The Central African Republic offers untamed wilderness with dense rainforests, diverse wildlife including forest elephants and lowland gorillas, and the stunning Dzanga-Sangha Reserve. Despite security challenges, the country features unique cultural experiences and natural attractions like the magnificent Boali Falls.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Aka Pygmy Figurines
Hand-carved wooden figures depicting Aka forest people in everyday scenes, crafted by traditional artisans in Bangui's artisans market. Each piece is unique and represents authentic Central African craftsmanship.
Price: $10-40
Where: Marché des Artisans, Avenue Boganda, Bangui
Wax Print Fabric (Pagne)
Vibrant cotton wax-print fabric used in traditional dress, sold in bold geometric and nature-inspired patterns unique to Central Africa. Excellent for clothing, tablecloths, or wall hangings.
Price: $5-20 per meter
Where: Marché Central, Bangui
Woven Rattan Baskets
Handwoven baskets made by Banda and Gbaya women using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Feature geometric patterns in natural earth tones and are both decorative and functional.
Price: $8-25
Where: Marché des Artisans, Bangui
Aka Bow Harp (Kundi)
Traditional arched harp with 5-8 strings used in Aka ceremonial music, made from wood and animal hide. A rare and authentic instrument representing the musical heritage of the forest peoples.
Price: $30-80
Where: Marché des Artisans, Bangui
Beaded Necklaces and Bracelets
Handmade jewelry using glass, seed, and shell beads in traditional Central African designs. Crafted by women's cooperatives in Bangui's artisan quarter using techniques common throughout the Ubangi River region.
Price: $5-20
Where: Marché des Artisans and Marché Central, Bangui
Ceremonial Wooden Masks
Carved wooden masks representing ancestral spirits and used in traditional Banda and Ngbaka ceremonies. Sold as decorative items; each mask carries specific cultural meaning regarding protection and community identity.
Price: $20-100
Where: Marché des Artisans, Bangui
Robusta Coffee from Lobaye
CAR produces a small quantity of robusta coffee in the southwest Lobaye prefecture with a strong, earthy flavor. Sold in small bags at the central market and some hotel shops, this is a rare edible souvenir.
Price: $5-12 per 250g
Where: Marché Central, Bangui
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Marché Central (Central Market)
Bangui's largest and most colorful market selling everything from fresh produce and spices to textiles, electronics, and household goods. A bustling hub of daily life where you can experience authentic Central African commerce.
Where: Centre Ville, near Quai de la Paix, Bangui
Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily
Marché des Artisans (Artisans Market)
Dedicated handicraft market where local artisans carve wood, weave baskets, and create jewelry on-site. Best place in CAR to find authentic souvenirs and watch skilled craftspeople at work in their workshops.
Where: Avenue Boganda, Centre Ville, Bangui
Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily
Marché du Km5
Bustling neighborhood market in the lively Km5 district, primarily serving the large Muslim community. Known for fabrics, imported goods from Cameroon and Sudan, spices, and street food. Most vibrant during Friday afternoons.
Where: Kilomètre 5 neighborhood, Bangui
Hours: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM daily
Sunday River Market, Zinga
Cross-border river market where traders from Central African Republic and Democratic Republic of Congo meet by pirogue to trade fresh fish, produce, and crafts. A unique cultural exchange offering goods unavailable in Bangui.
Where: Zinga, 60 km south of Bangui on the Ubangi River
Hours: Sunday 6:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Avenue Boganda Commercial Strip
Bangui's main commercial avenue lined with Lebanese-owned shops, pharmacies, electronics stores, and supermarkets. Most formal retail takes place here with fixed prices and air-conditioned interiors compared to the open markets.
Best for: Groceries, electronics, imported goods, pharmacies
Centre Ville Market District
The heart of Bangui's informal economy, encompassing the Central Market, nearby stalls, and street vendors. Extremely lively from early morning with fresh food, secondhand clothing, and daily necessities at the lowest prices.
Best for: Fresh produce, street food, textiles, bargain shopping
Quartier Lakouanga Shopping
More upscale shopping area catering to the diplomatic and NGO community, featuring a handful of supermarkets with imported goods, pharmacies, and small boutiques. Prices higher but quality more consistent and hygiene better maintained.
Best for: Imported food, toiletries, Western brands, safe shopping
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Centre Commercial Ouémé
One of Bangui's few modern shopping centers, housing clothing stores, a pharmacy, small grocery, and household goods shops under one roof. Air-conditioned and relatively secure, popular with middle-class Banguians and expats.
Hours: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Monday-Saturday
Grand Marché Couvert de Bangui
Covered market hall near the city center offering a mix of formal shops and market stalls, particularly for fabrics, shoes, and clothing. More sheltered than outdoor markets, making it easier to browse during rainy season.
Hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is expected at all open markets and with street vendors; start at 50-60% of the asking price and negotiate up to around 70-75% of original ask
Fixed prices are the norm only in Lebanese-owned shops, supermarkets, and hotel boutiques — do not try to bargain at these
Small purchases under $3 rarely have much room for negotiation; save bargaining energy for bigger ticket items like carvings and textiles
Building rapport before bargaining — greeting in French or Sango ('Mbi iri' for hello in Sango) — usually results in a better price
Carrying small denominations (500 and 1000 CFA franc notes) helps avoid overpaying because change is often scarce
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Antique masks and ceremonial objects with proven cultural heritage status cannot legally be exported; all wooden items should come with a receipt from an official market stall
Tax Refund: No VAT refund scheme exists for tourists in Central African Republic
Duty Free: Travelers may import 200 cigarettes, 1 liter of spirits, and reasonable personal effects duty-free on arrival; export of minerals and protected wildlife products is prohibited
Shipping: International shipping from CAR is unreliable and expensive; DHL has a limited office in Bangui but services are irregular — best to carry purchases home in your luggage