails or watching traditional dances in a village square, Bertoua invites you to experience its rhythms at your own pace.

Table of Contents

1. Explore the Lom Pangar Dam and Reservoir

2. Visit the Bertoua Central Market

3. Hike the Forest Trails of Belabo

4. Learn at the Ethnographic Museum of Bertoua

5. Enjoy a River Picnic at the Sanaga Tributaries

6. Attend the Ngondo Cultural Festival

7. Go Birdwatching in Deng Deng National Park

8. Try Local Cuisine at Street Food Stalls

9. Experience Traditional Dance at a Local Gathering

10. Visit a Handicraft Cooperative for Souvenirs

1. Explore the Lom Pangar Dam and Reservoir

The Lom Pangar Dam, located just outside Bertoua, is a marvel of engineering and an impressive sight for nature and infrastructure enthusiasts. The reservoir created by the dam is one of the largest in Cameroon, offering sweeping views, serene water, and opportunities to spot wildlife along its edges. Visiting the dam gives you a perspective on how Cameroon balances energy needs with environmental conservation. The area is peaceful and great for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset.

The site is accessible year-round, though the dry season makes it easier to navigate the surrounding paths and reach viewpoints. You can visit independently or hire a local guide to explain the project’s history and impact. Pack water, a snack, and a camera—this is one of the most dramatic and under-visited landscapes in the region. It’s also a great way to understand the region’s role in national energy development.

2. Visit the Bertoua Central Market

If you want to feel the pulse of Bertoua, head straight to the Central Market. Here, stalls overflow with everything from colorful fabrics and woven baskets to spices, produce, and handmade soaps. The energy is constant—people bargaining, vendors calling out prices, and aromas of grilled meat and tropical fruit filling the air. It’s the perfect place to grab souvenirs, taste local snacks, or just enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

The market is open year-round, though mornings are best for browsing when the air is cooler and the crowds thinner. It’s a great place to chat with locals and learn about regional products. Don’t be shy—many vendors are happy to explain what they’re selling or even offer a small sample. Bring cash, and be ready to leave with a bag full of treasures you didn’t know you needed.

3. Hike the Forest Trails of Belabo

Just outside Bertoua lies Belabo, a small town surrounded by lush forest that’s ideal for hiking and eco-exploration. The trails here take you through thick greenery, across small creeks, and into areas where you may spot monkeys, colorful birds, and medicinal plants used by local communities. These hikes range from easy to moderate and can be guided by locals with deep knowledge of the land. It’s an experience that connects you directly to the environment and traditions of eastern Cameroon.

You can enjoy Belabo’s trails in both the rainy and dry seasons, though proper footwear is essential during wetter months. Bring insect repellent, a refillable water bottle, and your sense of adventure. The forest’s quiet and fresh air offer a restorative contrast to the bustle of Bertoua town. Whether you’re hiking for fitness or peace of mind, Belabo delivers on both fronts.

4. Learn at the Ethnographic Museum of Bertoua

This small yet meaningful museum offers visitors a deeper understanding of the diverse cultures that make up Cameroon’s East Region. Exhibits include traditional musical instruments, ceremonial masks, household items, and clothing from various ethnic groups. The curators are often available to explain the history and significance of each piece, offering a rich, contextualized experience. It’s a quiet space perfect for reflection and cultural appreciation.

The museum is open most days of the week and offers a welcome indoor activity during hotter or rainier parts of the year. It’s a great stop for travelers interested in anthropology or anyone who wants to better understand the community around them. Many visitors find their time here inspires more meaningful conversations with locals afterward. Don’t forget to sign the guest book—your visit helps support this important cultural resource.

5. Enjoy a River Picnic at the Sanaga Tributaries

The Sanaga River system feeds into several smaller tributaries near Bertoua that provide ideal settings for a peaceful riverside day. Locals often gather on weekends for picnics, fishing, or simply to cool off in the water. These spots are usually surrounded by forest and frequented by birds, butterflies, and even the occasional monkey. It’s a slice of tropical paradise with none of the crowds.

The riverbanks are accessible throughout the year, but the dry season makes for easier walking and more defined picnic areas. Bring a mat, local snacks from the market, and maybe a portable speaker for music. It’s also a great place for kids to play or for couples to unwind with nature. If you’re looking for a no-frills, truly local experience, this is one you’ll remember.

6. Attend the Ngondo Cultural Festival

Though traditionally associated with Douala, the spirit of the Ngondo Cultural Festival is celebrated in various regions across Cameroon, including Bertoua. This vibrant festival honors water spirits and the ancestral connection to rivers, blending rituals, music, and dance. In Bertoua, local communities mark the occasion with performances, river ceremonies, drumming, and colorful traditional attire. It’s a rare chance to witness living tradition passed down through generations.

