Kribi from Douala: getting there, beaches and the Lobé Falls
Updated on 23 October 2026 · 6 min read
Kribi is Cameroon's best-known beach town, on the Atlantic coast of the South region. From Douala it is about 170 km by road through Edéa, often around 3 hours; from Yaoundé, count roughly 4½ to 6 hours. People go for the long sandy beaches, the grilled fish and the Lobé Falls, which drop straight into the ocean a few kilometres south of town. Two or three nights make a much better trip than a long day there and back.
Getting to Kribi from Douala or Yaoundé
| Route | Indicative time | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Douala → Edéa → Kribi | About 3 hours (about 170 km) | Heavy trucks between Douala and Edéa; leaving Douala early saves a lot of time. |
| Yaoundé → Edéa → Kribi | About 4½ to 6 hours | The usual route. Other roads exist through the forest; ask your driver which is in better condition. |
| Coach from Douala or Yaoundé | Longer, with stops | Interurban coach companies serve Kribi; book a seat the day before at busy times. |
Times depend on traffic, roadworks and rain. Leave in the morning and avoid driving after dark. With a car and driver, you also have the car on site for the falls, the beaches south of town and the drive back.
Kribi's beaches
- Kribi town beaches: sand and palm trees along the coast, restaurants and grilled fish at the water's edge. Busy at weekends and on public holidays.
- Grand Batanga, south of town: long white-sand beaches, quieter during the week.
- Londji, north of town: a fishing village where you can watch the boats come back in the late afternoon.
- Ebodjé, further south: a coastal village where leatherback and green turtles nest; ask local ecotourism groups or a licensed agency about visits.
In the sea
The Atlantic can have strong waves and currents. Swim where local people swim, never alone, and stay out of the water after drinking or when the sea is rough. Keep a close eye on children.
The Lobé Falls
A few kilometres south of Kribi, the Lobé river reaches the Atlantic through a series of cascades, the highest a little over 20 metres, which fall directly onto the beach and into the sea. The site is on UNESCO's tentative list since 2018, and is linked to the traditions of the Batanga people. The falls are fullest in the rainy season. Local fishermen offer pirogue rides to see them from the water: check the boat, ask for life jackets and agree the price first.
Outings: through licensed agencies
For guided outings such as the forest and wildlife of Campo-Ma'an National Park further south, a boat trip, or a visit to a turtle site, go through a licensed travel agency or the official park services. We do not sell excursions; we can provide the car with driver to and from Kribi. France's official advice also warns against recreational boating at sea in the Gulf of Guinea, because of piracy: ask the agency how it handles safety, and prefer trips close to the shore.
When to go to Kribi
| Period | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Roughly November to February | The main dry season: the most popular time for the beach. Christmas and New Year weekends are full. |
| July and August | School holidays: many families from Douala and Yaoundé, and the diaspora on holiday. |
| Rainy months | Fewer visitors, lower prices, the Lobé Falls at their strongest; heavy showers and rougher sea. |
Seasons are indicative and vary from year to year. Our guide to the best time to visit Cameroon covers the whole country.
Where to stay in Kribi
Kribi has hotels, beach lodges and guesthouses for every budget; book early for long weekends and the year-end holidays. We do not have apartments in Kribi. Tell us your dates and what you are looking for: we will see what we can arrange, without promising anything we have not checked ourselves.
Combining Kribi with Douala
Many visitors land in Douala, rest a night, go to Kribi for two or three nights, and come back to Douala before their flight. Our apartments in Douala are a good base before and after the coast, with a pickup at Douala airport. Kribi is in the South region; for this area the usual precautions apply. As for any trip, check your government's current advice before you go.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Kribi from Douala?
About 170 km by road through Edéa, often around 3 hours depending on traffic. Leave early in the morning and avoid driving at night.
How do I get from Yaoundé to Kribi?
By road, usually through Edéa: count roughly 4½ to 6 hours. Coaches run from Yaoundé, or you can hire a car with driver for the trip.
Where are the Lobé Falls?
A few kilometres south of Kribi, where the Lobé river falls directly into the Atlantic Ocean. They are on UNESCO's tentative list and are fullest in the rainy season.
When is the best time to go to Kribi?
The main dry season, roughly November to February, is the most popular for the beach. The year-end holidays and July–August are busy, so book early.
Can I go to Kribi for a day from Douala?
It is possible but tiring: about 3 hours each way. Two or three nights let you enjoy the beaches and the falls without rushing.