Cheap Flights to Yaoundé, the political capital of Cameroon

Cameroon is a hospital and lively African country, excellently situation at the junction of the Central and West African regions of Africa.  The centrally located town of Yaoundé, Cameroon’s political capital, is the country’s second largest and second most populated city, with a cosmopolitan character, including a considerable diverse expatriate community from all the corners of the world. The Yaoundé Nsimalen international airport is the second largest and second busiest airport in the country, with international flight arrivals and departures to all the four corners of the globe.

In most cases, travel agents would normally be proposing the cheapest air tickets and travel packages. Nonetheless, the lowest airfare or air ticket to Yaoundé-Cameroon would depend on the period, location and means by which you actually book the ticket. One option of booking your flight is through the airline company itself. Many of the airline companies maintain sites through which you can book your cheap flight with a debit or credit card. Booking directly with the airline company saves you the amount in commission that you would have paid to a travel agent.

A popular means of booking cheap air tickets to Cameroon is to access many internet platforms online; which offer air tickets to Yaoundé-Cameroon. With this formula, it’s possible to compare the prices of different airline companies and to select the very cheapest flight fares.

The two countries in Europe with frequent flights to Cameroon are Belgium and France. These two European destinations serve as major hubs for flights to and from Cameroon to the rest of Europe. Flights from Cameroon to Asia and the Far East are dominated by Ethiopian Airlines and Kenyan Airways. Travellers from the USA, Canada and Latin America would normally transit to Europe or Asia before continuing to Cameroon.

Upon arrival at the Yaoundé Nsimalen international airport at any time, it would be possible to pick up a yellow taxi that would quickly convey you to your accommodation. If unfamiliar, please seek advice from any official at the airport such as a custom officer, emigration officer or any general information staff at the airport. If you had booked or reserved accommodation prior to visiting Cameroon, it would be best for the hotel to pick you up from the airport, or perhaps ask a friend to offer you that service. That would be most convenient for you. Welcome to Yaoundé and enjoy your stay in Cameroon.

Cheap Flights to Douala, the economic capital of Cameroon

Cameroon is a hospital and lively African country, excellently situation at the junction of the Central and West African regions of Africa.  The coastal town of Douala, Cameroon’s economic capital, is the country’s largest and most populated city, with a cosmopolitan character, including a considerable diverse expatriate community from all the corners of the world. The Douala international airport is the largest and busiest airport in the country, with international flight arrivals and departures throughout the world. Most business and holiday visitors arriving in Cameroon by air, do so through the Douala international airport.

In most cases, travel agents would normally be proposing the cheapest air tickets and travel packages. Nonetheless, the lowest airfare or air ticket to Douala-Cameroon would depend on the period, location and means by which you actually book the ticket. One option of booking your flight is through the airline company itself. Many of the airline companies maintain sites through which you can book your cheap flight with a debit or credit card. Booking directly with the airline company saves you the amount in commission that you would have paid to a travel agent.

A popular means of booking cheap air tickets to Cameroon is to access many internet platforms online; which offer air tickets to Douala-Cameroon. With this formula, it’s possible to compare the prices of different airline companies, and to select the very cheapest flight fares.

The two countries in Europe with frequent flights to Cameroon are Belgium and France. These two European destinations serve as major hubs for flights to and from Cameroon to the rest of Europe. Flights from Cameroon to Asia and the Far East are dominated by Ethiopian Airlines and Kenyan Airways. Travellers from the USA, Canada and Latin America would normally transit to Europe or Asia before continuing to Cameroon.

The Douala international airport also serves as a major hub for flights to the rest of Africa; including West Africa, Central Africa, North Africa, East Africa and South Africa. There is a considerable number of airlines which cover other African destinations from Douala-Cameroon.

Upon arrival at the Douala international airport at any time, it would be possible to pick up a yellow taxi that would quickly convey you to your accommodation. If unfamiliar, please seek advice from any official at the airport such as a custom officer, emigration officer or any general information staff at the airport.  If you had booked or reserved accommodation prior to visiting Cameroon, it would be best for the hotel to pick you up from the airport, or perhaps ask a friend to offer you that service. That would be most convenient for you. Welcome to Douala and enjoy your stay in Cameroon.    

