About this trip
African Ancestry Family Reunion trips are curated cultural immersion journeys in Africa - centered on reclaiming identity, exploring cultural heritage, and celebrating the resilience of African people. We will visit Douala, Bafoussam, Foumban, Yaounde and Kribi.
We will attend and participate in the NGUON FESTIVAL. "Nguon" refers to a series of rituals between the Mfon, or Monarch, and his people. Aimed at promoting dialogue, harmony and peace, the rituals are observed over a period of three days by the Bamoun community of Cameroon’s West Region. The Nguon festival is a over 600-year old event that displays the rich culture and tradition of the Bamoun people.
The Nguon Festival 2024 was voted to be Inscribed in 2023 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity through UNESCO. This festival is the first event under the reign of the newly crowned King Nabil Mforifum Mbombo Njoya since the UNESCO inclusion.
We look forward to having an audience with King Njoya again this year.
For more information, check out these links:
This trip is exclusively for African Ancestry Family Members and their guests. Still don't know your African ethnic group? Take advantage of the opportunity to find your tribe while visiting Cameroon. Add a test kit to your booking and have your ancestry revealed during the trip!
Tips for a Seamless Booking Experience
1. Select your package and complete the questionnaire.
2. Create an account to manage your package and add-ons
When checking out, you should check the box next to "Create an account to manage your booking online." This will allow you to edit, adjust your trip, and select add-ons at a later date.
3. Take note of the processing fees
When proceeding to payment, please expect to see a service fee if you pay by ACH or a 2.9% service fee if you pay by credit or debit card.
4. Manage payment over time
You can choose to set up automatic payments or go in monthly and make payments manually.
5. Look out for a confirmation email
Once we receive payment, you will receive a confirmation email with your receipt, payment plan information, and the option to purchase travel insurance for this trip.
6. Store your account info and password
You can go back to your account any time to check your balance, pay it off, ask a question or choose an add on if you don't immediately
This trip is exclusively for African Ancestry Family Members and their guests. Still don't know your African ethnic group? Take advantage of the opportunity to find your tribe while visiting Cameroon. Add a test kit to your booking and have your ancestry revealed during the trip!
Tips for Booking Your Flight
Please follow these steps when booking your trip:
1. Please note the first date of your booking (December 1) is your arrival day. This means you will need to depart the day before (November 30) if traveling from the US.
Departing on November 30 will have you arriving in Doula, Cameroon on Dec. 1.
2. Choose your package.
Please note all packages are based on double occupancy lodging and priced per person. If you plan to room by yourself, you must add the single occupancy supplement. We do not pair roommates.
3. Research your plane ticket and find airlines and ticket prices that work for you. You'll be able to come back at anytime and upload all your flight information in your account after you register and book your trip.
Please note you will fly in and out of Douala, Cameroon (DLA). For arrival, please book a ticket arriving in Douala by 4 pm but no later than 8 pm (on December 1). For your return, please book a ticket leaving after 6 pm on the departure date (December 14).
Please note that there are no direct flights to Doula from the US. Please choose layovers that give you enough time to switch planes. Some airports and airlines require you to recheck your luggage and go through security again.
Priority Travel Checklist
Ensure Your Passport is Valid for Travel
- You must have a valid passport for at least six months after your scheduled return date and at least two blank passport pages.
- Your passport should expire after June 14, 2025
- If your passport expires before June 14, 2025 - you must get another passport.
Set Aside Funds for Visa Processing
- Travel visas are required to enter Cameroon.
- Cameroon has e-visas but you must apply before arrival in Cameroon.
- We will assist you with your travel visa beginning Mid -September
COVID-19 VACCINATION IS NOT REQUIRED BUT IF YOU HAVE TAKEN YOUR COVID TEST AND BEEN VACCINATED, WE SUGGEST YOU KEEP A COPY WITH YOU WHEN YOU TRAVEL.
- We suggest keeping a copy of all your travel documents separate from your original documents.
