Staying in Bastos, Yaoundé: a neighbourhood guide
Updated on 23 October 2026 · 6 min read
Bastos is Yaoundé's best-known residential quarter, in the hilly north-west of the city (Yaoundé I). Many embassies, diplomatic residences and international organisations are here or nearby, along with restaurants, cafés, supermarkets and international schools. It is calm, green and close to the centre, but far from Nsimalen airport: about 26 km, 50 minutes to over an hour. It suits missions, embassy appointments, business trips and families who want a quiet base.
What Bastos is like
The quarter takes its name from the Bastos cigarette factory, set up in this part of the city in 1936; the old name of the area, Nkol Manguissa, gradually gave way to the brand. Today Bastos is a quarter of villas and residences on the hillsides, many of them behind walls with guards, quiet streets and plenty of greenery. It is often described as the most sought-after quarter of the capital, and rents are among the highest in the city.
Life here is calm by day and in the evening, with a cluster of restaurants, cafés and bakeries popular with residents and visitors. The Golf quarter and Mont Fébé are just beyond, Nlongkak and the city centre a short drive downhill.
Who Bastos suits
- Missions, NGO and international organisation staff, consultants and diplomats.
- Visitors with an embassy or visa appointment: many embassies are in or near Bastos. See embassy appointments in Yaoundé.
- Business travellers with meetings in Bastos, at the Palais des Congrès or in the centre.
- Families who want calm streets, restaurants and services nearby.
- Less suited to a very early flight (the airport is on the other side of the city) or a tight budget: the south and east of the city are cheaper.
Check your embassy's address
Not every embassy is in Bastos. The French embassy, for example, is at Plateau Atémengué, and the US embassy is on Avenue Rosa Parks in Mbankolo, by the golf course. Choose your base according to the exact address.
Distances from Bastos (indicative)
| To | By car |
|---|---|
| Yaoundé-Nsimalen airport (about 26 km) | 50 min to over 1 h; more at rush hour |
| City centre (Boulevard du 20 Mai, ministries) | 10–25 min |
| Golf quarter, US embassy | 5–15 min |
| Palais des Congrès | 5–15 min |
| Mvan bus agencies (road to Douala) | 30–60 min |
Leaving for the airport
Count at least 1 h 15 between leaving Bastos and arriving at Nsimalen in the evening rush, and plan to be at the airport early for an international flight. Official convoys can also close the main roads for a while.
Shops and services
- Food shopping: supermarkets with imported products, bakeries and small grocery shops in and around Bastos. At the time of writing, the nearest large hypermarket is the Carrefour in the Playce centre at Warda, towards the centre.
- Restaurants and cafés: the widest choice in Yaoundé for international and Cameroonian food.
- Health: pharmacies and private clinics nearby. For hospitals and medical stays, see our medical stay guide.
- Money and SIM: banks and cash machines are mostly towards the centre; operator shops and Mobile Money kiosks are everywhere. See money in Cameroon and SIM card and internet.
- Outdoors: the walk up Mont Fébé, with views over the city and the Benedictine monastery and its museum of Cameroonian art.
Getting around
Streets in Bastos are hilly and residential, so fewer shared taxis pass than in the centre. Ride apps such as Yango are the easiest option for short trips. For a day with several appointments, at an embassy, a ministry and an office across town, a car with driver waits for you at each stop and avoids searching for a taxi on the hill. See getting around Douala and Yaoundé.
Staying here with us
Our furnished apartments in Yaoundé 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 would like to be in Bastos or near your embassy, tell us the address and your dates: we will suggest the nearest apartment we have checked, and we can meet you at Nsimalen airport. See our apartments in Yaoundé or compare the quarters in where to stay in Yaoundé.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bastos a good area to stay in Yaoundé?
Yes for a calm stay near many embassies, international organisations and restaurants. It is one of the most expensive quarters and far from the airport.
How far is Bastos from Yaoundé-Nsimalen airport?
About 26 km: count 50 minutes to over an hour by car, more at rush hour.
Why is the Bastos quarter called Bastos?
It is named after the Bastos cigarette factory, set up in this part of Yaoundé in 1936. The brand name replaced the older place name, Nkol Manguissa.
Are all embassies in Bastos?
No. Many are in or near Bastos, but the French embassy is at Plateau Atémengué and the US embassy is in Mbankolo, by the golf course. Check your embassy's address.