The Best of Emmanuel Dibango of Cameroon

Cameroon is an alluring vibrant country, bubbling with enchanting real African rhythms; a nation with some of the most talented musicians in Africa. One of Cameroon and Africa’s most celebrated musicians is composer, saxophonist and singer, Emmanuel Dibango, affectionately referred to as Manu Dibango. Nicknamed the “Lion of Cameroon”, Mr. Dibango is famous for an eclectic musical style that draws elements from African, American, European, and techno genres; including jazz, blues, reggae, hip hop, soul, gospel, spiritual, cabaret, as well as makossa, a Cameroonian folk dance rhythm, which Mr. Dibango helped bring to the world musical stage.

Mr. Dibango is versed in a variety of musical instruments, including the saxophone, keyboards, vibraphone, and marimba. He also introduces a great deal of vocals, as an additional ingredient to his performances.

Throughout his prolific career, he has performed countless concerts at world-class venues, and released 42 albums, 45 singles, and 7 compilations.

Emmanuel Dibango was born on February 10, 1934, in Douala, Cameroon, a Central and Western African nation, endowed with rich natural and cultural heritages. As a young boy, he participated in the church choir led by his mother; and would sing all day with the employees of his family’s dressmaking business. He would conduct the group to create harmonic melodies with human voices. Beside classical church tunes, he also listened to modern music.

As he grew older, Emmanuel was introduced to makossa, a Cameroonian version of West African highlife music, characterised by wind instruments used in jazz music and guitars. These childhood experiences provided the foundation for Mr. Dibango’s subsequent musical ingenuity and thriving career. At age 15, he moved to France to pursue a technical career. He began to frequent jazz clubs in Paris and was exposed to a range of contemporary music genres, while getting to know celebrated musicians such as the legendary Duke Ellington.

After completing college in 1956, Manu Dibango moved to Brussels, Belgium, where he performed with Congolese vocal star Joseph Kabasele. In 1960, he returned to Africa and played keyboard and saxophone with various bands in several countries, before forming his own in his motherland in 1963.

Mr. Dibango moved back to Paris in 1965, to work as a bandleader; and became fond of American soul music. In 1968, he released his first solo album. His international success came with “Soul Makossa” in 1972. The song was also featured in his fourth album in 1973, which includes the scores he composed for the African Football Championship, as was requested by then President Ahmadou Ahidjo of Cameroon.

“Soul Makossa” gained instant popularity in New York City. One hundred and fifty thousand albums sold out in a week. Within a short time, at least 23 versions by other artists were generated to meetthe demand of the public. In subsequent concerts, Manu Dibango had audiences of 40,000 at the Yankee Stadium, and 350,000 at the Madison Square. “Soul Makossa” won a gold record for sales in the United States and a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Instrumental Performance of the year.

“Soul Makossa” equally achieved great success in Africa, Europe, and other parts of the world. Its vocal refrain “ma ma ko – ma ma sa – mako mako sa” became so popular that it was later adapted by many renowned artists; including Michael Jackson. Manu Dibango himself was lauded by Billboard’s Emmanuel Legrand as “one of the founders of the world music movement.”

Between 1975 and 1979, when Mr. Dibango was the director of the Radio Orchestra of Cote d’Ivoire,

