From the bustling port markets of Douala to the misty highlands around Mount Cameroon and the painted palaces of Foumban, Cameroon is a mosaic of color, rhythm, and craft. Street vendors call out over the beat of makossa and bikutsi, hands weave raffia under shadowed trees, and the scent of roasted coffee and spicy ndolé drifts through market lanes.

Whether you’re hunting for Cameroonian souvenirs, artisanal textiles, or edible treats, every region has something that tells a story. Here’s what to buy in Cameroon to bring a piece of its rich heritage home with you.

1. Toghu (Embroidered Robe)

Why pick this up: Toghu is a ceremonial embroidered fabric from the Northwest and West regions — bold geometric patterns in bright thread that instantly evoke Bamenda and the Grassfields. It’s wearable art and a striking keepsake.
What to look for: Seek dense hand-embroidery (not machine-printed designs), strong color contrast, and clean backing. Finished garments (robes, jackets) are more expensive than cut fabric per meter.
Price bracket (2025): XAF 30,000–80,000 for a finished robe; XAF 10,000–25,000 per meter for good embroidered cloth.
Where to find it: Bamenda markets, Bandjoun and Foumban craft shops, and specialty boutiques in Yaoundé and Douala.

2. Bamileke Beaded Masks & Headdresses

Why pick this up: From the Western highlands around Foumban come the ornate beaded masks and headdresses used in royal ceremonies — tactile, colorful pieces that reflect Grassfields court culture.
What to look for: Authenticity shows in tapered beadwork, natural dyes, and wooden bases carved with traditional motifs rather than mass-produced plastic beads.
Price bracket (2025): XAF 15,000–60,000 for smaller masks; larger ceremonial pieces XAF 50,000–200,000.
Where to find it: Foumban artisan quarter, Bandjoun weekend markets, and responsible galleries in Yaoundé.

3. African Wax Prints (Pagnes)

Why pick this up: Pagnes are the vibrant cotton prints you’ll see everywhere in Cameroon — worn as wraps, sewn into dresses, or given as gifts. They capture everyday style and make easy, lightweight souvenirs.
What to look for: Full-width cotton with sharp, bright prints; check whether it’s genuine Dutch wax or locally printed; higher-quality cotton holds color and drape better.
Price bracket (2025): XAF 2,000–8,000 per meter for standard wax prints; tailor-made clothing XAF 10,000–40,000.
Where to find it: Grand Marché in Douala, Marché Mokolo in Yaoundé, and fabric stalls across regional towns.

4. Dschang & Bafoussam Coffee

Why pick this up: Cameroon’s Western highlands produce fragrant Arabica beans with citrus and chocolate notes — perfect for coffee lovers wanting a taste of the highland terroir.
What to look for: Freshly roasted beans from Dschang, Bafoussam, or nearby cooperatives; single-origin or small-batch labels indicate better quality.
Price bracket (2025): XAF 1,500–4,000 per 250g bag (specialty roasts higher).
Where to find it: Farmer cooperatives in Dschang, cafes and specialty shops in Bafoussam and Yaoundé, and some stalls at Douala markets.

5. Artisanal Cocoa & Chocolate Bars

Why pick this up: Cameroon is a major cocoa producer; local chocolatiers are turning high-quality beans into single-origin bars with bold, earthy flavors.
What to look for: Bars labeled with origin and percentage, minimal additives, and bean-to-bar makers in Douala or Yaoundé.
Price bracket (2025): XAF 1,500–6,000 per bar depending on bean origin and processing.
Where to find it: Specialty food shops in Douala and Yaoundé, and boutique stalls at cultural festivals.

6. Wooden Carvings & Sawa Sculptures

Why pick this up: Coastal regions (Kribi, Limbe) and river communities produce elegant wooden fish, canoe models, and carved figures — warm, hand-carved reminders of Cameroon’s shoreline and riverine cultures.
What to look for: Solid tropical hardwood, smooth finishes, attention to local motifs (sawa coastal motifs or Fang-style carving), and ethical sourcing.
Price bracket (2025): XAF 3,000–30,000 depending on size and detail.
Where to find it: Kribi pier markets, Limbe craft shops, and Douala’s central craft stalls.

7. Raffia Baskets & Woven Goods

Why pick this up: Raffia and grass weaving is everywhere — sturdy market baskets, elegant wall hangings, and finely plaited hats that make functional art for your home.
What to look for: Tight, even weaving and natural dyes; look for items with sturdy handles and finished interiors if you plan to use them.
Price bracket (2025): XAF 3,000–15,000 for baskets and smaller pieces.
Where to find it: Village markets around the north and west, Douala’s artisanal stands, and cooperatives in Bamenda.

8. Shea Butter & African Black Soap

Why pick this up: Natural skincare staples made from shea (karité) and locally-made black soap are fragrant, nourishing, and compact gifts that travel well.
What to look for: Pure, unrefined shea butter (creamy or slightly grainy), and cold-process black soap made from plant ashes and oils — avoid heavily perfumed or mixed products.
Price bracket (2025): XAF 500–3,500 depending on size and purity.
Where to find it: Street stalls, women’s cooperatives in the West and North regions, and organic shops in Yaoundé.

9. Makossa & Bikutsi Music (CDs, Vinyl)

Why pick this up: Bring home the sounds of Cameroon — upbeat makossa from Douala, hypnotic bikutsi from the central regions, and classic recordings from stars who shaped African pop.
What to look for: Original pressings or CDs from local labels; ask for compilation albums curated by local sellers if you want a sampler.
Price bracket (2025): XAF 1,000–3,500 for CDs; vinyl and rare presses higher.
Where to find it: Music stalls at Douala’s Grand Marché, independent record shops in Yaoundé, and cultural markets.

10. Brass & Bronze Jewelry and Miniatures

Why pick this up: From cast bracelets to small ritual bronzes, the metalwork of the Grassfields and coastal artisans combines bold design with ancestral technique — wearable history.
What to look for: Solid brass/bronze weight, traditional motifs (elephants, geometric patterns), and signs of hand-finishing rather than uniform plating.
Price bracket (2025): XAF 5,000–40,000 depending on size and age.
Where to find it: Foumban and Bandjoun craft markets, galleries in Yaoundé, and fair-trade cooperatives.

Tip: Buy directly from artisans or registered cooperatives in Foumban, Bamenda, Dschang and Douala so your purchase supports local makers — you’ll take home a story with your Cameroonian souvenirs. 🌍✈️

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top ‘what to buy’ ideas!

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!