Douala or Yaoundé to the West: Bafoussam, Dschang, Bafang, Bangangté by road
Updated on 23 October 2026 · 6 min read
The West has no regular commercial flights, so the trip to Bafoussam, Dschang, Bafang, Bangangté, Mbouda or Foumban is made by road, from Douala or from Yaoundé. Count roughly 3½ to 5 hours depending on the town, the traffic and the weather. Here are the usual roads, indicative times and how to travel comfortably.
Indicative driving times
| From | To | Indicative time by car |
|---|---|---|
| Douala | Bafang | About 3½ to 4½ hours |
| Douala | Bafoussam | About 4 to 5 hours |
| Douala | Dschang | About 4 to 5 hours |
| Douala | Bangangté | About 4 to 5 hours |
| Yaoundé | Bangangté | About 3½ to 4½ hours |
| Yaoundé | Bafoussam | About 4 to 5 hours |
| Yaoundé | Foumban | About 4½ to 5½ hours |
Indicative only
These times are given for planning and are being checked by our team on the road. Traffic leaving Douala or Yaoundé, roadworks and heavy rain can add an hour or more.
The usual roads
- From Douala, the usual road heads north through the Littoral towards Nkongsamba, then climbs to the West: Bafang and Bafoussam lie on this axis, and Dschang is reached by the branch through Melong.
- From Yaoundé, the road goes north-west through Bafia to Bangangté, then on to Bafoussam; Foumban is reached from Bafoussam or Foumbot.
- Stay on these main roads through the Littoral, Centre and West regions. Several governments advise against travel in the neighbouring North-West and South-West regions.
Travelling well
- Leave early in the morning and arrive in daylight; avoid driving at night.
- The climb to the West is winding: if someone gets car-sick, plan a stop or two.
- The last kilometres to a village are sometimes a dirt road; in the rainy season, an SUV or a van is more comfortable.
- It is cooler up there, especially in Dschang: bring a jacket for the evening.
- Take cash before leaving the big city: cash machines are rare outside the towns.
With a driver, for one day or the whole stay
A car or van with driver takes you door to door with all your luggage, and can stay with you in the West for the days of a funeral, a wedding or a family visit. Tell us the number of passengers and bags, the town and village, the days and whether you sleep there: your quote then states what is included (fuel, the driver's meals and lodging out of town).
After a night flight, stop one night in town
Many flights land in Douala late at night. Rather than driving straight to the West, rest a night in Douala and leave the next morning. Read arriving at Douala airport and our guide to funerals and family events.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Douala to Bafoussam?
About 4 to 5 hours by car, depending on traffic, roadworks and rain.
How long is the drive from Douala to Dschang?
About 4 to 5 hours. Dschang is reached by the branch through Melong; the road climbs and winds.
How long is the drive from Yaoundé to Bafoussam?
About 4 to 5 hours, through Bafia and Bangangté.
Is there a flight to Bafoussam?
There are no regular commercial flights to the West. Travellers land in Douala or Yaoundé and continue by road.
Can I book a car with driver from Douala to the West?
Yes, for a one-way trip or for the whole stay. The quote states what is included, such as fuel and the driver's meals and lodging out of town.