Links  





 

>> Cameroon Travel Guide >> Bafoussam

Bafoussam

Bafoussam is the capital of the West Province of Cameroon, in the Bamboutos Mountains. It is the prefecture of the Mifi department, one of three arrondissements in the department. The city has an estimated 242,000 inhabitants (2001 estimate). The city is the region's center of trade. People are farming coffee, tobacco and tea. The city has also a coffee processing facility and brewery. It is the main city of the Bamiléké people and is home to a chief's palace. The city of Bafoussam has grown to now include the three traditional "chefferies" of Baleng, Fusap and Bamougoum. The main neighborhoods of the city are Banego, Djeleng, Famla, Kamkop, Quartier Eveché, Quartier Haussa and Tamdja.

Bafoussam  Shopping and Markets

Bafoussam has two main markets (Marché A and Marché B), several internet cafes, restaurants and supermarkets and a movie theater. Most of Bafoussam nightlife centers on the area called Akwa (so-named in honor of the neighborhood in Douala). Akwa features several bars, stores, and a live music venue, along with customary vendors of soya (grilled meat brochettes), poisson braisé (grilled fish) and other foods.
In Bafoussam, you can purchase almost anything; spare parts for your vehicle, used clothes to replace the ones gone soggy from your travels, and even useless items such as chinese games and makeup. You can also charge your batteries in an air-conditioned hotel. But it is hardly a destination for more than a couple of days. The city itself is gray and a little polluted, but has a few charming qualities. The region surrounding is hilly and supports large scale coffee and tea plantations. There is a coffee processing facility in town, evidenced clearly by the espresso joints around town. In some places, you may even find a genuine italian espresso machine (such as at the central market) to make your day start perfectly. Also wonderful are the sandwich makers,that will toss your preferred indulgence into the sandwich, such as avocado, beans or omelet.