Cameroon HiV and Aids

In the run-up to World Aids Day, I will be writing a little bit more about my personal approach and findings regarding HIV and Aids in Cameroon. As is widely known there are two types of HIV, HIV-1 and HIV-2, both have quite a number of subtypes. Interestingly HIV-2 is mostly concentrated in West Africa. It is more difficult to transmit, one of it's subtypes has been first found in Cameroon. The transmission amongst heterosexuals is through mucous (sperm), whereas transmission via blood is generally concentrated within drug users and homosexuals. You can work out for yourself how that's possible. During my visit to the country, I heard that literally every family in Cameroon has at least one member that is affected by the virus. More tomorrow.

The US and Cameroon

In the brief time we visited the country we had the chance to see one of the new busses introduced to the capital, which was built by the private company Transnational Automotive Group of Nevada.The new urban bus system called LeBus, was launched in the capital city, Yaounde'. 13 bus lines are planned for Yaounde. TAUG hopes to become a leading provider of transportation management and vehicle sales in the developing world. We'll see I guess.

Le Chine and Cameroon

It seems as if China has well and truly arrived in Cameroon. The reason being is to shore up resources for their own country and to supply an infrastructure in other countries which will guarantee a future business partner. To the shock and horror of Cameroonians the Chinese are even selling the national take-away sweet called 'beignet' in Douala. Beignets are small donuts that are typically sold by street vendors on every corner. The streets were packed with motorbikes called 'Nafang' which were manufactured in China. I heard the rumour that for the lack of women in China the Chinese are going elsewhere to procreate. Doesn't that sound like standard nationalistic tripe? At the same time, there aren't a lot of women in China, haha. The mobile phone business is also thriving, it appears that most cheap handsets are bought in Dubai.

Arriving in Yaounde

Yaounde like any other capital has its better and lesser areas. So-called quartiers that are considered not particularly great, were quite enjoyable I thought, blaring music from every corner. Then again I don't mind noise that much, I liked it. On the other hand there are quiter places with high walls surrounding gardens where the rich people are living, of which Bastos seems the most popular! It is probably in the long run the best option to live if you are thinking of living in Yaounde for a while. This is also the area where the embassies are concentrated.

Airlines flying to Cameroon

After getting over the initial hurdles of preparing, getting American Express cheques from the Post Office (alternatively send money via Western Union in advance) as the currency there is CFA which can NOT be bought in advance at your regular Thomas Cook travel agent, I could finally start early in the morning from London Heathrow.
Direct flights to the Cameroon from Europe tend to go either from Brussels or Paris. I flew from London with British Airways to Brussels where I had a connection flight with SN Brussels to Yaounde. Air France and Cameroon Airlines fly from Paris. Air Afrique flies into Cameroon via Abidjan. KLM Airlines and Air Kenya have joint flights via Nairobi. My flight from Brussels took a mere 6.5 hrs, and there was just a one hour time difference from the UK . Cameroon is in the same time zone as Brussels. Economy class tickets cost between £400 to £600 or around 900 Euros, business class around £1500..

Jumping through hoops to get a Visa

It's not as easy to get a Visa from the UK to the Cameroon as one might hope. A country that lacks any industry of note (does that remind you of the UK?) should look at putting few obstacles in the way of Tourism I thought. My suggestion is to simplify the Visa procedure.

Currently there is the Cameroonian High Comission in Holland Park, London, UK standing squarely between the holiday maker and Cameroon. The process of getting a Visa is okay if you are either well prepared or you live in London. It is possible to get a Visa within two working days, but beware of the pitfalls most first time visitors fall into. I witnessed three baffled would-be tourists including myself when I waited for my Visa. Without an invitation to the country or a hotel booking you will be scolded by the woman who checks your application and then sent away like a little child. The costs for a three months Visa stand currently at £59 (too expensive). A Yellow Fever vaccination is required, should you forget it, you'll be taken aside by a medic on arrival at the airport and vaccinated there and then. Go to a vaccination clinic or your GP for it, some travel agencies like STA travel offer it as well.

Room For Improvements to invite Tourism: Drop the request for an invitation, drop the price for the Visa. Why is it not possible to get a Visa on arrival?

Cameroon, Kamerun, Cameroun

I am interested in contributions about anything relating to Cameroon. Send pictures, content, travel destinations within the country, hotels, restaurants. Send political comments as well if you like.