The most popular place among expats is Kribi in the South of the country. From Douala, it takes about 3.5 hours to get there. The beach is there (although the water is not clear) and there are several hotels along the coast. The most frequented hotels are Le Phare and Ilomba. Expect to spend about 40,000 CFA per night for a couple.
From Kribi, it is easy to go to the Lobe watterfalls (les chutes de la Lobé). It is a 20 minute-ride. You may also take a pirogue ride to see the Pigmees.
Limbe is another beach near Douala. It takes about 45 minutes to 1h to get there from Douala. There are hotels and restaurants. In Limbe center, it is possible to visit the botanical garden and the Limbe Wildlife Center to see the primats.
In the west, one can visit the waterfalls where the movie Tarzan was shot in 1982. It is a long ride in the bush, though, and the waterfall is nothing spectacular, except that the movie Tarzan was shot there! Spending one night at either Villa Luciole or Villa Khleber is a good option, given the distance. I recommend Villa Khleber, which is a few meters away from Villa Luciole. It has a gym, a spa, a big swimming pool and both Villas serve one big meal for everyone who wants to join in for dinner or lunch. They have a few big tables where eveyone gathers, eat and get to know each other. we really enjoyed that concept.
Petpenoun is another spot in the West which has a good reputaiton. There is a golf course, plenty of green space and is apparently beautiful.
Nightlife in Douala is lively, especially at Orange Metallique, L'Olympia and Paradise. Other bars are also frequented by expats, but these are the most famous. Beer is quite expensive, though. It is between 4,000 to 5,000 CFA per beer. (about 10$) and the places are full of prostitutes, which may become a problem for man going out alone.
In terms of restaurants, there is a good variety in Douala: Chinese, Indian, Lebanese, European, Italian, etc. My best pick are: Bombay Masala in Bonapriso, street Njo Njo, and Piccola Venizia, same street. There are very good and can easily compete with restaurants in the Western world!
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