Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Cameroon Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Cameroon Property Pack
This guide covers everything you need to know about running a profitable Airbnb in Cameroon, including current regulations, realistic income expectations, and the best neighborhoods to invest in.
We constantly update this blog post with the latest data on Cameroon housing prices and short-term rental performance, so you always have fresh numbers to work with.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Cameroon.
Insights
- A typical Airbnb in Cameroon earns around 840,000 XAF ($1,500) per month, but hosts who invest in backup generators and reliable Wi-Fi can push their revenue 30% to 40% higher.
- Occupancy rates in Douala and Yaoundé sit between 28% and 30%, which is lower than global averages but compensated by strong nightly rates from business travelers and diaspora visitors.
- Bonapriso in Douala and Bastos in Yaoundé are the most saturated Airbnb neighborhoods in Cameroon, meaning new hosts face significant competition from established listings there.
- Top-performing Cameroon Airbnb hosts achieve 40% to 55% occupancy by guaranteeing power backup, fast internet, and professional cleaning, which guests now treat as non-negotiable.
- The "white space" opportunity for new Airbnb hosts in Cameroon sits in the $55 to $80 per night range, where few listings deliver both reliability and fair pricing.
- Two-bedroom apartments consistently get the best balance of bookings and revenue in Cameroon because they attract business groups, families, and diaspora visitors alike.
- High season in Cameroon (December to January) can bring monthly revenues above 1.1 million XAF ($2,100), while low season (April to October) often drops to around 500,000 XAF ($900).
- Cameroon has no national "90-night cap" like many European cities, but local building rules and landlord agreements can still limit your short-term rental activity.
Can I legally run an Airbnb in Cameroon in 2026?
Is short-term renting allowed in Cameroon in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, short-term renting is generally allowed in Cameroon, though there is no single dedicated "Airbnb law" that spells out the rules in plain terms.
The main legal framework that governs short-term rentals in Cameroon is Law No. 2016/006, which regulates tourism and leisure activities and can apply to furnished accommodations marketed to travelers.
The single most important condition is that if your property operates like tourist accommodation, local authorities may require you to comply with tourism-sector oversight, including potential inspections and authorizations.
Penalties for operating without proper compliance are not always clearly defined at the national level, but regional authorities can issue fines, order you to stop hosting, or refuse to renew permits.
For a more general view, you can read our article detailing what exactly foreigners can own and buy in Cameroon.
If you are an American, you might want to read our blog article detailing the property rights of US citizens in Cameroon.
Are there minimum-stay rules and maximum nights-per-year caps for Airbnbs in Cameroon as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Cameroon has no nationally standardized minimum-stay requirement or maximum nights-per-year cap for Airbnb hosts like you might find in Paris or London.
These rules do not vary by property type or host residency status at the national level, meaning there is currently no restriction for any property type or anywhere in Cameroon.
However, local constraints can still appear through building rules, landlord agreements, or regional administrative expectations, so it is wise to check with your municipality or building management before listing.
Do I have to live there, or can I Airbnb a secondary home in Cameroon right now?
Cameroon does not have a strict primary-residence requirement for Airbnb hosts, so you do not legally need to live in the property you rent out.
Owners of secondary homes and investment properties can legally operate short-term rentals in Cameroon, as long as they meet any applicable tourism or business registration requirements.
There are no special additional permits specifically for non-primary residence rentals, but you should plan for a local contact or co-host who can handle check-ins, repairs, and any inspections.
The main practical difference between renting out a primary residence versus a secondary home in Cameroon is that secondary homes require more hands-on management from a distance, especially around security and neighborhood relationships.
Don't buy the wrong property, in the wrong area of Cameroon
Buying real estate is a significant investment. Don't rely solely on your intuition. Gather the right information to make the best decision.
Can I run multiple Airbnbs under one name in Cameroon right now?
Yes, you can legally operate multiple Airbnb listings under one name in Cameroon, though doing so at scale will start to look like a business operation to tax authorities.
