7 Best Souvenirs to Buy in Cameroon
Buying a souvenir from a country is a way to preserve memories of a destination, and Cameroon offers plenty of distinctive souvenir options to choose from. Travellers can shop for local handicrafts, food products, and decorative pieces while supporting local craftspeople economically and helping them preserve their traditional skills and cultural heritage.
Let’s explore the top must-buy souvenirs while you’re in Cameroon.
1. Ndop Fabric and Accessories
Ndop is a sacred fabric with indigo and white geometric patterns from Cameroon’s western Grassfields. The items made from Ndop reflect nobility, royalty and cultural identity. Ndop is not just limited to clothing, as it is also used to make stylish fashion accessories, and aesthetic items.
Travellers can buy:
- Ndop scarf
- Handbag
- Wallet
- Cushion Cover
- Decorative fabric panels
Where to buy: Bafoussam, Douala, and Yaoundé, and Dschang
2. Hand-Carved Wooden Art
People who are fond of wooden carvings can definitely try their hand at exploring Cameroon’s wooden art, which can be found in the form of masks, bowls, statues, and stools, often depicting symbolic patterns and ancestral figures. These items add an artistic touch to any home where they are displayed.
Most popular items include:
- Namji fertility dolls
- Bamileke masks and shields
- Three-headed unity statue
- Animal sculptures
Where to buy: Marché des Fleurs in Douala, Marché Artisanal de Tsinga in Yaoundé, Presbyterian Handicraft Center Bamenda & Buea.
3. Bronze Metalwork
Foumban in Cameroon is known for its traditional metalwork, which makes it one of the best souvenirs to buy in the country. Travellers can pick an item that best suits their taste, such as figurines, ornaments, small sculptures, and decorative pieces with symbolic patterns. Some of the common designs include royal figures, horse riders, human faces and sacred animals.
Useful tip: Buy the items from recognised shopping stores to ensure authenticity. Before buying, ask the shopkeeper about the material used.
Where to buy: Foumban Artisan and Craft Market, Marché Artisanal de Tsinga, Centre International de l'Artisanat (Yaoundé).
4. Beaded Jewellery and Accessories
Vibrant beadwork is quite popular in Cameroon and a great option to buy for your loved ones. These are compact, lightweight and easy to carry for travelling. These souvenirs are made using traditional techniques passed down for generations and are ideal for almost all age groups.
Top Picks:
- Grassfields traditional necklaces
- Bead bracelets and keyrings
- Cowrie-shell jewellery
- Beaded calabash and gourds
- Waist beads
- Beaded bags and purses
Where to buy: Marché des Fleurs in Douala, Foumban Craft Market in west region, Love Beads & Wallpaper Market in Buea.
5. Toghu
Toghu is also known as Atoghu and is an iconic, traditional and hand-embroidered attire from Cameroon’s North West Region. These fabrics were once worn by dignitaries and royalty, but now are commonly worn during traditional festivals, weddings, and national celebrations. The fabric is known for its bright colours and intricate and striking patterns.
Travellers can buy:
- Toghu hat and caps
- Scarves and stoles
- Tunics and gowns
- Home decor and accessories
- Shirts and jackets
Best buying location: The Northwest Region Markets in Bamenda, Carré des Artistes in Yaoundé and Marché Central in Douala.
6. Penja Pepper
Penja pepper is a world-famous spice, making it a great souvenir option for people who love cooking. It’s a regional product that is grown around Penja and is well-known for its intense pungency, rich flavour and distinctive aroma. These are small and can be carried easily without any inconvenience.
Useful tip: Make sure the product is properly sealed, and clearly shows labels of the expiry date, place of origin, producer and other essential details.
Where to buy: The Penja Valley Plantations, local markets and supermarkets, and Airport Duty-free.
7. Cameroonian Coffee
Cameroon is one of the few countries in the world known for naturally growing the two major varieties of coffee, i.e., Arabica and Robusta, making it an exceptional souvenir for coffee lovers.
What to buy:
- Roasted coffee beans
- Arabica and Robusta blends
- Packaged coffee gift sets
Where to buy: Brûlerie Moderne, Beau Café, Supermarkets & Markets, and Speciality Roasters and Cafés.
Useful Shopping Tips for Travellers
- Before purchasing souvenirs, always compare prices at several stores to get the best price.
- Bargaining may be accepted in traditional markets, be polite and do not force
- Carry the local currency of Cameroon, the Central African CFA franc (XAF), to make local purchases.
- Always request a receipt before purchasing expensive items, such as metalwork or other artwork pieces.
- Avoid buying restricted items such as animal skins, shells or unidentified wildlife products to prevent confiscation at airport customs.
Applying for a Cameroon eVisa
- Step 1: Complete the online application form with your personal details and passport information.
- Step 2: Proceed to securely pay online using your credit card.
- Step 3: Check your email for payment confirmation and receipt of your Cameroon eVisa, which will be sent electronically.
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