population: 0.24 million
extension: 269 square kilometers
If you're in Bertoua and interested in visiting museums, a great place to start would be the Bertoua Museum of Arts and Traditions. It offers exhibits on the cultural heritage of the Eastern region of Cameroon, including traditional masks, statues, musical instruments, and other handicrafts.
If you're interested in exploring other museums in the area, you could also check out the Museum of Civilization in Yaoundé, which is about 4 hours away by car. This museum provides an overview of the history and culture of Cameroon and its people.
Another option is the Douala Museum of Art (about 6 hours away by car), which showcases a range of contemporary African art.
Some of the most recommended, popular, and typical dishes to eat according to local people in Bertoua, Cameroon are:
1. Ndole: A dish made with bitterleaf (a type of vegetable), groundnut paste, and meat or fish.
2. Eru: A stew made from the leaves of the eru or okok plant, mixed with other vegetables, palm oil, and sometimes meat or fish.
3. Koki: A steamed dish made of ground beans, onions, and spices.
4. Achu Soup: A soup made with cocoyam (a starchy root vegetable), served with a side of pounded yam or fufu.
5. Mbongo Tchobi: A spicy stew made with fish or meat, tomatoes, onions, and a spice blend that includes ginger, garlic, and chili peppers.
6. Poulet DG: A popular dish made with chicken, plantains, and vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and carrots, all cooked together in a tomato-based sauce.
These dishes are just some examples of the delicious and varied cuisine available in Bertoua and throughout Cameroon.
There are several fun activities that local people enjoy in Bertoua, Cameroon. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Visit the Bertoua Central Market: This is one of the busiest places in Bertoua and a hub of commercial activity. It's a great place to immerse yourself in the local culture and browse the many stalls selling everything from fresh produce to clothing.
2. Explore the Deng Deng National Park: Located just outside Bertoua, this park offers opportunities for hiking, bird watching, and wildlife spotting. You can see animals such as chimpanzees, gorillas, and elephants in their natural habitats.
3. Attend a traditional dance performance: The region around Bertoua is known for its vibrant traditional music and dance scene. Ask around or check with local tourist agencies to find out when and where performances are taking place.
4. Visit the Grotte de Ngollo: This underground cave system is located about 30 km from Bertoua and is believed to have been used as a hiding place during the slave trade. Today, it's a popular spot for spelunking and exploring.
5. Try local cuisine: Cameroonian cuisine is diverse and flavorful, and there are plenty of restaurants and street vendors in Bertoua where you can try traditional dishes like Ndole (a stew made with bitter leaves), Eru (a soup made with wild spinach), and Bobolo (a steamed cassava cake).