Between 1884 and 1916, Cameroon (then known as Kamerun) was a German colony. During this period, Germany left a significant architectural, infrastructural, and cultural legacy that is still visible today. From historic railways and colonial-era buildings to agricultural plantations and military forts, travelers interested in history, colonial architecture, and African-European relations can explore these remnants of German influence in Cameroon with us

1. Railways & Roads Built by the Germans

The Germans laid the foundation for Cameroon’s modern rail and road networks, many of which are still in use today.
✔ Douala-Yaoundé Railway (1906-1911) – One of Cameroon’s first railway lines, still operational as part of Camrail.
✔ Ngaoundéré Railway Line – Extended into the north for trade and military purposes.
✔ Colonial Roads – Some old German roads remain the foundation of modern highways, particularly in Douala, Buea, and Bamenda.

 2. German Colonial Architecture & Buildings

Many government buildings, churches, and forts built during the German era remain standing and in use.
✔ The Prime Minister’s Lodge (Bismarck Fountain) – Buea – Once the residence of the German colonial governor, now a historical site.
✔ Douala Maritime Port & Old Customs House – A key trading post built by the Germans in Cameroon’s largest port city.
✔ Bismarck Tower – Limbé – A watchtower named after German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck.
✔ Government Offices in Yaoundé & Douala – Several buildings constructed with German engineering remain in use by Cameroon’s government.
✔ Catholic & Protestant Churches – Some of the earliest mission churches were built under German influence and are still active today.

3. German Forts & Military Structures

Germany built fortifications and military outposts across Cameroon to consolidate their rule.
✔ Fort Nachtigal (Edea) – A German fortress named after Gustav Nachtigal, the German commissioner who signed treaties with local chiefs.
✔ Dschang Military Camp – A former German garrison that still houses military relics.
✔ Garoua & Maroua Fortifications – Built to expand German control in northern Cameroon.

4. German Plantations & Agricultural Development

The Germans introduced cash crop plantations, which still form the backbone of Cameroon’s agricultural economy.
✔ Banana, Cocoa, & Rubber Plantations – Established in Tiko, Limbé, and Edea. Many of these plantations are still active today.
✔ Mount Cameroon Tea Estates – Originally developed under German rule, now producing some of Cameroon’s finest teas.
✔ Palm Oil Production – German agricultural companies set up large-scale palm oil processing, which continues today.

5. German Cultural & Linguistic Influence

Although French and English later replaced German as official languages, some German words and traditions still exist in local culture.
✔ Some older Cameroonians in Buea & Bamenda still speak or understand German words passed down through generations.
✔ German beer brewing techniques influenced local breweries such as Brasseries du Cameroun.
Street Names & German Cemeteries – Some streets in Douala and Buea still bear German names, and cemeteries hold the graves of German settlers and soldiers.

6. Exploring the German Heritage in Cameroon Today

For global travelers, visiting these historic German landmarks in Cameroon offers a deeper understanding of how colonial history shaped modern infrastructure, trade, and architecture.
📍 Douala & Yaoundé – Colonial-era government buildings, rail stations, and port structures.
📍 Buea & Limbé – Former German administrative headquarters, Bismarck Tower, and old plantations.
📍 Edea & Ngaoundéré – Railways, old bridges, and former German trading posts.
📍 Dschang & Bamenda – Military outposts and schools with German influence.

A Legacy That Still Stands

Despite the end of German rule in 1916, the infrastructural and cultural foundations laid by Germany still shape modern Cameroon. Travelers can explore these remnants through history tours, museum visits, and city explorations.

Plan your historical journey to Cameroon at www.theafrikawewant.com