The Vuvuzela Diaries

Cameroon’s tourist industry is a victim of geography. It sits in a tough neighbourhood, bordered by some problematic countries. But this shouldn’t put you off, as Cameroon real­ly has just about everything a traveller could want. One of the most culturally diverse countries on the continent, its people include ancient tribal kingdoms, Muslim pastoralists and forest-dwelling pygmies.

The landscape is no less dizzying in its diversity. Mt Cameroon (4095m) is the highest peak in West Africa and attracts plenty of trekking interest. A still-active volcano, it rises almost straight from the sea in a spectacular manner. Further north are the rolling grassfields of the Ring Road area, while the Mandara Mountains are a complete contrast again – dry and rocky, with isolated villages eking out a living. Fringing all of this are some of Africa’s oldest rainforests, and the excellent Parc National de Waza, with abundant mammal and birdlife, and large herds of elephants gathering at water holes in the dry season.

If all this exhausts you, you can retire to some fine palm-fringed beaches and fantastic seafood, which should help to recharge your batteries. Throw in a cold beer or two, some lively home-grown makossa music and the Indomitable Lions of the national football team, and you’ll be revelling in your discovery.

Thanks to Lonely Planet

Greetings from Abuja, Nigeria.

Blogs are by their nature retrospective. For a change we thought we’d offer you a glimpse of what lies ahead..

In a few days we head into Cameroon and onto ‘the worst road in Africa’. Check out the video clip ‘Cameroon impassable’ to get an idea of what we’re in for..

We’re hoping to drive from London to South Africa in time to catch a few football matches.

En route we are planning to distribute soccer balls on behalf of the 2010 Campaign.

Good times!