Mokolo is one of the largest markets in Central Africa — a sprawling, heaving, genuinely enormous place that covers several blocks in the northwestern part of the city. Everything is here: food, clothing, electronics, building materials, household goods, and a dedicated section for traditional medicine and ritual objects. The market operates every day but is most intense on weekday mornings.
Getting around Mokolo requires patience and willingness to bargain. The food section is a good place to understand the range of Cameroonian cooking — plantains, cassava, ndolé (bitter leaves), smoked fish, and dozens of spices. Petty theft is a risk; leave valuables at the hotel and carry only what you need. A local guide is useful for a first visit but not strictly necessary.