There is no official maximum number of properties one person or entity can list for short-term rental in Cameroon.
If you run multiple units, you should expect to register as a formal business through Cameroon's one-stop CFCE process and keep proper tax records under the OHADA legal framework that applies across the region.
Do I need a short-term rental license or a business registration to host in Cameroon as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, Cameroon does not have a dedicated "short-term rental license" system, but hosts who operate professionally or at scale should expect to register as a business and potentially obtain tourism-sector authorization.
The typical process involves visiting a CFCE one-stop shop to register your business, obtain a taxpayer number, and complete any CNPS social security formalities, which can take a few days to a few weeks depending on the city.
You will generally need an ID, proof of address, and basic documentation about your activity, though requirements can vary slightly by region.
Registration costs are modest, typically under 100,000 XAF ($180) for basic business formalities, but tourism authorization fees may add to this depending on how authorities classify your operation.
Are there neighborhood bans or restricted zones for Airbnb in Cameroon as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, there are no widely published neighborhood bans or Airbnb exclusion zones at the national level in Cameroon.
However, restrictions can appear through building or HOA rules in higher-end apartment complexes, landlord subletting clauses, or local administrative pressure in areas with security concerns or frequent nuisance complaints.
The main reason certain buildings or areas may restrict short-term rentals is neighbor complaints about noise, security, or the constant flow of unfamiliar guests in residential areas.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Cameroon compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
How much can an Airbnb earn in Cameroon in 2026?
What's the average and median nightly price on Airbnb in Cameroon in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average nightly price for an Airbnb in Cameroon is around 29,700 XAF ($53 USD or about 50 EUR), while the median sits closer to 25,200 XAF ($45 USD or about 42 EUR).
The typical nightly price range that covers roughly 80% of Cameroon Airbnb listings falls between 14,000 XAF and 50,000 XAF ($25 to $90 USD or about 23 to 85 EUR).
The single biggest factor driving nightly pricing in Cameroon is the neighborhood's security reputation combined with the reliability of utilities like power and internet.
By the way, you will find much more detailed profitability rent ranges in our property pack covering the real estate market in Cameroon.
How much do nightly prices vary by neighborhood in Cameroon in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the gap between Cameroon's most expensive Airbnb neighborhoods and its most affordable ones can reach 50,000 XAF per night ($90 USD or about 85 EUR), with premium areas like Bonapriso in Douala and Bastos in Yaoundé at the top, and neighborhoods like Deido or Odza at the lower end.
The three neighborhoods in Cameroon with the highest average nightly Airbnb prices are Bonapriso and Bonanjo in Douala, and Bastos in Yaoundé, where listings often command 45,000 to 100,000 XAF per night ($80 to $180 USD or about 75 to 170 EUR).
The three neighborhoods with the lowest average nightly prices are Deido in Douala, plus Odza and Mfandena in Yaoundé, where rates range from 14,000 to 22,000 XAF ($25 to $40 USD or about 23 to 37 EUR), though guests still book there for longer stays or budget-conscious trips.
What's the typical occupancy rate in Cameroon in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the typical occupancy rate for Airbnb listings in Cameroon's main cities is around 28% to 30%.
The realistic occupancy range that covers most Cameroon listings falls between 20% and 40%, depending on location, reliability, and how well the property is managed.
Cameroon's occupancy rates are lower than West African neighbors like Ghana or Nigeria's major cities, reflecting a smaller but still meaningful tourism and business travel market.
The single biggest factor for achieving above-average occupancy in Cameroon is guaranteeing reliable power through a backup generator and fast, stable Wi-Fi.
Don't sign a document you don't understand in Cameroon
Buying a property over there? We have reviewed all the documents you need to know. Stay out of trouble - grab our comprehensive guide.
What's the average monthly revenue per listing in Cameroon in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the average monthly revenue per Airbnb listing in Cameroon is around 840,000 XAF ($1,500 USD or about 1,400 EUR).
