This town (pop. 63,000) in the country's English-speaking region is a center for arts and crafts and has several handicraft shops. The surrounding area offers good mountain hikes, which are best undertaken during the dry season, when there is less chance of mud, fewer insects and better views. The nearby town of Bafut has a nice castle.
Before you go to Bamenda, check to see whether there have been any political demonstrations or violence in the area recently. In the past, Bamenda has been the center of opposition to President Biya—and thus subject to government crackdowns. 170 mi/275 km northwest of Yaounde.
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