Ngondo celebrations usually occur in November or December, but related events and smaller cultural festivities happen year-round in community centers and village gatherings. If you’re visiting Bertoua during this time, ask around—locals will guide you to public performances or parades. The experience offers a unique lens into local spiritual and communal life. Don’t forget your camera—this is one of the most photogenic and powerful cultural events you’ll encounter.

7. Go Birdwatching in Deng Deng National Park

A couple of hours from Bertoua lies Deng Deng National Park, a biodiverse gem known for its primates, rare birds, and forest elephants. The park’s remote location makes it less crowded than other reserves, offering an intimate experience with nature. Birdwatchers will especially love it here, with the chance to see hornbills, turacos, kingfishers, and even rare forest raptors. You may also encounter gorilla habitats, though sightings are more common with a guide.

The park is open year-round, but it’s best visited in the dry season when trails are more accessible and visibility is better. Local guides and eco-guards are available to help navigate and spot wildlife. Bring binoculars, long sleeves, and a strong sense of adventure—you’ll likely feel like you have the park to yourself. For nature lovers, this off-the-beaten-path experience is an absolute highlight.

8. Try Local Cuisine at Street Food Stalls

Food is a cornerstone of Cameroonian culture, and Bertoua’s street stalls offer a feast of affordable, delicious options. Try soya (grilled spiced meat), puff-puffs, plantains, and ndolé served with rice or fufu. Many stalls also sell fresh fruit juices, corn porridge, or bitterleaf soup depending on the season. Street food here is made with love and reflects the culinary traditions of several ethnic communities.

You’ll find vendors throughout the city, especially near markets, bus stations, and public squares. Most are open daily and serve until late evening. The food is best enjoyed hot and on the spot—just follow the scent or the longest line of locals. Don’t forget to ask for the spiciness level before digging in!

9. Experience Traditional Dance at a Local Gathering

In Bertoua, music and dance are an essential part of social life. From casual village get-togethers to larger cultural shows, traditional dances feature vibrant costumes, storytelling, and live drumming. Styles vary depending on the ethnic group, but all performances showcase community values, courtship rituals, or agricultural themes. It’s a moving display of history in motion.

Opportunities to see or join dances happen year-round, especially during weddings, naming ceremonies, or community events. Don’t be afraid to ask locals where a dance is happening—visitors are often warmly welcomed. Participating is encouraged, and even just watching will leave a lasting impression. If you want to connect with the spirit of Bertoua, this is one of the most authentic ways to do it.

10. Visit a Handicraft Cooperative for Souvenirs

Local artisans in Bertoua create beautiful handmade goods ranging from carved wooden masks to beaded jewelry, woven baskets, and embroidered fabrics. Visiting a handicraft cooperative allows you to support these artists directly while learning more about their techniques and stories. Many workshops are open to the public, and you can watch artisans work or even try a technique yourself. It’s a meaningful and memorable way to bring a piece of Bertoua home with you.

These cooperatives are open year-round, though inventory may vary depending on the season. Be sure to ask about the symbolism behind the items you’re buying—many carry deep cultural significance. Whether you’re shopping for gifts or decorating your own space, these pieces hold more than beauty—they carry the heart of the region. Plus, your support goes directly to sustaining local craft traditions.

What to do if you have kids?

Bertoua is a surprisingly family-friendly destination, with open green spaces, riverside spots, and cultural activities that welcome kids. Consider a trip to Lagoa Verde for a safe nature walk, or spend a morning exploring the Central Market together. Many local festivals include music and dancing that children love to watch—or even join in. Pack light games or snacks, and you’ll find the rhythm of the city matches well with relaxed, low-stress family travel.

Where can i find free events in Bertoua Cameroon taking place this weekend?

To find free events happening in Bertoua this weekend—like live music, local festivals, public performances, or cultural markets—head to PlanMyWeekend.ai. Our AI-powered tool helps you discover what’s going on in real time, tailored to your interests and location. From dance showcases to open-air food gatherings, there’s always something exciting happening in Bertoua—and our platform makes it easy to find. Just type in your city and explore the best of what’s free and happening nearby.

Final thoughts

Bertoua may be off the radar for many travelers, but that’s exactly where its magic lies. With rich cultural traditions, breathtaking natural beauty, and warm, welcoming people, it’s a place that offers authenticity and connection in every experience. Whether you’re exploring ancient forests, enjoying riverside street food, or dancing to the beat of a traditional drum, Bertoua shows you a side of Cameroon that’s raw, real, and deeply rewarding. For those willing to wander, Bertoua promises adventure without the filter. Come curious—and leave changed.