The first settlements in the area of today's city were founded by representatives of the Douala ethnic group before the arrival of European colonizers. In the 15th century, the Portuguese explorers reached the coast of Cameroon, who were driven by the Spaniards and those by the Germans. Under German rule, the city began to develop dynamically as a shopping and political center. During World War I, a fierce battle was fought for Douala. By virtue of the agreements, Cameroon became a territory dependent on France, and in 1960 it gained independence.
To get to know Douala, it's best to go to Marché des Fleurs, which is a huge market where you can find a lot of great handicrafts from Cameroon. There are carved masks, handmade baskets, as well as traditional jewelry, clothes, and tablecloths. It is also worth seeing the monumental cathedral from 1936 and the Manga Bell pagoda. In Musée de Douala, you can see treasures of tribal art, and in the Espace Doual'art gallery examples of African art. In Musée Maritime, you can learn about the city's history as a center of colonial trade and fishing. The Douala-Edéa Nature Reserve is also nearby, making it an ideal place for safari. Lovers of mountain hikes should, however, go to the highest peak of the country, i.e. the mountain of Cameroon.
The cosmopolitan character of the city is also reflected in its kitchen. You can find there a large selection of typical European and Asian dishes. In addition, you can try traditional African dishes such as fufu (in Cameroon also known as couscous). It is a type of cassava cake or grated plane that is eaten with hands while forming balls. Fufu is often served with soup, for example from peanuts. Must try is also ndolé, a dish of stewed nuts, ndoleh (bitter leaves from West Africa) and fish or beef, or shrimps. We recommend restaurants Saga Africa and Le Grilladin.