The realistic monthly revenue range that covers roughly 80% of Cameroon Airbnb listings falls between 450,000 XAF and 1,200,000 XAF ($800 to $2,100 USD or about 750 to 2,000 EUR).
Top-performing Airbnb listings in Cameroon can achieve monthly revenues of 1,400,000 XAF to 2,500,000 XAF ($2,500 to $4,500 USD or about 2,350 to 4,200 EUR), especially well-managed villas or multi-bedroom apartments in secure neighborhoods. That means a top-tier listing might earn in one month what an average listing earns in nearly two.
Finally, note that we give here all the information you need to buy and rent out a property in Cameroon.
What's the typical low-season vs high-season monthly revenue in Cameroon in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, a typical Cameroon Airbnb listing earns around 500,000 XAF ($900 USD or about 850 EUR) per month during low season, compared to about 1,175,000 XAF ($2,100 USD or about 2,000 EUR) during high season.
Low season in Cameroon generally runs from April to October (the rainier months with less travel activity), while high season peaks in December to January (diaspora visits and holiday travel) with a secondary spike during dry-season business travel from November to March.
What's a realistic Airbnb monthly expense range in Cameroon in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, a realistic monthly expense range for operating an Airbnb in Cameroon is between 200,000 XAF and 900,000 XAF ($350 to $1,600 USD or about 330 to 1,500 EUR), depending on property size and the level of service you provide.
The single largest expense category for most Cameroon Airbnb hosts is backup power (generator fuel and maintenance), which can cost 80,000 to 200,000 XAF ($140 to $350 USD or about 130 to 330 EUR) per month depending on usage.
Hosts in Cameroon should typically expect to spend between 40% and 55% of gross revenue on operating expenses, which is higher than in markets with stable infrastructure because reliability costs eat into margins.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Cameroon.
What's realistic monthly net profit and profit per available night for Airbnb in Cameroon in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, a typical Cameroon Airbnb listing generates around 475,000 XAF ($850 USD or about 800 EUR) in monthly net profit, which works out to roughly 15,700 XAF ($28 USD or about 26 EUR) per available night.
The realistic monthly net profit range for most Cameroon Airbnb listings falls between 150,000 XAF and 800,000 XAF ($270 to $1,400 USD or about 250 to 1,320 EUR), depending on location, property type, and management quality.
Hosts in Cameroon typically achieve a net profit margin of around 45% to 60% of gross revenue, with the higher end going to those who control utility costs and maintain strong occupancy through reliability.
The break-even occupancy rate for a typical Cameroon Airbnb listing is around 15% to 18%, meaning you need roughly 5 to 6 booked nights per month just to cover your fixed costs.
In our property pack covering the real estate market in Cameroon, we explain the best strategies to improve your cashflows.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Cameroon versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
How competitive is Airbnb in Cameroon as of 2026?
How many active Airbnb listings are in Cameroon as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, there are approximately 1,850 to 2,200 active Airbnb listings in Cameroon, with the largest concentrations in Douala (around 1,000 listings) and Yaoundé (around 850 listings), plus smaller numbers in coastal destinations like Kribi and Limbe.
This number has grown steadily over the past few years, with supply roughly doubling since 2020, reflecting both post-pandemic recovery and growing interest in short-term rentals as an investment strategy in Cameroon.
Which neighborhoods are most saturated in Cameroon as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the most saturated neighborhoods for Airbnb in Cameroon are Bonapriso, Bonanjo, and Akwa in Douala, plus Bastos, Quartier du Golf, and Mfandena in Yaoundé.
These neighborhoods became saturated because they combine security (gated compounds, embassies, expat communities), convenience (restaurants, supermarkets, clinics), and reliable utilities, which is exactly what business travelers and diaspora visitors prioritize when booking.