YELLOW FEVER VACCINATION
- The Yellow Fever vaccine is the only required immunization to travel to Cameroon
- There may be a cost associated with obtaining your required travel immunizations. Please check with your insurance carrier.
- You need to get your shot at least 10 days before travel if you have not already done so. You must travel with a physical copy of your yellow fever immunization card.
- If you have had a yellow fever shot, you do not need to get another shot. One shot is good for a lifetime; however, you are required to bring physical proof that you have been immunized.
Consider Bringing Malaria Pills, Imodium AD & Ciprofloxacin
- Malaria pills are highly recommended but not required. We suggest taking malaria pills for preventative measures.
- Traveler's diarrhea is common in a new environment with different foods and weather. We suggest you pack Imodium AD and/or Ciprofloxacin in case of diarrhea.
- We will have Imodium AD on-site at each hotel as well as aspirin, Benadryl, and American-brand over-the-counter medicines.
Create A Plan For Your Prescription Medications
- We highly suggest all travelers consult with their primary care physician before traveling and refill any prescriptions they may require to remain in optimal health while traveling.
Know Before You Go
Country Code
+237
Time Zone
(GMT+1) - 6 hours ahead of ET in December
Bordered by:
Nigeria, Chad, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea
Baggage
Each economy class passenger is allowed two 23kg (50lb) bags, a carry-on bag, and a personal bag. We don't suggest maxing out your luggage. We suggest one carry-on, one personal bag (book bag, briefcase, or purse), and one checked bag (50lb). Business-class travelers are allowed two bags at 32 kg or 70 lbs. Extra bags or overweight bags normally cost about $200 each.
Weather
The average temperature is 85 - 90 degrees Fahrenheit in Cameroon in December. We provide water daily but encourage drinking plenty of water and dressing appropriately for the weather. We will provide a suggested packing list.
Electric Current
The electric current in Cameroon is 220 Volts and we use 110 in the US. You will need to purchase an electric converter for your electronic devices that need to be charged while you're traveling.
Phone Service
Contact your phone service provider for the best international plan. If you own your phone outright or have an additional phone that is unlocked, you may be able to purchase a SIM card for data use on a local network or a mobile wifi unit.
Currency & Spending
The currency in Cameroon is the Central African CFA franc (XAF). The exchange rate is currently about 650 cya to 1 dollar. Please prepare to bring brand new $100 & $50 bills for the best exchange rate. Twenty-dollar bills get you a lower exchange rate and $10, $5, and $1 are not accepted. We have reliable money changers.
Cash is King!
Credit cards are widely accepted in Doula & Yaounde but not so much in other areas or with local vendors. If you plan to use your credit cards, please contact your bank and issue a travel advisory.
Here’s a list of useful suggested items to purchase for your journey:
- Travel Adapter - CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE
- Travel Belt (Passport and Money) - CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE
- Portable External USB Charger - CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE
- Wet Ones Wipes - CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE
- Purell Hand Sanitizer - CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE
- Repel Insect Repellent (40% Deet) - CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE
- Advil - CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE
- Pepto Bismol Caplets - CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE
- Imodium - CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE
Travel Insurance
It's always a good idea to protect your trip. Life happens. You can purchase trip protection within 15 days of your initial registration by going to www.travelexinsurance.com. Travelex offers the following options for international travel:
Travel Select
Travel Select provides comprehensive benefits and access to five unique upgrades.
- Emergency Medical & Dental
- Trip Cancellation
- Travel Assistance
- Five Optional Upgrades
Travel Basic
The Travel Basic plan provides great coverage at an even greater price.
- Emergency Medical & Dental
- Trip Cancellation
- Travel Assistance
Please note: Travel insurance doesn’t cover everything. This is a general, brief summary only. Restrictions, exclusions, and limitations will apply. Coverage may not be the same or available for residents of all countries, states, or provinces. Check the policy documents or ask Travelex for full details.
You are welcome to use any travel insurance program of your choice.
