Accommodation
Staying in a Rest House will cost of about $100 per month. The Rest House has 2 heated bedrooms, with a shared bathroom (toilet and shower). It also has one general parlor with a seating area and a kitchen for food preparation. (There is a gas cooker provided by CAEPA CAMEROON, but volunteers will need to buy their own gas).
Meals
Most of our food is organic though inorganic is found in stores, If you cater for yourself, you can expect to spend between $75 to $100 a month which includes cooking for yourself as well as eating out a few times a week. Volunteers can also buy their food and cook together for those who need a cook or with somebody assigned by the organization. The drinking water in Bamenda is very good, and safe to drink. However, most volunteers prefer to filter or boil it before drinking. Bottled distilled water can be purchased at a cost of $1 for 1.5 liters.
Pick up at the Airport
CAEPA CAMEROON can pick you up from Douala airport and take you to the project area. Traveling by bus from Douala to the project area will take about 8 hours. As you will appreciate, CAEPA CAMEROON has very limited funds, so we have to request that you pay for the pick up before you arrive in Cameroon. The total fee is $133, which includes the costs of transport by bus, taxi hire from the airport, hotel for one night, and food and water needed during the journey to Bamenda.
Communication Facilities
In the project area there is access to the Internet, and phones are also available to enable you to communicate with your friends and family. We encourage volunteers to bring an unlock cellular phone from their country in which you can buy a sim card and use in Cameroon. There are many cyber cafes and international calling centers where you can skype or call home for under $.06 per minute.
Money
It is possible to withdraw money using an international visa card in Bamenda through the various available banks including EcoBank, BICEC, SGBC, Bank Atlantic, and Oceanic Bank. Please don’t bring traveler’s cheques, as these are difficult to change here. Euros, dollars and pounds can be easily exchanged. If you are staying for a long time, it may also be possible for you to open an account at one of the banks in Bamenda town.
Security
CAEPA Cameroon works with the divisional officers and mayors who are the representatives of the government; volunteers will be introduced to the divisional officer and the gendarmeries (police officers) in the project area so as to ensure their safety for the duration of their stay.
Medical Provision
Should volunteers need to see a doctor during their stay, there are good medical centers around project area. You may also wish to bring basic medical supplies (first aid kit etc.) with you.
Suggested things to bring: - Sturdy walking shoes – Sandals – Comfortable and loose clothing – Warm clothing for cool nights – Umbrella and raincoat – Mosquito repellent-Extra bed sheets and net