This trip started back home in Belgium at the Cameroon Embassy in Brussels.

The moment I stepped into the Cameroon Embassy in Brussels, I knew something was not right. The air felt thick—lot’s of people…A way too friendly guy just needed 200€ and he should arrange everything. I handed over my documents, ready to pay the standard fee for my tourist visa. The official, a man with slicked-back hair and a fake-friendly smirk, leaned in, voice low. “It’s going to cost more than you expected,” he said, scribbling an absurd number onto a scrap of paper.My pulse spiked, but I didn’t flinch. I stared him down, my silence cutting sharper than words. He waited, expecting me to fold, to obey.Not a chance.I took my papers and walked out, but I didn’t just leave—I made sure the right people heard about his scheme. I reported everything, every detail, every trick. A week later, I returned, shoulders squared, ready for whatever came next.He was there. But this time? No games, no smirk. Just a stiff nod as he slid my passport across the desk. My visa was stamped, legitimate, no extra fees, no nonsense.I had won. As I stepped outside, breathing in the crisp Brussels air, I knew one thing—he wouldn’t try that again.

Time to start my adventure, my trip though Cameroon. My guide and fixer came to pick me up at the Airport ….the start of two unforgettable weeks, I had the incredible opportunity to explore the wonders of Cameroon — often called “Africa in miniature” due to its geographical and cultural diversity. With the support of a private guide and driver, I ventured through everything from lush rainforests and serene beaches to rugged mountains and vibrant cities. What I discovered was a country pulsing with life, a rich mosaic of cultures, history, and landscapes that tell the story of Africa in all its grandeur.

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Here are some of the places i have visited:

Yaoundé

My journey began in Yaoundé, a city built across seven hills. Though often overshadowed by Douala, Yaoundé’s leafy boulevards, museums, and colonial-era architecture offer a peaceful introduction to Cameroonian life.

Douala

Douala, with its bustling streets and dynamic energy, is Cameroon’s economic heartbeat.

Kribi – Tropical Paradise by the Sea

• Ekom Waterfalls, : A natural spectacle.

• Pygmy villages offer cultural insights into Cameroon’s indigenous peoples.

• Bafoussam – The capital of the West Region, known for its vibrant markets, rich traditions…

• Bandjoun Palace – A historical and cultural gem showcasing the traditions of the Bamileke people, with intricate architecture and royal artifacts.

• Foumban Royal Palace & Museum – A deep dive into the Bamoun kingdom’s history, featuring ancient relics, art, and royal treasures.

• Bandjoun Market – A bustling marketplace where you can experience local crafts, traditional foods, and the vibrant energy of the region.

• Traditional Bamileke Chiefdoms – Explore the rich heritage of the Bamileke people through their impressive chiefdoms and cultural ceremonies.

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Cameroon’s Cultural Mosaic

Cameroon is home to over 250 ethnic groups, and this diversity is visible in its languages, attire, music, and festivals. From the Fang and Beti in the south, to the Fulani in the north, each group contributes to a living, breathing cultural landscape.

You’ll hear French and English, the official languages, alongside a patchwork of local dialects. This dual colonial heritage (French and British) is evident in daily life — from signage and cuisine to educational systems.

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Conclusion

Cameroon is a country that defies simplistic definitions. It is at once modern and traditional, Francophone and Anglophone, coastal and mountainous. Its welcoming people, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures left a deep impression on me.

For travelers seeking a truly diverse African experience — one that offers beach relaxation, rainforest trekking, cultural depth, and big-game safaris — Cameroon delivers all this and more.

Let me introduce Burundi,” the heart of Africa”.

Burundi is one of the smallest countries on the African continent, yet it packs a lot of beautiful scenery into a little area. The nation is organized into 16 provinces that occupy an area of just more than 27837 square kilometers.Burundi’s primary natural features are hippos and birds,  green hills and mountains, and Lake Tanganyika the second-oldest freshwater lake in the world, the second-largest by volume, and the second-deepest after Lake Baikal. The country may lack wildlife richness compared with its neighboring Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania but its voice de vivre, beautiful beaches, and green hills make it a perfect destination for a relaxing vacation and cultural tour experience. 

