Africa
Volcanoes, rainforest and savannah packed into one country.
Cameroon squeezes much of Africa's scenery into one place. Mount Cameroon, an active volcano, rises straight from the Atlantic near Limbe, whose black-sand beaches sit below it. Kribi has beaches and the Lobé Falls, which tumble directly into the sea, while the north has savannah and Waza National Park. Douala is the busy commercial hub and Yaoundé the hilly capital.
Travel is lively but can be slow, with bush taxis, buses and some rough roads. Food is a highlight: ndolé, grilled fish and plantain, and suya-style skewers at night. Some regions, particularly the far north and the North-West and South-West, are affected by insecurity, so check current advice before planning. The dry season from November to February is best for most of the country.
January, February, December.