East

East is a region in eastern Cameroon, a vast area of equatorial forest and savannah bordering the Central African Republic and Congo. The capital is Bertoua. The region is rich in wildlife and includes the Lobeke, Boumba Bek, and Nki national parks.

The East Region's best time is the dry season from December to February, when cooler Harmattan breezes clear the skies and animals congregate around water sources in Lobeke, Boumba Bek, and Nki national parks — making it prime for wildlife viewing. July and August offer a shorter, drier window with fewer crowds and moderate prices. The main rainy season (March to June) brings heavy downpours that turn unpaved roads into impassable mud, severely limiting access to parks and rural destinations — this is the period to avoid. A second, shorter rainy spell in September and November can still disrupt travel but is less severe. Christmas and New Year coincide with peak visitor numbers in park areas, so book accommodation well in advance during this window.

• Bertoua — regional capital, gateway to the eastern parks
• Batouri — gold-mining centre
• Yokadouma — gateway to Lobeke National Park
• Lobeke National Park — forest elephants and western lowland gorillas