Renting a car in Douala, Cameroon's commercial hub, is possible but demanding, and it pays to understand the paperwork, the road conditions, and the checkpoints before you drive. Douala has rental agencies, and a hire car works for the city and the paved route to the capital, but most of the country is a different kind of driving.
Paperwork and who can rent
Foreign drivers should carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental companies in Douala and Yaounde generally expect one. To rent, you typically need to be at least 25, with at least a year of driving experience, a licence in English or an IDP, a passport, and a credit card. Comparison sites such as DiscoverCars help you check availability and prices in advance, which is worth doing given the limited local fleet.
Roads and checkpoints
The main paved fast route is the toll motorway between Douala and the capital, Yaounde; beyond that, roads are generally in poor condition, often potholed or unpaved, and can become impassable during the rainy season, broadly from April to November. Routine gendarmerie checkpoints are common, and at each one you should be ready to present your International Driving Permit, national licence, passport, and a printed copy of your rental agreement, so keep these documents together and easily reachable.
Safety and booking tips
Given the road conditions and the frequency of stops, plan conservative routes and daytime travel, keep a printed rental agreement in the car, and confirm with the rental company where the vehicle is and is not allowed to go. Read the terms for the deposit, fuel policy, insurance, and excess, and consider a four-wheel-drive if you plan any travel off the main paved routes. Booking ahead and comparing options gives you the best choice for driving in and around Douala.