Relatively undersaturated neighborhoods that may offer better opportunities for new Cameroon Airbnb hosts include Deido and Bepanda in Douala, plus Odza and Ngousso in Yaoundé, where competition is lower but demand still exists for budget-friendly, well-managed listings.
What local events spike demand in Cameroon in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, the main events that spike Airbnb demand in Cameroon include major national football matches (especially Indomitable Lions games), business conferences and trade fairs in Douala and Yaoundé, and the December to January diaspora return season when Cameroonians living abroad visit family.
During these peak events, Cameroon Airbnb bookings can increase by 50% to 100%, and nightly rates often rise by 30% to 60% as available inventory shrinks quickly.
Hosts should adjust their pricing and availability at least 4 to 6 weeks before major events, since business travelers and diaspora visitors often book early, especially for football matches and year-end holidays.
What occupancy differences exist between top and average hosts in Cameroon in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, top-performing Airbnb hosts in Cameroon achieve occupancy rates of 40% to 55%, which is significantly higher than the market average.
In comparison, an average Cameroon Airbnb host typically sees occupancy rates around 28% to 30%, meaning top performers nearly double their booking frequency through better operations and reliability.
It typically takes a new host in Cameroon about 6 to 12 months to reach top-performer occupancy levels, assuming they start with a reliable property and actively collect positive reviews from their first guests.
We give more details about the different Airbnb strategies to adopt in our property pack covering the real estate market in Cameroon.
Which price points are most crowded, and where's the "white space" for new hosts in Cameroon right now?
The nightly price range with the highest concentration of Cameroon Airbnb listings is 17,000 to 34,000 XAF ($30 to $60 USD or about 28 to 56 EUR), which is the "good enough apartment" zone where most casual hosts compete.
The "white space" for new hosts in Cameroon sits in the 31,000 to 45,000 XAF ($55 to $80 USD or about 52 to 75 EUR) range, where guests are willing to pay a premium for reliability but few listings actually deliver consistent power, fast Wi-Fi, and professional cleaning.
To successfully compete in this underserved segment, a new host should offer a well-located 2-bedroom apartment with backup generator, fiber internet, modern furnishings, self check-in, and responsive management, which immediately sets you apart from the crowded budget tier.
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Cameroon
Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information with our guide.
What property works best for Airbnb demand in Cameroon right now?
What bedroom count gets the most bookings in Cameroon as of 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, 1 to 2 bedroom properties get the most Airbnb bookings in Cameroon, with 2-bedroom apartments hitting the sweet spot between broad demand and manageable turnover.
The estimated booking rate breakdown by bedroom count in Cameroon is roughly: studios at 15%, 1-bedrooms at 30%, 2-bedrooms at 35%, and 3-bedrooms or larger at 20% of total bookings.
Two-bedroom apartments perform best in Cameroon because they attract both solo business travelers (who appreciate the extra space) and small groups like families or consulting teams, giving hosts access to the widest range of guest types.
What property type performs best in Cameroon in 2026?
As of the first half of 2026, apartments (particularly 1 to 3 bedroom units) are the best-performing property type for Airbnb in Cameroon because they are easiest to secure, standardize, and maintain reliably.
Occupancy rates across Cameroon property types break down roughly as follows: apartments at 28% to 32%, detached houses at 22% to 28%, and villas or duplexes at 25% to 35% (with wide variation depending on location and management quality).
