Generalities
If you have never been to a market in Africa, Yaounde is a good place to give you an idea of what types of goods can be found there…really, it’s EVERYTHING! From the umbrellas from which bras are drap for display purposes (which I have renamed Victoria’s Not-So-Secret, since they are sitting curb-side), to football (aka soccer) jerseys, to scrumptious looking pineapples, to piles of raw meat – just laid out on cardboard with flies circling (no thanks, I’ll pass on that one!), to smoke fish, to knock-off purses or sneakers – I think that if it can be found in this country, it can be found Yaounde Markets !
Yaounde Markets
While you went in Yaounde, you got a chance to visit (or at least drive through) 3 different markets. First of all the Mfoundi market, is massive and you can drive through in a taxi while on a tour. This market is a chaotic scene, although traffic seems worse for vehicles than for pedestrians, traffic is heavy. Furthermore there are people in taxi or motorbike coming and going, and this is not better for pedestrians either! Looking in rows of stands looks like a giant maze, when you turn, you are impress by the size of the market. You will find plenty of people who negotiate and try to get the best deals. You will love the activity and the energy that all this releases!
Secondly, another another Yaounde Markets is the Artisan Market. It’s a nice way to tell the group of stands with souvenirs that tourists love. Its better to visit this country with a local guide who will negotiate the price of the masks for you! You will find there among other chains of pearls in glass herringbone. They are traditionally use by “notables” in some communities of the northern region of the country. Masks representing all the tribes of the country with each one of them a particular meaning. You will find your account whatever your nationality because this market combine discovery and appreciation.
Thirdly we invite you to visit is the fabric market. If you love African wax fabrics, you can get all kinds in Cameroon in general and Yaounde in particular. Some of these fabrics are very reminiscent of Indonesian Batic fabrics, but with much brighter print and color combinations. The varieties of patterns, colors and fabric quality are overwhelming. You will leave this place with lots of good memories and a smile on the lip. Its a place of cheerfulness, the salesmen are jovial and welcoming to foreigners. If you love with African wax or traditions this place is for you and you will have a good time !!