While it is not a prime destination for African wildlife safaris, here’s a list of the best places to visit in Burundi!

Things to do in Burundi

When considering a journey to Burundi realize it is one of the smallest countries you’ll ever come across. Nevertheless, the densely populated communities in Africa are home to around 10 million natives. Since the country is compact, virtually all of it is reachable by its trails.

Tourists can explore the vast selection of geographical details in Burundi including riverbeds, cliffs, and highlands from a distance. Although the leading natural attractions are undervalued, Burundi has the power to grow into a tourist hot spot. Let’s take a peek at some of the finest places to call on in Burundi.

Tour Bujumbura

Known as Buja, it is a bustling city with good food, drink, and nightlife. Bujumbura is the economic and former political capital of Burundi one of the landlocked countries in East Africa. The city is located on the northern shore of Lake Tanganyika, and its population is estimated to be around 800,000 people. It is the largest city in the country and the economic and cultural hub of the country.

The city is the main port for the country and the main trading center for local produce. It also serves as a regional hub for the transportation of goods and services. It is home to the University of Burundi, the largest university in the country. The city also hosts a number of cultural and sporting events, such as the Bujumbura International Cultural Festival, the Bujumbura Marathon, and the Bujumbura International Film Festival.

Relax at the beach of Lake Tanganyika

How about relaxing at the beach of Lake Tanganyika while enjoying a fresh Mukeke? Lake Tanganyika, one of Africa’s Great Lakes and the world’s longest freshwater lake, is undoubtedly one of the country’s most well-known attractions. DR Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia also border the lake, but it’s usually one of the most popular places to visit when in Bujumbura. Some great hotels and resorts are also found here. 

The lake has various beach spots where guests may spend the day exploring the restaurants and cafes and soaking up the sun along the shore. But don’t be startled if you come across a hippopotamus sleeping near you in the scorching Burundian sun! These beautiful animals, who are typically non-aggressive, leave the lakes from time to time to relax on the beach.

Karera waterfalls 

The Karera Waterfalls, also known as the Chutes de la Karera, is a grouping of four waterfalls in Burundi’s Rutana district. The location is frequently included in Burundi trip packages. The most stunning of the four waterfalls is the one you arrive at first. It is where you may leave your vehicle. Upstream from here comes Nyakai II, the smallest of the four falls and a great site for an impromptu shower.

This stream connects to Mwaro Falls before forming Karera Falls, the area’s namesake, and largest waterfall. They are around 70 meters tall and are one of Burundi’s most magnificent natural beauties.

Gitega Royal Drummers- Songa Mount Hiking – Ancient houses (Architecture)

Since you and your family are taking a journey to Burundi, you can’t leave without visiting the city of Gitega. It’s a tranquil place with particular charm and exquisite appeal. Batimbo are the classical dancers who perform to the echoes of tambourines. The performers have toured Washington, Montreal, Munich, Berlin, and Tokyo just to name a few, as an instrumental part of acclaimed international festivals.

Watch a drum show at Gishora Sanctuary

Drumming is a tradition. Gishora Drum Sanctuary is a well-known drum location in Burundi. It is one of the cultural sites to see when touring Burundi. This is a must-see on any Burundi trip itinerary. You can see a drum display virtually anywhere in Burundi, but Gishora stands out for a good reason: its history. Yes, the Burundi Drum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gishora is located 200 meters on the left side of the Gitega-Ngozi Road, 7 kilometers from Gitega town.

If you don’t get to see this heart-pounding performance, you’ve probably never actually gone to Burundi! Locals and visitors alike may now observe The Royal Drummers of Burundi and experience this UNESCO Intangible Heritage.

Booking a guided tour allows you to witness their mesmerizing drumming show lasts an hour and you will learn the story behind the drum. You may take your hand at pounding some beats yourself!

Mugamba: Heha Mount Hiking- Traditional houses- Cattle in traditional Burundi

This country is made of plateau mainly. Mount Heha, set in the Bujumbura Rural province of Burundi, is the loftiest mountain in Burundi and the steepest point in the Burundi Highlands mountain territory. It stretches to the east of Lake Tanganyika approximately 30 km.

