Yaounde - Post Report Question and Answers
What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Four by four. - Feb 2023
The roads are not maintained - so you need a car that can go over broken roads with big holes. We have heard Toyata is easy to get fixed. We have an SUV. Don't bring a new car. Your car will get scratched just by the way folks drive here. - Jan 2020
Bring a high-clearance 4wd. The roads, in our opinion, were not good, so be prepared to navigate tire-swallowing potholes. Don't bring a valuable car as it is likely to get scratched or dented as you navigate the roads. Toyota is a good brand as there are mechanics here who can repair Toyotas. Our local mechanic even had the fancy electronic sensor machine which connects to the car and tells you where the problem is in the car. Carjacking is not an issue. Bring the parts you need from the U.S. as parts will likely be expensive (but more importantly you won't be able to guarantee the quality of the parts). Drivers here are the worst I have seen, and we have been to several other African and Asian countries. Be wary of everybody on or near the road. The cars we have seen have been in very poor condition and did not seem to be driven well. - Jun 2018
Locally available makes include Toyota, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Kia, Ford, Citroen, Peugeot, and Mercedes, so parts for these are more readily available, at least in the models sold locally. If you plan to travel outside Yaounde, you'd benefit from having a 4x4 with decent clearance, and it's useful locally in rainy season, too. Some get by with a sedan, though. - Apr 2017
Definitely an older model SUV. The roads are chocked full of pot holes, washed out, and never repaired. Local taxi drivers are the worst and you have to be diligent and defensive while driving. A turn signal means nothing; they will pass you on the right or left. They always make 3-4 lanes out of 1. You are taking your life in your own hands driving here. - Apr 2014
We had a 4x4 and it was great. Toyota is king in Africa, so if you need repairs and spare parts, go with toyota. Qualified technicians are hard to find. - Jan 2014
We pay a driver with auto. - May 2012
Four-wheel drive is handy for potholes, but not necessary. Streets are fairly narrow. Traffic is manic so leave your 1952 Lincoln at home. - Sep 2011
Big, rugged SUV with good road clearance a shocks. The roads here are terrible and they only get worse during the rainy seasons. - Mar 2010
SUV, preferably a Toyota or Mercedes if you want to have an easy time finding parts. Roads are bad outside the city and also dangerous. Car accidents are frequent and fatal and the road between Douala and Yaounde is rumored to be the second most dangerous road in the world. Bring an SUV just for safety alone. - Jan 2010
I brought a humble front-wheel drive minivan to haul my wife and kids around town. We do fine but if I could do it again, I would've brought a similarly sized vehicle with more ground clearance and possibly 4WD as well. Many of the roads (even in the city) are not paved and are poorly maintained. If you plan to travel outside of town, you definitely need 4WD. I also wouldn't bring a brand new vehicle here as it is likely to be hit and scratched. - Nov 2008
Recommend a 4x4 - as it is easy to get into places even in town where you want it. More important than traction though is clearance. - Sep 2008
Probably a 4 wheel drive. Expect to be in several fender benders. - Jun 2008
The general taxi is a Toyota Corolla. If you are going to drive outside the city and be adventurous, a four-wheel drive vehicle with good ground clearance is recommended. Jeep, Toyota, Nissan, etc are easier to get parts rather than Ford, Chevy, Buick. - Jun 2008