Refund/Cancellation Policy
AAFRs are 100% non refundable. However, if cancelled before 60 days for any reason before departure, the full trip credit (dollar value), can be used for any additional AAFR within a year from the cancelled trip's start date.
If cancelled within 60 days for any reason before departure, there is a 30% penalty and only 70% of the trip credit (dollar value), can be used for any additional AAFR within a year from the cancelled trip's start date.
If cancelled within 30 days for any reason before departure, there is a 75% penalty and only 25% of the trip credit (dollar value), can be used for any additional AAFR within a year from the cancelled trip's start date.
What’s included
- LodgingAccommodations in our choice hotels throughout the entire trip
- Ground TransportationAir-conditioned vehicle on ground for entire tour including in country airport transfers
- MealsBreakfast and one additional meal each day
- Renaming CeremonyYou will receive a traditional Cameroonian Name and its meaning.
- In-country FlightWe will use one in country flight to travel from Douala to Bafoussam
- AttractionsAll entrance fees to various sites and attractions on the itinerary
- Hosts/GuidesProfessional & knowledgeable hosts, guides and drivers
- WaterBottles of water daily for entire journey
What’s not included
- Airline TicketsWill purchase your own airline ticket
- VisaVisa cost is not included
- Alcoholic BeveragesAlcoholic beverages are not included unless specified for an event
- Spending MoneyIt's better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it. Remember cash is king!
- Personal TipsWe encourage tipping
Available Packages
The indicated price is per child.
Children 12 and under must share a room with an adult.
One child sharing a room with one or two adults is acceptable.
Two children sharing a room with one adults is aceoptable.
This trip is exclusively for African Ancestry Family Members and their guests. Still don't know your African ethnic group? Take advantage of the opportunity to find your tribe while visiting Cameroon. Add a test kit to your booking and have your ancestry revealed during the trip!
The indicated price is per person.
All packages are priced as double occupancy per person for two people sharing a room. At checkout, you will choose from the following double occupancy options and indicate your roommate's name:
• Two (2) people in one room sharing a bed
• Two (2) people in one room with two (2) separate beds
Your roommate must also book their package and choose you as a roommate. We do not pair roommates. If you do not have a roommate, you will be asked to choose the single occupancy supplement.
If you want a single room, choose the Single Occupancy Supplement Add-on.
This trip is exclusively for African Ancestry Family Members and their guests. Still don't know your African ethnic group? Take advantage of the opportunity to find your tribe while visiting Cameroon. Add a test kit to your booking and have your ancestry revealed during the trip!
The indicated price is per person.
All packages are priced as double occupancy per person for two people sharing a room. At checkout, you will choose from the following double occupancy options and indicate your roommate's name:
• Two (2) people in one room sharing a bed
• Two (2) people in one room with two (2) separate beds
Your roommate must also book their package and choose you as a roommate. We do not pair roommates. If you do not have a roommate, you will be asked to choose the single occupancy supplement.
If you want a single room, choose the Single Occupancy Supplement Add-on.
This trip is exclusively for African Ancestry Family Members and their guests. Still don't know your African ethnic group? Take advantage of the opportunity to find your tribe while visiting Cameroon. Add a test kit to your booking and have your ancestry revealed during the trip!
Available options
Please choose this section if you are traveling alone and choose not to have a roommate. All packages are priced as double occupancy per person for two people sharing a room. The single supplement is required if you are choosing to room by yourself.
If you have not taken an African Ancestry Test, you must choose this option.
All travelers are required to have taken an African Ancestry Test in order to participate in the AAFRs. We will send you the test within a week of your booking and hold the results to be revealed in Cameroon, during the journey.
While the test is required, the reveal is not. If you choose not have your results revealed, they will be available in your African Ancestry portal when they are ready.
Itinerary
• Arrive @ Doula International
• Transfer to Hotel
• Check into Hotel
• Money Exchange Available
• Relax, Settle and Chill
• Welcome Dinner @ Hotel (included)
Itinerary Subject to Change