Staying in Bonamoussadi and Kotto, Douala: a neighbourhood guide
Updated on 23 October 2026 · 7 min read
Bonamoussadi and Kotto are residential districts in the north-east of Douala (Douala V), together with Makepe, Logpom and Denver. Built mostly from the 1980s onwards, they are where many Cameroonian middle-class families live: quieter streets, more space and lower rents than in the centre, with markets, schools and a shopping centre nearby. The airport is about 14 km away. They suit families, long stays and visits to relatives who live there, as long as you plan around traffic.
What Bonamoussadi and Kotto are like
Bonamoussadi is the seat of the Douala V town hall and one of the best-known residential areas of the city; living there is often seen as a sign of the new middle class. It has its own market, churches and a mosque, the Lycée de Bonamoussadi and the Parcours Vita, a popular place for jogging and sport. Makepe, right next to it, is a large residential area of housing estates.
Kotto, a little further east, grew from the 1980s as a residential district with many rental apartments, from simple to high-standard. Logpom, Logbessou and the areas beyond are newer and still growing: plots, new buildings and roads under development. Overall the north-east feels more like a residential suburb than a city centre: calmer in the evening, livelier around the markets and the main junctions.
Who the north-east suits
- Families who want space, a calm street and room for children.
- Long stays of a month or more, and people preparing a move. See long stays and moving to Cameroon.
- Visits to relatives who live in Bonamoussadi, Makepe, Kotto or Logpom: many families of the diaspora have homes here.
- Less suited to a short business trip with meetings in Bonanjo or Akwa every day: the commute eats a lot of time.
Distances from Bonamoussadi and Kotto (indicative)
| To | By car |
|---|---|
| Douala airport (about 14 km) | 30–60 min; about 30 min late at night |
| Akwa | 25–50 min |
| Bonanjo, Bonapriso | 30–60 min |
| Bonamoussadi ↔ Kotto | 10–20 min |
| Logpom, Logbessou | 10–25 min from Bonamoussadi |
Plan around rush hour
Traffic between the north-east and the centre is heavy in the morning and late afternoon, and in heavy rain. For a flight or an appointment, leave early and keep a wide margin.
Shops and services
- Shopping centre: the Playce centre, with a Carrefour supermarket, opened in Bonamoussadi at the end of 2017.
- Markets: the Bonamoussadi market for fresh produce every day, and smaller markets and food stalls in each quarter.
- Daily needs: bakeries, pharmacies, Mobile Money kiosks, small restaurants and grocery shops on the main roads.
- Schools: many public and private schools, including some international schools, which is one reason families choose the area.
- Health: clinics and pharmacies nearby; for hospitals and longer care, see our medical stay guide.
Getting around
Shared yellow taxis and motorbike taxis run on the main roads, and ride apps such as Yango work in the area. Side streets can be unpaved and muddy in the rainy season, so some addresses are easier to reach with a car that knows the way. If you are staying several weeks, a car with driver for the days with many errands, and taxis for the rest, is a good balance. See getting around Douala and Yaoundé.
Finding an address
Addresses are given by landmarks (a junction, a church, a pharmacy) rather than street numbers. Send your driver a location pin by WhatsApp and the name of a nearby landmark.
Staying here with us
Our furnished apartments in Douala are checked by our own team, with Wi-Fi; some have backup power, shown on each apartment page. Each listing shows its neighbourhood. If you want to stay near family in Bonamoussadi, Makepe or Kotto, tell us the area and your dates: we will suggest the nearest apartment we have checked, by the night, the week or the month. See our apartments in Douala or compare the quarters in where to stay in Douala.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bonamoussadi a good area to live in Douala?
It is one of the best-known residential areas of Douala, popular with middle-class families: calmer streets, more space, markets, schools and a shopping centre. The downside is traffic to the centre.
How far is Bonamoussadi from Douala airport?
About 14 km: count 30 to 60 minutes by car depending on traffic, and about 30 minutes late at night.
Is Kotto a good place to stay in Douala?
For a family visit or a long stay, yes: Kotto is residential, with many rental apartments and lower prices than the centre. Allow time for traffic if you go to the centre often.
Are there supermarkets in Bonamoussadi?
Yes. The Playce shopping centre, with a Carrefour supermarket, opened there in 2017, alongside the Bonamoussadi market and many smaller shops.