THE ROAD TO NGAOUNDERE

Travelling to Ngaoundere, headquarters of the Adamawa Region, has taken a turn for the better. This is the case whether you are approaching the city from the north or the south, but especially the south. Gone are the days when the major means of public transportation between Ngaoundere and the south of the country was mainly by train – with all the inconveniences involved.

Today, taking a trip to Ngaoundere can be a veritable delight. Firstly, the number of modes of transportation has increased and offered the traveler alternatives such as the inter-city bus and the plane. What is more, these two additional means of transportation are fairly frequent and so can be relied on, more or less.

Ngaoundere is the gateway not only to the North Regional headquarters, Garoua and further north, the Far North regional headquarters of Maroua, but also an essential link to the landlocked neighbouring country of Chad. The road network also serves feeder towns of Cameroon such as Guider, Kaélé, Touboro and Yagoua.

Passengers travelling between Ngaoundere and Yaounde – the national capital – have a choice between the traditional train, taking a flight with Cameroon’s national carrier, CamairCo, or choosing from one of several professionally manned bus companies. The journey is direct from Yaounde to Ngaoundere without any need for change of vehicles in transit. The buses are modern, attractive and competitive.

From a single bus company – Super Narral - that used to ply the road prior to this new era, Yaounde and Ngaoundere now have additional transporters such as ‘Alliance’, ‘Global’, ‘National’ and ‘Touristique Express’.

The bus journey from Yaounde to Ngaoundere costs 12 000 FCFA, although it must be stated that ‘Touristique Express’ initiated a VIP service that cost 15 000 FCFA but later had to suspend it because it was not cost effective. Travelling by train costs 10 000 FCFA Second Class and 17 000 FCFA First Class. Travellers who want a coach for four are charged 25 000 FCFA and those who want it for two are charged 28 000 FCFA. Air travel costs between 77 000 FCFA and 161 000 FCFA. However, the company grants rebates to customers who reserve their seats early.