Frequently Asked Questions

Our celebration blends traditions, cultures, and love — here’s everything you might want to know before joining us.

Once you've finished reading all the Q&A, please fill out the form to help us prepare for your arrival.

  • To travel to Cameroon, here are the general steps to follow:

    • Valid Passport

      Make sure you have a valid passport, usually valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival date in Cameroon.

    • Visa

      Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter Cameroon. You must:

      Some countries have visa exemption agreements or simplified procedures, depending on the case.

      Please, note that proof of payment does not serve as a visa.

    • Flight Ticket

      Book a flight to one of Cameroon’s main international airports:

      • Douala (DLA)

      • Yaoundé-Nsimalen (NSI)

      There are direct or connecting flights from Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and some other regions.

      We recommend booking your arrival at least three days before the wedding. Since the celebrations begin on June 25th, you should plan to arrive in Cameroon by June 22nd.

    • Required Vaccinations

      • A yellow fever vaccination is mandatory (you may be asked to show your vaccination card upon entry).

      • Other recommended vaccines include: hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus, etc.

      • It’s also advised to take antimalarial medication.

    • Upon Arrival

      At the border:

      • Present your flight ticket, visa (if applicable), passport, and vaccination certificate.

      • You may also need to provide your accommodation details or an invitation letter.

  • To reach Ngaoundéré, you must first travel to either Douala or Yaoundé.

    For all your trips, please keep important documents such as your passport, visa, and vaccination certificate with you.

    You have two options from there:

    ✈️ By Plane – Available on specific days
    Camair-Co operates flights from Douala or Yaoundé to Ngaoundéré (flight time: approx. 1–1.5 hours). You can book directly on camair-co.cm.

    🚆 By Train – Available daily

    • From Douala, take the morning train to Yaoundé (6:00 AM → around 11:45 AM). Ticket: 10,000 FCFA per seat.

    • From Yaoundé, take the overnight train to Ngaoundéré (7:10 PM → arrives the next morning).

      Ticket:

      • 4-berth sleeping car: 25,000 FCFA per bed

      • 2-berth sleeping car: 28,000 FCFA per bed

    To help us organize possible group train reservations, please fill out the form with your preferred departure city and travel date.

    Overnight train travel tips: Bring snacks, a toothbrush, toothpaste, tissues, soap, and small water bottles for the journey.

  • You have two options:

    • Roaming from your current mobile operator
      Some international plans include coverage in Cameroon. Please check with your provider to see if roaming is available and what the rates are.

    • Buying a local SIM card
      You can purchase a Cameroonian SIM card (Orange or MTN) for around 1,000 FCFA.
      Internet prices will depend on the number of gigabytes you want per day.

      We can help purchase SIM cards for you before your arrival.
      Please fill out the form with your details if you would like this option.

      With a local SIM card, you can also use mobile money services:

      • Orange users can download Max It, the official app of Orange Cameroon, to manage everything from mobile data and calls to Orange Money.

      • MTN users can use the MyMTN App, which allows you to manage your balance, data bundles, and access MTN Mobile Money.

  • You have several options:

    • ATM Withdrawal
      Use your international bank card to withdraw cash at local ATMs.
      Note: Check with your bank about international withdrawal fees.

    • Mobile Money Transfer
      Transfer funds to your Cameroonian SIM card via Western Union or Revolut, and access the money through Orange Money or MTN Mobile Money.
      You can either keep the money in your mobile account for digital payments, or withdraw cash from a local kiosk or call box (fees apply). Look for kiosks with Orange Money or MTN Mobile Money signs — they are widely available.

    • Currency Exchange in Advance
      You can let us know ahead of time how much you'd like to exchange.
      A trusted contact in Cameroon can handle the conversion for you.
      You’ll send euros or dollars from your country, and your FCFA will be ready and waiting when you arrive.

    Try to carry some cash at all times — it can be helpful in case of issues.

  • We recommend using the Yango app (local uber), available on the App Store and Google Play and register with your cameroonian or abroad phone number.
    Payments can be made in cash, Orange Money, or MTN Mobile Money — but we advise keeping some cash with you at all times.

    Please note:

    • It’s common for drivers to call you after you place an order, even if your location is shared in the app — this is simply how things are done locally.

    • When paying via Orange Money or MTN Mobile Money, drivers may ask you to include the withdrawal fee in your payment. This is because cashing out mobile money includes a small fee. You can check the exact withdrawal fee directly in the Orange Money or MTN Mobile Money app before sending your payment.

  • Book your hotel or furnished apartment on Booking.com, and always check the reviews first.
    For furnished apartments, choose options with payment on arrival to avoid scams, and don’t hesitate to contact the host beforehand.

    Feel free to reach out to the brides before making your reservation.

    Recommended areas:
    Douala – Bonamoussadi, Makepe, Bonapriso, Bonanjo, Bali
    Yaoundé – Bastos, Dragage, Nlongkak, Omnisports

    Note: Most hosts prefer cash, so make sure to bring enough with you.

  • Payable cars with drivers will be available to take you to the ceremony venues.

  • Yes! Hôtel Marhaba is a trusted option with different room categories.
    You can contact the reception directly at +237 692 115 165 or the manager at +237 695 367 285 on whatsApp for reservations.

    When booking, mention that you are reserving for "Le mariage de Ilyas & Safyrha". Depending on the number of bookings, group discounts may apply.

    Room rates per night vary depending on the type:

    • Standard room: 25,000 FCFA

    • High-standard room: 35,000 FCFA

    • Luxury room: 45,000 FCFA

    • VIP room: 65,000 FCFA

    • Suite: 80,000 FCFA

    Payments can be made via Orange Money or bank transfer.

    Additionally, a limited number of spots will be available at the bride’s family home for women who would like to stay in a more traditional setting. This is simply due to cultural norms regarding gender and space. If you're interested in this option, please fill out the form below.

  • Cameroonian cuisine is truly a journey for the taste buds! From Ndolé to Poulet DG, to kwikwi and cassava fries, each dish is an explosion of flavors. But be careful, Cameroonian food is very spicy. If you're not used to bold flavors, get ready for a real taste challenge.

    Practical tip: If you have a sensitive stomach, consider bringing SMECTA or another remedy to soothe digestive discomfort. And if you'd like to avoid any discomfort, you can always ask for your dishes to be a little less spicy when ordering at local restaurants. You will still be amazed by the intensity of the flavors!

    We recommend not drinking tap water, even if it is considered safe. Instead, opt for bottled mineral water.

  • Ngaoundéré follows a conservative Islamic culture, and this applies not only to the ceremonies but also in daily life throughout the city.

    Women should dress modestly :

    • Hair covered (with a scarf or veil)

    • No visible chest, arms, or legs

    • Traditional outfits like boubous are common, often paired with an additional veil

    Men are also expected to dress modestly, with boubous or long traditional clothing being the norm.

    You can check the dresscode page for inspiration!

    We kindly ask all guests to respect these cultural norms during their stay.

  • The colors are brown, gold, and green — but feel free to wear whatever makes you feel good, beautiful, and elegant!

  • Ngaoundere is a small town where everyone knows everyone. So don’t worry — even if you don’t have the exact venues addresses ahead of time, once you mention the name or family to your driver, they’ll know exactly where to take you. Full details will still be shared with you upon arrival.

  • Yes, of course! During the ceremony, there will be moments of biki (aslo called farotage) — that’s when griots sing, dance, and guests spray money on them or on the newlyweds.