Buea (pronounced as boya or bwaya) is only half an hour from the coast, but it's a lot cooler because of its high location on the slopes of Mount Cameroon. It is a quiet place, about 50 km northwest of Douala. In 1901 it became the capital of the German protectorate, but that lasted only 8 years.

After the western part of the country became independent in 1960, Buea became the capital of Western Cameroon. In 1972 the federation was turned into a republic with Yaoundé as capital.

There is a Nigerian consulate where visas are easily obtained. The Mountain Hotel is the town's main attraction. Buea is the best place to stay if you want to climb Fako (Mount Cameroon).

There are several hotels in the town, but restaurants are scarce. Buea is connected to Douala by regular bush taxis.