Plan Before You Go Out
At night, the environment changes: reduced visibility, quieter streets, and fewer transport options. To limit risks, preparation is your best asset. Before leaving a place, make sure your phone is charged and you have a way to contact someone if needed. If possible, share your route and estimated arrival time with a trusted person. Avoid travelling alone when you can, especially in areas you don't know well.
Choose a Taxi Wisely
In Cameroon, taxis remain one of the most accessible options at night. But not all taxis are equal. Favour a vehicle in apparent good condition, with an identifiable driver and a visible badge if local regulations require it. If you book a taxi through an app or a reservation service, wait inside a safe place rather than on the street. Check that the licence plate matches the one announced before getting in.
Warning Signs
Some details should make you walk away: a driver who insists you get in quickly, a vehicle without a readable plate, a suspicious smell, or another person on board who wasn't mentioned. Trust your instinct. It's better to wait for another taxi than to take an unnecessary risk.
Adopt the Right Habits On Board
Once seated, stay alert. Share your ride live with a trusted person via a location app if you can. Avoid showing valuables and keep your phone discreet. If you feel comfortable, engage in neutral conversation with the driver: this maintains a human connection without entering sensitive topics. Don't ask the driver to take unknown or poorly lit shortcuts, even if it seems faster.
What to Do If You Feel Unsafe
If you sense danger, ask the driver to stop in a busy public place (gas station, police station, hospital). If the situation demands it, share your real-time location with a trusted person and prepare to get out. Don't provoke unnecessary conflict: your safety comes before payment or discussion.
On Arrival
Ask the driver to drop you as close as possible to a well-lit, secure entrance. Avoid staying on the street to look for your keys or check your phone. If you don't know the area, ask to be accompanied from the vehicle to the door if possible. Once inside, notify the person you shared your route with.
In Summary
- Plan ahead: charge your phone, share your route, avoid isolation.
- Choose an identifiable, well-maintained taxi, and book from a safe place.
- On board, stay discreet, share your location, and watch for warning signs.
- On arrival, prefer a well-lit entrance and signal that you've arrived.
These simple actions don't eliminate all risks, but they significantly reduce your vulnerability during nighttime travel in Cameroon.
