The sorption isotherms during adsorption and desorption of 25 wood species from Cameroon (included 3 species from plantation in Togo) were determined. In addition, the chemical compositions of these wood species were tested. The equilibrium moisture contents in a normal climate varied between 10,55 % and 15,6 %. A clear influence of the proportion of extractives can be seen. The maximum differences between adsorption and desorption varied between 2,3 % and 3,6 %.