Central African Republic Photo by World Humanitarian Summit via Flickr Creative Commons

The markets in the Central African Republic offer plenty of unique items for travelers looking to bring home unusual keepsakes. You can head to the villages to barter or even trade with the locals to obtain one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

Most of the Central African Republic’s shopping and leisure hubs are in Bangui, with the most notable being Marché Central or the Central Market where you’ll find crafts and jewelry made of gold or ebony. You will also see collections of butterflies, wood carvings, and artistic creations made from butterfly wings. Shops are generally open Monday to Saturday from 7:30 a.m. until dusk.

Most of the imported goods sold in the Central African Republic tend to be expensive, but those hailing from neighboring nations like Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo are more affordable, including water, beans and rice. Most of the supermarkets in major cities (including Bangui) are operated by Lebanese families, so you are likely to find Middle Eastern goods, too.

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