Maroua
Cameroon · Far North · 402 m
Description
Maroua is the capital of the far north and the pleasantest town of the region, laid out under flame trees along the sandy bed of the Kaliao, which carries water only in the rains. Its craft centre gathers around fifty workshops in one place, and the tanners, weavers, potters and blacksmiths work while you watch. Maroua leather is sold across Central Africa. The Monday market is one of the largest in Cameroon and draws Fulani, Kapsiki and Kotoko traders from the whole plain. Hills stand behind the town, and the Mandara Mountains begin an hour to the west.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 3 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: November – February
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Centre Artisanal and its workshops
- Market of Maroua (Monday)
- Tanners and leather workers at their benches
- Flame tree avenues along the Kaliao
- Musée du Diamaré
- Grande Mosquée de Maroua
- Hardé hills above the town
- Fulani horsemen and fantasia displays
- Millet beer and grilled mutton stalls
- Pottery villages of the Diamaré plain
Getting there
- Airports:
- MVR