Dschang travel guide: the road via Melong, the cool climate and what to know
Updated on 23 October 2026 · 6 min read
Dschang is the main town of the Menoua department in Cameroon's West region, at about 1,400 metres, and one of the coolest towns a visitor from Douala will meet. It is reached by road only: about 4 to 5 hours from Douala through Nkongsamba and Melong, or via Bafoussam. It is a university town, a farming centre and the home town of many families of the diaspora, who come back for funerals, weddings and holidays.
Getting to Dschang
| From | Usual road | Indicative time |
|---|---|---|
| Douala | North to Nkongsamba, then the branch from Melong up to Dschang | About 4 to 5 hours |
| Bafoussam | South-west through the highlands | About 1 to 1½ hours |
| Yaoundé | Via Bafia, Bangangté and Bafoussam | About 5 to 6½ hours |
The climb from Melong to Dschang is steep and winding: plan a stop if someone gets car-sick, and leave early so you arrive in daylight. Coach companies serve Dschang from Douala and Yaoundé; with luggage or relatives, a car with driver is more comfortable. The road through the West is described in the road to the West.
Indicative times
These times are for planning and are being checked on the road by our team. Traffic leaving Douala, roadworks and heavy rain can add an hour or more. Road accidents are frequent on the main roads between Douala, Yaoundé and the West: avoid driving at night.
Dschang weather: cool, sometimes cold at night
- Much cooler than Douala, especially at night and early in the morning. Bring a real jumper or a jacket, and a blanket layer if you sleep in a village house.
- Dry season roughly from mid-November to mid-March, the usual season for big family events.
- Rainy season the rest of the year: frequent rain and mist; village roads can be muddy, and an SUV or a van is more comfortable.
A university town
The University of Dschang, a state university founded in 1993 on the basis of older agricultural schools, gives the town a young population and a lively student life during the academic year. Outside the university, Dschang lives from farming and trade with the villages of the Menoua.
What to see in and around Dschang
- The municipal lake, in the town centre, a pleasant place for a walk.
- The Museum of Civilisations (Musée des Civilisations), opened in 2011 by the lake, which presents the main cultural areas of Cameroon.
- Waterfalls in the area, such as the Mami Wata falls. Ask locally about access, especially in the rainy season.
- Chiefdoms and villages of the Menoua, best visited with family or a local guide. Organised outings are sold by licensed travel agencies; we can provide a car with driver for the day.
Safety: the South-West region is close
Dschang itself calls for ordinary precautions. But the town lies close to the border with the South-West region (Lebialem), and the North-West is not far to the north. Several governments, including the UK and the US, advise against all travel to both regions. Do not continue west of Dschang towards Lebialem, stay on the main roads, ask your driver or your family about current conditions before travelling to an outlying village, and check your government's current advice before you go.
Where to stay in Dschang
Dschang has hotels and guesthouses, and many visitors stay with family. On big event weekends and in December, rooms go quickly: book as soon as you know your dates and read recent reviews. We do not have apartments in Dschang. Tell us your dates and needs, and we will see what we can arrange, without promising anything we have not checked ourselves.
Most visitors land in Douala late in the day: a night in Douala before the road and another before the flight home makes the trip much easier.
Practical tips for Dschang
- Cash: Dschang has banks and cash machines, villages rarely. Withdraw before going out to the village. See money in Cameroon.
- Power cuts and phone coverage: carry a power bank and a torch; the network can be weak in some villages.
- Shoes: hills and rain make comfortable, closed shoes useful.
- For a funeral or a wedding, read our guides to funerals and family events and the traditional wedding.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Douala to Dschang?
By road, about 4 to 5 hours: north to Nkongsamba, then the branch from Melong that climbs to Dschang. Leave early and avoid driving at night.
How far is Dschang from Bafoussam?
About 1 to 1½ hours by car, as an indication. Many visitors combine both towns.
Is it cold in Dschang?
It is much cooler than Douala, especially at night and in the rainy season. Bring a jumper or a jacket.
Is Dschang safe to visit?
Ordinary precautions apply in town, but Dschang is close to the South-West region, where several governments advise against all travel. Do not continue towards Lebialem and check your government's current advice.
Where can I stay in Dschang?
Dschang has hotels and guesthouses. We have apartments in Douala and Yaoundé only, and can look into Dschang on request.