Douala

Douala has done a lot to earn the sobriquet 'armpit of Africa ' - dull architecture, stifling humidity, crime and economic chaos. So why go? The main reason is that it's a good base for exploring much more interesting places nearby. Kribi, Limbe and Mt Cameroon are all within a few hours' journey.

Douala does have a couple of interesting sights of its own, including the landmark Hôtel Akwa Palace, located in the heart of town, a few hundred metres south-east of the shore of the Wouri River. It's the perfect spot to hang out on the terrace with a morning coffee and croissant, sizing up your fellow travellers. A kilometre to the south-west is the Musée de Douala, located in the hôtel de ville (the town hall). Though disorganised and filled with mostly mediocre Bamoun and Bamiléké pieces, the museum's free and by studying its exhibits you'll be better able to judge the craftwork for sale on the streets.The best place for artifacts is the Artisianal Camerounais, an open-air crafts market located about halfway between the Akwa Palace and the town hall.

Douala is located in the middle of Cameroon 's Atlantic coast, a few kilometres inland on the southern shore of the Wouri River . It's 200km (124mi) west of Yaoundé, accessible by air, train, bus and bush taxi.