he composed soundtracks for several African movies, including Cote d'Ivoire’s “Wild Grass,”(French: L’Herbe Sauvage); Cameroon’s “The Price of Freedom,” (French: Le prix de la liberte);and Senegal’s “Ceddo.”  During the decade that followed, he was inspired by reggae and hip-hop music, and producedinfluential albums such as the 1982 “Waka Juju,” the 1984 “Abele Dance,” the 1986 “Afrijazzy,” andthe 1990 “Polysonic.”In 1990, Manu Dibango published his autobiography “Three Kilos of Coffee.” (French: Trois Kilos de Café). Subsequently, he appeared as a host on a weekly live TV music program, “Salut Manu,”  on French TV. In 1994, Manu Dibango celebrated his 60^th birthday with the release of the new record “Wakafrika,” which brought his career to an unprecedented height.Joined by a younger generation of top African and international stars, including Peter Gabriel,King Sunny Ade, Sinead O'Connor, Youssou N'Dour, Papa Wemba, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo,Mr. Dibango performed keyboards, saxophone, and did all the arrangement. “Wakafrika” reachedthe 7^th place on Billboard’s Top World Music Albums chart in the same year.In 1995, “Lamastabastani,”also known as “Dance with Manu Dibango,” was released, which was, a combination of African spiritual rhythm, blues and gospel tunes.  “African Soul” followed in 1997, featuring the very best of his work up to that year. In 2000 and 2001, he came out with two new albums,“Mboa’Su” and “Kamer Feeling,” respectively.Entering the 21^st century, Mr. Dibango released his 70^th birthday collection “Africadilac” in 2003. 

Two years later, he scored the soundtrack for the well-received French animated film “Kirikou and the Wild Beasts,” (French: Kirikou et les bêtes sauvages), which is based on a young boy’s interaction with various animal friends. The CD “Lion of Africa” was also produced to commemorate his 50 years of music career in 2007.Now at the wonderful age of 79, Manu Dibango is still traveling around the world to collaborate with major orchestras and enthralling his loyal admirers.Throughout his prolific career, Mr. Dibango has been recognised with numerous distinctions; For example, he received the honorary titles of Knight of Arts and Letters  (French: Chevalier Des Arts et Lettres); Officer of Arts and Letters (French: Officier Des Arts et Lettres) from France, and the Knight of the Order of Valour (French: Chevalier de l’Ordre de la Valeur) from Cameroon. He has been named Honorary Citizen by two Italian cities: Turin and Cortina d’Empezzo. In 2004, Mr. Dibango was named a UNESCO Artist for Peace.

To celebrate 50 years of Manu Dibango’s talent as an ambassador of Cameroonian culture through music,

President Paul Biya hosted a special celebration in Yaoundé in 2007. At this auspicious occasion, the city council presented the acclaimed artist with the title Grand Yaoundean; meaning, an honorary citizen of Yaoundé.The versatile and dedicated Mr. Manu Dibango is truly an inspirational figure of world music.

For more about Manu Dibango, please visit www.ManuDibango.net

List to Manu Dibango’s music at the following links:

Soul Makossa:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmWTLDlj6SQ

Waka Juju:       

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IA8N_Bs1MA0

Soir au village (An evening in the village):     
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDO8Z078pvo&feature=related

Bamenda Traditional Regalia-Cameroon’s most beautiful traditional dress

 Bamenda Traditional Regalia-Cameroon’s most beautiful traditional dress

 The Bamenda traditional regalia of the Grassfield people in the North-West region of Cameroon, is one of Africa’s most beautiful and highly respected traditional dresses.

Bamenda, the capital of the North-West region of Cameroon, perfectly exemplifies Cameroon’s vibrancy, dynamism, ethnic and artistic diversity. Titivated by enchanting hills and a rolling topography, Bamenda is home to some of the most hospital and productive people in Cameroon. Affectionately known as Abakwa, Bamenda also has one of the most organised socio-traditional administrative structures in Cameroon. Bamenda is a town of spectacular ethnic and artistic wealth. Amongst some of the most impressive artistic marvels of Bamenda is the traditional regalia, a majestic and exquisite traditional costume, held in high regard all over Cameroon; and regarded as one of Africa’s most beautiful and elaborate traditional dresses.

 
 The Bamenda traditional regalia had always been an artistic and cultural hallmark of the vibrant people of the North-West region of Cameroon since time immemorial. In common with other cultural values, the very elaborate art of producing the dress had always been well preserved, and passed on from generation to generation. Over the years, some minor modifications have been inculcated on the dress, but its fundamental design and core cultural value had always remained intact.

