Under $100: Douala, Cameroon

Cameroon’s largest city has a reputation for being a little, shall we say, dingy? However, its extensive size and vibrant atmosphere make it a must if you’re visiting the country. Douala has plenty to offer if you’re only in town for a day and want to keep a tight budget.

Begin with breakfast at 5 Fourchettes, a wonderful French and Indian restaurant with a sizeable breakfast menu and excellent coffee. It’s affordable and will only run you around $10 to eat.

Exploring Eko Market is a good way to get off to a great start, as you’ll be able to mingle with locals while also helping the local economy by purchasing some trinkets to take back home. Strolling around is free, but set side around $10 for some authentic crafts.

Art lovers will enjoy a visit to Doual’Art, a contemporary museum highlighting exhibits from some of the most popular local artists in Cameroon and from around Africa. It’s free to tour. Next, you’ll want to take a stroll along the harbor for some of the city’s best sights.

For lunch, make your way to Saga Africa for some truly authentic African cuisine. The rustic atmosphere and great food are an excellent combination. A meal here will cost $10.

The afternoon will be spent outside of city limits. First, seek out the Baka Tribe in the southeastern rainforests outside of Douala. This friendly group still holds fast to tradition and is always happy to welcome visitors. Save $15 to purchase a few goods.

Finally, you’ll want to take a stroll up the side of Mount Cameroon, the active volcano near the city. It’s a bit of a hefty trek, but how often can you say you’ve climbed up a volcano? Touring it is free but will take up most of your afternoon.

For dinner head back into the city and check out L’Ovalie, a French fine dining establishment with wonderful wines and great food. It’s pricey, so be prepared to drop around $30 for a meal.