From the red dust roads outside Bangui to the humid green hush of Dzanga‑Sangha, the Central African Republic is a place of deep forests, riverine markets and hands-on craft traditions. Market stalls brim with wood, raffia and indigo cloth; the scent of roasted coffee and hibiscus floats over the Ubangi at dusk.

If you listen, you’ll hear Sango spoken alongside traders’ calls and the steady pulse of drums in village clearings — a sensory map of handmade culture.

Whether it’s carved masks, Bayaka basketry, or tangy hibiscus to brew back home, every region offers something distinctive. Here’s what to buy in the Central African Republic to bring a piece of its heart with you.

1. Hand‑carved masks and figures

Why pick this up: Masks and figurines are among the most striking souvenirs — they carry stories, ancestral motifs and the sculptural language of groups like the Gbaya and Zande. A mask instantly anchors a room to Central African rhythms and design.
What to look for: Look for solid hardwoods, clear carving lines, natural patinas and signs of age if you want an authentic, used piece. Ask about the maker’s village and the mask’s intended purpose (ceremonial vs. decorative).
Price bracket (2025): XAF 8,000–40,000 (small decorative pieces to large ceremonial carvings)
Where to find it: Bangui’s Marché Central and craft stalls, plus artisan workshops around Bossangoa, Berbérati and market towns near Bambari.

2. Bayaka basketry and raffia bags

Why pick this up: Bayaka (Pygmy) communities in the southwestern forests make incredibly light, flexible baskets and netted bags with fine, tight weaving — perfect as wall art or a market tote.
What to look for: Even, tight weaving, intact rims and natural dyes. Smaller, intricately coiled baskets and black raffia shoulder bags are signature pieces.
Price bracket (2025): XAF 2,000–12,000
Where to find it: Dzanga‑Sangha villages, Sangha‑Mbaéré markets and artisan stalls in Bangui.

3. Indigo‑dyed textiles and wraps

Why pick this up: Deep indigo and earthy resist‑dyed cloths are used as wraps, table runners or wall hangings — they carry regional dyeing techniques and bold geometric patterns.
What to look for: Thick hand‑loomed cotton, even dyeing and traditional motifs. Larger pieces make better souvenirs than tiny scraps.
Price bracket (2025): XAF 4,000–20,000
Where to find it: Textile sellers in Bangui, roadside markets in Lobaye and small cooperatives around Berbérati.

4. Central African coffee (Lobaye and Mambere blends)

Why pick this up: The country grows small‑batch coffee with grassy, bright notes — a portable taste of rural plantations south of Bangui. Fresh beans make a meaningful gift for coffee lovers.
What to look for: Whole‑bean roasts from known regions (Lobaye, Nana‑Mambéré), recently roasted packaging and small cooperative labels where possible.
Price bracket (2025): XAF 1,500–6,000 per 250–500 g
Where to find it: Specialty stalls at Bangui markets, some lodges near Dzanga‑Sangha and small coffee cooperatives.

5. Shea butter and traditional soaps

Why pick this up: Hand‑made shea butter and herbal soaps are practical, fragrant souvenirs that support women’s cooperatives and carry local plant knowledge.
What to look for: Pure, unrefined shea with a nutty scent, minimal additives and clear labeling of ingredients. Look for cooperative or fair‑trade seals when possible.
Price bracket (2025): XAF 500–4,000
Where to find it: Markets across Bangui, women’s stalls in provincial towns and cooperative outlets near Lobaye.

6. Brass and copper jewelry

Why pick this up: Hammered brass cuffs, filigree earrings and copper bangles reflect regional metalworking traditions and make bold, wearable souvenirs.
What to look for: Solid weight, clear soldering, and traditional motifs — have sellers demonstrate clasps and check for loose settings.
Price bracket (2025): XAF 3,000–25,000
Where to find it: Artisan quarters in Bangui, weekly markets and small metalworkers’ shops in Zande regions.

7. Contemporary paintings and prints

Why pick this up: Bangui has a lively contemporary scene: bright canvases, narrative folk art and prints that reinterpret local life in modern colors. A painting tells a story only a local artist can.
What to look for: Signed works, provenance or a gallery card and moisture‑resistant framing if you plan to travel with originals. Limited‑edition prints are easier to pack.
Price bracket (2025): XAF 5,000–150,000 (prints to original canvases)
Where to find it: Galleries and studios in Bangui, artist cooperatives and occasional exhibitions in regional towns.

8. Traditional instruments (likembe, drums)

Why pick this up: A thumb piano (likembe) or a hand drum is a musical souvenir you’ll actually use, and it captures the rhythms of village life. Instruments are often made by local luthiers.
What to look for: Solid tuning, well‑stretched drumheads and sturdy construction. For likembe, check that the metal tines are tuned to a pleasant scale.
Price bracket (2025): XAF 5,000–30,000
Where to find it: Markets in Bangui, craftmakers near river towns and performers selling instruments after shows.

9. Dried hibiscus (bissap), local teas and spice blends

Why pick this up: Hibiscus tea (bissap), fragrant local spice mixes and roasted coffee complements let you recreate Central African flavors at home. They’re lightweight and packable.
What to look for: Deep red, whole hibiscus petals, airtight packaging for spices and notes on origin. Avoid perishable packs without proper sealing.
Price bracket (2025): XAF 500–3,000 per small pack
Where to find it: Marché Central in Bangui, spice stands in provincial markets and roadside vendors.

10. Handwoven mats and reed rugs

Why pick this up: Durable reed and raffia mats make striking floor or wall pieces — they show off local weaving patterns and natural dyes.
What to look for: Tight, even weaving, straight edges and finished hems. Small mats travel well; larger rugs can be rolled for shipping.
Price bracket (2025): XAF 2,000–20,000
Where to find it: Village cooperatives, markets in Bossangoa and craft stalls in Bangui.

11. Beaded necklaces, hair ornaments and belts

Why pick this up: Beadwork is everywhere — bright waist belts, layered necklaces and delicate hair ornaments that reflect local color palettes and ceremonial styles.
What to look for: Strong thread, uniform beads and secure clasps. Pieces made by Bayaka or village beadworkers often have distinctive patterns.
Price bracket (2025): XAF 1,000–15,000
Where to find it: Market stalls in Bangui, roadside craft sellers and cooperatives around Dzanga‑Sangha.

Tip: Ask about provenance, buy from cooperatives and avoid ivory or unverified gemstones — not only will you get better stories and fair prices, you’ll also support artisans and conservation. Pack receipts and certificates for any high‑value purchases, and you’ll bring back authentic Central African Republic souvenirs with a clear conscience. 🌍

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!