Staying in the Golf quarter, Yaoundé: a neighbourhood guide
Updated on 23 October 2026 · 5 min read
The Golf quarter of Yaoundé is a calm residential area around the city's golf course, at the foot of Mont Fébé in the north-west, next to Bastos. It is green and hilly, with villas and residences, and the US embassy is at its edge. Shops and restaurants are a few minutes away in Bastos. It suits families, long stays, embassy staff and visitors who want quiet, as long as they accept a long drive to Nsimalen airport.
What the Golf quarter is like
As its name suggests, the quarter lies around the course of the Mount Febe Golf Club, on the slopes below Mont Fébé, one of the hills that surround Yaoundé. Around it are walled villas, residences and newer apartment buildings, gardens and quiet roads. It is often grouped with Bastos as the city's expatriate area, and it is quieter and more residential than its neighbour. The US embassy is on Avenue Rosa Parks, in Mbankolo, beside the golf club.
Golf is a place to live rather than to go out: there are few shops in the quarter itself, and evenings are very quiet. For restaurants, supermarkets and cafés, you drive a few minutes to Bastos.
Who the Golf quarter suits
- Families, including with children or elderly parents, who want calm and space. See travelling with elderly parents and children.
- Long stays and missions of several weeks, close to Bastos and the embassies.
- Visitors with business at the US embassy or in Bastos.
- Walkers: Mont Fébé is right above, for the views over the city.
- Less suited if you want to walk to shops and restaurants, if you have a very early flight, or if you are on a tight budget.
Distances from the Golf quarter (indicative)
| To | By car |
|---|---|
| Yaoundé-Nsimalen airport | About 50 min to over 1 h; more at rush hour |
| Bastos (shops, restaurants) | 5–15 min |
| City centre (Boulevard du 20 Mai, ministries) | 15–30 min |
| Palais des Congrès | 5–15 min |
| Mont Fébé viewpoint and monastery | 5–10 min |
Before a flight
The airport is on the opposite, southern side of the city. Leave at least 1 h 15 before you need to be at Nsimalen in the evening rush, and keep a margin for official convoys, which can close main roads for a while.
Shops and services nearby
- Shopping: supermarkets, bakeries and pharmacies in Bastos, a few minutes away. At the time of writing, the nearest large hypermarket is the Carrefour in the Playce centre at Warda.
- Restaurants and cafés: in Bastos, the widest choice in Yaoundé.
- Culture and outdoors: the golf course, the walks on Mont Fébé, and the Benedictine monastery with its museum of Cameroonian art (masks, bronzes, wood carvings).
- Money and SIM: banks are mostly towards the centre; Mobile Money kiosks and operator shops in Bastos and along the main roads. See money in Cameroon.
Getting around
Few shared taxis come up the residential roads, so most residents drive or use ride apps such as Yango. For a stay with children, elderly parents or several appointments a day, a car with driver is the simplest option: it takes you from the door to Bastos, the centre or the airport and waits while you are busy. 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 a calm base around Golf or Bastos, tell us your dates and what matters (space, children, parking): 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
Where is the Golf quarter in Yaoundé?
In the north-west of the city, around the golf course at the foot of Mont Fébé, next to Bastos. The US embassy is at its edge, on Avenue Rosa Parks.
Is the Golf quarter a good place to stay in Yaoundé?
Yes for a calm, residential stay, especially for families and long stays. Shops and restaurants are a few minutes away in Bastos, and the airport is far.
How far is the Golf quarter from Nsimalen airport?
The airport is on the other side of the city: count about 50 minutes to over an hour by car, more at rush hour.
What is the difference between Golf and Bastos?
They are neighbours. Bastos has the restaurants, shops and many embassies; Golf is quieter and more residential, around the golf course below Mont Fébé.