Ngaoundéré is the northern terminus of the railway from Yaoundé, some 800 kilometres southwest, and a natural stop on the way to Bénoué National Park or Maroua in the far north of Cameroon. The arrival of the overnight Camrail train at Ngaoundéré Central Station is the main event in town most mornings.
The town has few sights, but the Palais du Lamido is the main attraction — especially interesting on Fridays when locals come to pay their respects to the Lamido (traditional ruler) after midday prayers at the Grand Mosque opposite. The compact centre, which also contains a large market, is easily explored on foot. Along the main street you will find cheap places to eat and stay, such as L'Épi d'Or, between the Grand Mosque and the Cameroon Airlines office.
Set at an elevation of 1,100 metres, Ngaoundéré has a pleasant climate compared to the lowlands. The flat-topped Mont Ngaoundéré above the town gives the city its name. Meiganga, about 30 kilometres away and 200 metres higher, is something of a hill resort. The Ranch de Ngaoundaba, set around a crater lake outside town, is a popular place to stay.