The straw-roofed rugo or traditional Burundian thatched houses are enveloped by a fence built with bamboo hedges. This empowers the residents with shelter against the icy weather, specifically at night. These red and kaolin family residences are sprinkled across the region along with African Ankole Longhorn cattle breeds.

That is the exploitation of local materials in the building. The houses found in this region are quite different from the Burundian traditional dwellings. With modernity, these houses have changed their format. This kind of dwelling resembles much of the constructions met in Ethiopia around Lake Wenchi.

The most interesting part of this dwelling zone is along with the national road no.7, after the urban center of Ijenda. The tourist will find it difficult to choose between taking views either near the road or on the large vista covering all the hills that endlessly stretch out. This route also leads to the source of the Nile, Karera waterfalls, and Nyakazu rift. A guided tour in Burundi usually includes a trip to this amazing region.

Bujumbura Architectural tour – Lake Tanganyika and Fishing opportunities

The journey to Burundi will lead you to Tanganyika’s silky waters. The lake features warm, salt-free water that changes from clear stillness to overflowing waves excellent for surfing.  Lake Tanganyika is the longest freshwater lake in the world and after Lake Baikal, it ranks as the second deepest.

The waters host more than 350 different species of fish and are well known for aquarium fish exports and excellent angling. Sportfishing is prevalent at the lake and the fisherman returns home with catches such as the goliath tigerfish and Nile perch.

Muramvya: Kibira National Park – Tea plantations- Treaty of Kiganda

Kibira National Park sits northwest of Burundi, and the whole area is only 400 square kilometers. The forest is home to the white colobus monkeys, and it possesses over 250 species of birds covering the turtle dove. This is where you will see amazing tea plantations and a visit to the Teza tea factory makes your day worthwhile on all levels.

Kiganda Royal Grounds

Kiganda is where King Mwezi accepted the invitation to sign a treaty with the Germans in 1903 which marked the beginning of the colonial era. It is not only a historical place of colonization, but also a significant cultural site.

One of the sites is a beautiful park which is a historical sanctuary containing all details about the signing of the Treaty between Germans and King Mwezi Gisabo who was the traditional ruler during that colonial era. The other site is the royal inauguration grounds where the Kings Mutaga Mbikije, Mwezi Gisabo, and many other ancient political kings were inaugurated. Touring this site is an incredible chance for one to enjoy the Burundian ancient royal walk on elegant, well-kept royal grounds.

Burundi tea

As the second cash crop in Burundi, tea brings foreign currencies to the East African community. Burundi Tea Company is exceedingly important to the nation as it generates employment. They formed the first tea plantation in 1963 Burundi has five tea factories in five other territories.

Burundi Coffee Company – Gitega

Burundi’s volcanic soil produces an exceptional environment for growing coffee. Volcanic soil is plentiful in nutrients such as nitrogen. Burundian coffee passes through a special processing technique to make its sweet citrus taste.

As the end of 2024 nears, i’d like to look back to another amazing year. This is my traditional look back at the most beautiful trips of the past year. Which destinations did I visit in 2024? Which places surprised me? What were the great moments? I will take you back with some nice photos.

Travel is still the most intense mode of learning and there is still lots to learn so I hit the road to 7 countries!

JANUARY: Cadiz – Andalucia- Spain

We have spent the last days of 2023 and the first days of the new year 2024 in Andalucia with Cadiz as a base.According to archeological founds, Cadiz is not only the oldest city in Spain but in all of Europe. We have rented a car and explored further south aswell. We fell in love with the charming town of Barbate, on the Costa de la Luz, 40km north of Tarifa.

APRIL & MAY HAWAII – 4 island trip

After much preparation, we headed to this beautiful state in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and discovered the islands of Kauai, Big Island, Maui and Oahu.