To produce the dress, the essential fabric is acquired. A tailor then cuts, patterns and sews it according to designated cultural standards. The design artist then maps out a complex pattern of how the dress will be embellished; and this is then implemented using a needle and various colours of wool fibre. This then results in a colourful and elaborately embellished regalia. People can order a particular design of the regalia, tailor-made to suit their needs or preferences; but the fundamental pattern and design of the dress remains the same. Designers have made small modifications to the dress; so as to broaden the scope of its cultural value; for instance, the gong has been added; to assert the gong’s cultural value, as one of the most popular musical instruments in the North-West region of Cameroon. A sign of love has also been inculcated to the dress, as a mark of peace, mutual sympathy and respect in the community. The central portion of the dress is sometimes decorated with a star, both to enhance its beauty and to recognise the prevalence of a higher power to humans. In most cases, the neck of the dress is additionally elaborate and therefore, it is the most difficult part to implement, in terms of design.

Traditional administration is still very much alive in the North-West region of Cameroon; for, in numerous instances, each ethnic group or clan is headed by a traditional ruler known as a Fon or chief, whose duty is to cater for the welfare of the entire group; while also ensuring that long-standing cultural values and traditions are adhered to, preserved and imparted upon successive generations. The traditional regalia won by the Fons is designed slightly different from that won by ordinary people in that, it’s fitted with a symbol of the sun in front and behind. This symbolises that their benevolent authority shines over the territory of their jurisdiction, with a generosity as mighty as that of the sun
.

The design for women is also slightly different from that for men. The women put on the female regalia with a headscarf, while the men put it on with a colourful cap. Both men and women put on collated beads with the dress, worn around the neck. More often, the men also carry a traditional bag when dressed in the traditional regalia.
The dress can be worn by any member of that ethnic, tribal or cultural entity. Putting on the attire can be an expression of one’s dignity; a manifestation of one’s ethnic identity, or symbolic acceptance and satisfaction with one’s culture. On putting on the Bamenda traditional regalia, one is expected to conduct oneself with dignity, self-respect and decorum, amongst one’s counterparts or companions. One is not expected to dress in this traditional wear and conduct oneself in an impertinent and casual manner. Such conduct may be viewed as disregarding the intrinsic cultural value of the regalia; and may result in one being viewed as a cultural non-conformist. The dress can be won during solemn occasions such as cultural festivals, ceremonial events or any other activity which calls for cultural pride.

The Bamenda regalia is not just a dress, but a very powerful component of cultural identity for the people of the North-West region of Cameroon. Therefore, when someone puts on the Bamenda traditional regalia, it’s highly likely that the individual hails from the North-West region of Cameroon.

In the North-West region of Cameroon, there are always high profile and extensive annual cultural festivals that take place in the palaces of the traditional rulers known as Fons. During these exhilarating and splendid cultural festivals, the whole clan or ethnic group celebrates various aspects of their culture, including traditional dances and a display of artistic cultural treasures. On such occasions also, one can view the colourful processions that are performed with this traditional regalia. It is on such events that one can actually capture the cultural elegance of this exquisite cultural dress. Prominent examples of such festivals include that in the palace of the Fon of Mankon and also in the palace of the Fon of Bafut.

Even though the Bamenda traditional regalia is associated with the Grassfield people in the North-West region of Cameroon, it has acquired national recognition by Cameroon’s ministry of culture, as one of Cameroon’s rare and distinctive artistic cultural designs.

Therefore, in some international cultural events, the Bamenda regalia is displayed or showcased, as one of Cameroon’s unique cultural artistry. To this effect, the Bamenda traditional regalia is known all over the world. 

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAjtZs0SQS4

Cameroon: A unique and enriching experience in the heart of Africa

     

Cameroon: A unique and enriching experience in the heart of Africa

With the shape of its territory resembling an elongated vertical triangle, Cameroon is a charming and greatly interesting country, located in the Western Central region of Africa. In terms of territorial surface area, Cameroon is classed as the 53^rd largest country in the world. This generous and amiable African nation has an estimated population of 20 million inhabitants, comprising mostly dynamic and energetic young people. This colourful nation is privileged to be situated on the Gulf of Guinea, bordering the bight of Biafra on the Atlantic seaboard, a position that offers it complete access to the mighty Atlantic Ocean and provides its with maritime access to all the regions of the world. Cameroon maintains territorial frontiers with Chad to the North; Central Africa Republic to the East ;Congo, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea to the South; Nigeria to the West; and the Gulf of Guinea (Atlantic Seaboard) to the South-West. Cameroon is strategically situated at the intersection of Central and West Africa, rendering it a gateway to many other African countries.

