After the Douala Marathon: Bonanjo Culture Day

The Route: Douala hotel → Musée Maritime (Bonanjo) → Palais des Rois Bell → Douala hotel Logistics: Stay inside Douala and use a hotel car or taxi between stops. Marathon Month: November Duration: Day trip

Douala hotel ──(short car ride)──> Musée Maritime
                                       │
Douala hotel <──(short car ride)── Palais des Rois Bell

Douala is a working port, and the sensible thing after a marathon is a short day inside it. The Musée Maritime in Bonanjo publishes opening hours of Tuesday to Friday 09:00 to 17:30 and weekends 12:00 to 17:30. Monday is not listed, so do not plan a Monday visit. If the race was on a Sunday, take the museum on the Tuesday.

November in Douala: it is hot and very humid, with about 160 mm of rain in a typical November. Carry a light waterproof, and keep the walking to a minimum.

Getting There

Bonanjo is a district of Douala, so use a hotel car or taxi and agree the fare first. If you are staying in Bonanjo already, the museum may be a short walk.

The Museum

The Musée Maritime is on rue de l'Hôpital in Bonanjo. Adults pay 3,500 XAF. Check at the door whether the galleries have steps and how long you will be on your feet.

The Historic House

The Palais des Rois Bell, also called La Pagode, is the historic Bell residence in Bonanjo. Treat it as an exterior visit unless the staff tell you otherwise, and ask locally before you go in.

Art by Appointment

Espace doual'art, on Place du Gouvernement in Bonanjo, offers visits by appointment. Contact them beforehand to confirm that there is a visit and what it covers.

Lunch

Eat at a Bonanjo hotel restaurant. K Hotel has Kotcha on site, and you should check that it is open on the day you go.