Apartments outperform other property types in Cameroon because guests prioritize security and reliability over space, and apartments in managed buildings often have backup generators, guards, and easier access to city centers.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Cameroon, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can, and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why it's authoritative | How we used it |
|---|---|---|
| AirDNA Douala | AirDNA is one of the most widely cited short-term rental data providers with transparent KPI definitions. | We used it for Douala's core STR metrics including ADR, occupancy, and revenue as our primary demand anchor. We cross-checked its numbers against Airbnb neighborhood pages. |
| AirDNA Yaoundé | Same reliable STR data provider, covering Cameroon's political capital with a different demand mix. | We used it to avoid Douala-only bias and build a Cameroon-wide estimate. We also compared business-travel versus admin and NGO demand patterns. |
| IMF Staff Report (Cameroon) | The IMF is the most widely used baseline macro data source for investors and policymakers globally. | We used it to anchor the 2026 economic backdrop that affects travel demand and local costs. We also sanity-checked that our revenue assumptions align with macro reality. |
| INS Cameroon Inflation Note | This is the official national statistics agency for Cameroon. | We used it to understand the cost environment including utilities, food, and transport pressures. We also explained why generator and transport costs matter more in Cameroon than in many markets. |
| INS Cameroon Price Report | Same official producer as the inflation note, but in a detailed report format with more granular data. | We used it to cross-check inflation figures and cost drivers. We also used it to support expense ranges, especially energy and transport-related line items. |
| World Bank Tourism Arrivals | This is a standard World Bank series sourced from UN Tourism and official compilations. | We used it as an external benchmark that Cameroon has a measurable inbound tourism base. We kept our demand discussion grounded beyond Airbnb-only data. |
| UN Tourism Dashboard | This is the UN specialized agency and the primary global reference for tourism indicators. | We used it to triangulate seasonality and overall tourism recovery context for Africa. We justified why high season versus low season exists even when city occupancy looks modest. |
| Cameroon Tourism Law (2016/006) | This is the core primary-source legal text governing tourism and leisure activities in Cameroon. | We used it to assess whether short-term accommodation falls under tourism oversight. We framed licensing and authorization risk and why local compliance matters. |
| Cameroon Decree 2021/746 | This is an official Presidency publication of an enforceable decree on regional powers. | We used it to explain why the real-world process can vary by region or city. We supported neighborhood and zone guidance since enforcement often happens locally. |
| MINFI Business Creation Portal | This is the Ministry of Finance describing the official business-creation process in Cameroon. | We used it to explain how hosts register a business when needed. We outlined the practical compliance pathway for a non-professional owner. |
| eRegulations Yaoundé | eRegulations is a standardized platform used by governments to publish step-by-step procedures. | We used it to cross-check the operational reality of business registration. We kept the "what to do" checklist concrete and Cameroon-specific. |
| OHADA Business Law | OHADA rules are the shared business-law framework used in Cameroon and much of Central and West Africa. | We used it to explain what operating under one name typically means legally. We supported the recommendation to formalize if you scale to multiple properties. |
| Airbnb Bonapriso Page | This is the platform marketplace itself, showing real, live supply and price floors in Douala. | We used it to validate that Bonapriso is a major STR cluster and to sanity-check nightly price ranges. We used it as a practical "where demand concentrates" signal for Douala. |
| Airbnb Bastos Page | Same platform validation, covering Yaoundé's most expat and embassy-heavy zone. | We used it to validate neighborhood saturation and amenity expectations. We grounded our neighborhood examples in real, searchable places. |
| Cameroon Public Treasury MINTOUL | This is an official payment portal showing what the state charges for tourism-related processes. | We used it to support that tourism authorizations and licenses exist in practice. We explained why paperwork and fees can show up even for small operators. |
| KPMG TaxNewsFlash Cameroon | KPMG is a top-tier tax firm and this note tracks a specific enacted change for 2026. | We used it only to frame platform and tax modernization context in 2026. We did not treat it as a substitute for your own tax advice but as a credible signal of direction. |
| PwC Cameroon Tax Summaries | PwC is a major accounting firm and this is a structured country tax summary. | We used it to explain how rental income is typically treated and what kinds of deduction approaches exist. We flagged that taxes can meaningfully change net profit. |
| Wise USD/XAF Exchange Rate | Wise publishes transparent exchange-rate history widely used by consumers and businesses. | We used it to convert our USD-based STR KPIs into XAF so numbers feel real locally. We kept conversions consistent across the whole article. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Cameroon. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.