Cameroon is usually regarded as one of the most peaceful countries in Africa and the world because not only does the country enjoy long-term internal socio-political stability, but it also maintains very healthy, peaceful and cordial relationships with all its neighbours, making it one of the friendliest nations in Africa.

 One of the most remarkable features about Cameroon is its bubbling and unmatched cultural and ethnic diversity; a nation that comprises about 250 ethnic groups, each with a distinctive traditional language, micro-culture and unique ethnic identity. 

Therefore, Cameroon is considered to be the most ethnically and linguistically diverse country in Africa, offering the most marvelling discoveries to visitors. Ethnic groups and larger cultural entities dwell in mutual fraternal goodwill and harmonious co-existence, hence strengthening the sense of mutual tolerance that is touchingly visible throughout the nation. Each ethnic group offers unique sensation, with respect to architecture, traditional dance, food, dressing, language, artistic dexterity, trading preference, believe, folklore and legend etc. Cameroonians are wonderfully friendly, receptive and kind to visitors, making your presence in their midst uplifting, secured and comfortable. English and French are simultaneously utilised as the country’s official languages, offering you a choice, as to the language you are most comfortable with.

Cameroon offers the visitor a uniquely rich African experience that can never be replicated elsewhere else; and continues to delight your memories long after you must have departed. The country flourishes in a breathtaking spectrum of interesting features and exciting activities, each carefully flavoured with the treasure of Africa’s uniqueness.

As a tribute to its extensive diversity, Cameroon is usually called Africa in miniature because any interesting feature available in other African countries can be found in Cameroon, to a smaller or wider degree, rendering it the nation in which inhabits the whole of Africa, so to speak.

Cameroon is naturally privileged with the splendour of dramatic scenery, including mountains, escarpments, valleys and plains. Your imagination will be nourished by the country’s vast spectrum of natural features; including shift-flowing and voluminous rivers, magnificent waterfalls, alluring lakes, mind-blowing caves, staggering mountains, beautifully undulating hills, astounding beaches etc. You will be marvelled by Cameroon’s varied and astounding vegetation; amongst which are, majestic evergreen equatorial forest, spectacular highland montane forest, enticing semi-deciduous stretches and vast fields of breath-taking wooded savannah. 

Cameroon’s ultimate allurement is its wildlife treasures that are well preserved in its numerous national parks and thriving nature reserves. Whether it be lions, elephants, monkeys, chimpanzees, gorillas, birds, giraffes etc, the delight of observing these wonderful creatures in their natural habitats, will be at your full discretion.

Whether you opt to nourish your sight on inspiring evergreen equatorial forests, be marvelled by vast stretches of savanna grassland, or be ecstatsised by the genial mellows of nature on vast stretches of unspoilt and pacifying sandy beaches, the latitude is yours. Whether you opt to imbibe the charm of its enchanting lakes, consume the tranquilising echoes of its smooth-flowing rivers, intimately capture the awe of its fascinating mountains and escarpments, or view the splendour of animals in their natural habitat, the discretion is all yours. Whether you are a diehard adventurer, an adrenalin fanatic, nature lover, cultural explorer, a hedonistic pursuer, a curiosity quencher, or simply seeking spontaneous and organic remedy to your stress and nervous breakdown, Cameroon awaits to fulfil your demands , needs, wants, fantasies and above all, your cherished expectations. Welcome to Cameroon.

Indeed, Cameroon’s touristic magnetism and charismatic personality are simply irresistible. Try Cameroon today; and you will be delighted you did.

          Cameroonian most craved nutritious yummy just for you.

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