Oahu

We started and ended our trip on Oahu, the main island of Hawaii. Here you will find the capital Honolulu and the popular Waikiki. We explore a large part of the island with our rental car.We did aswell the Jurrasic Park movie tour on Kuala Ranch. Oahu also offers fantastic snorkeling and hiking. There is great shopping on Oahu and there are also plenty of good restaurants.

Kauai

This island is the greenest island in Hawaii and is therefore also known as the Garden Isle. We thoroughly enjoy the many waterfalls, the green interior, the impressive Waimea Canyon, the beautiful beaches and the rugged Na Pali coast. Kauai is absolutely one of the most beautiful destinations I have ever been to and if I have to recommend one Hawaiian island, it is it’s definitely Kauai.

Big Island

From Kauai we fly to Kona on the Big Island, also known as Hawaii. This is the largest island and it is also known as the Orchid Isle. This island is extremely varied: from bounty beaches on the south coast to the impressive Volcanoes National Park and the tropical interior in the north. Here you will really find something for everyone. You can snorkel on the Big Island, including with sea turtles.

Maui

The third island we visit is Maui, one of the most beautiful islands in Hawaii. The island is also known as the Valley Isle, or the island of the valleys. In addition to valleys, you will find many other special places on Maui. The best-known example of this is the Road to Hana, a beautiful coastal road full of beautiful sights in the east of the island. You should also not miss the Pipiwai Trail, a beautiful walking route through the impressive and tropical interior of Maui.Another highlight of Maui is the Haleakala volcano, where you can enjoy one of the most beautiful sunrises you will ever see from the top.

JUNE – ANGOLA

I love travelling in Africa and one of my favourite destination is Angola. It is a country that took me completely by surprise. I did not expect the natural beauty we encountered or the serenity I experienced while touring this country. While Angola has a turbulent past, I was humbled by the beautiful culture of the people and the story that this country had to tell.

AUGUST – BUDAPEST

10 year’s ago Katia and i ‘ve met first in the city of Budapest. A good reason to go back to the capital of Hungary. Budapest is at its most alive and popular during the summer.In general, summer in Hungary is warm and welcoming. The summer months are the perfect time to go on a holiday if you like sunshine, cooling down with ice cream, and spending time in open-air baths and beaches!

OCTOBER – TURKMENISTAN

Turkmenistan, one of Central Asia’s most mysterious and under-visited destinations, offered me an unforgettable journey through its majestic deserts, ancient ruins, and modern wonders. I had the opportunity to explore unique natural phenomena such as the Karakum desert, Yangykala canyon and the Darvaza crater, known as the “Gates of Hell”, to immerse myselves in the history of the ancient cities of Nisa and Merv, and to enjoy the contrasts of the capital Ashgabat. With my guide and driver’s amazing stories and unforgettable views and potholes on the roads that took my breath away, this adventure of traveling in Turkmenistan will stay in my heart forever.

NOVEMBER- MOZAMBIQUE

Mozambique is a country located in south-eastern Africa and is known for its stunning coastline, rich history, and diverse wildlife. My trip to Mozambique took me to beautiful tropical beaches, I tasted delicious seafood, and experienced some nice diving.The country has so much to offer, from its rich history and culture to its stunning beaches and wildlife. I would highly recommend Mozambique as a travel destination for anyone looking to explore one of Africa’s less obvious destinations.

NOVEMBER – GERMANY

A road trip along the the Moselle Valley from Trier to Koblenz.

The rolling hill slopes along this part of Moselle River is very beautiful and particularly suitable for vineyards. Bernkastel-kues offer amazing views alongside the river. The whole area is stunning and relaxed.The Mosel Valley follows the Mosel River and is wine country.Each and every small town along the way from Trier to Koblenz is charming and offers picturesque surroundings. Good wine, great food and friendly people all over. The real gems are castles located high on the hills – the view over the vineyards is really breathtaking

DECEMBER – PERU

Back to Peru, my second home. Main reason to spent xmass with my family.But to discover new places aswell. Peru is the third largest country in South America. It consists of a variety of landscapes, including the world’s second highest mountain range, the Andes, deserts, beaches and of course the Amazon rainforest, covering half the country. Most people live along the coast of the Pacific Ocean where the capital, Lima, is located.