Attractions
Safaris
The majority of national parks are located in the extreme north of the country, near the borders with Chad and Sudan. They can only be reached by 4×4 from Birao during the dry season. The abundance of animals is impressive, although unscrupulous poachers and trophy hunters have decimated the stocks considerably. Since there is no accommodation, you will need to bring your own sleeping bag and groceries. It is best to organize the tours directly in the country; but you should allow enough time for planning.
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Bangui
The city rests on rocky ground amidst tropical vegetation. The cityscape is characterized by modern buildings and mango avenues. 5 km west of downtown at the intersection of Avenue Boganda and Avenue Koudougou is the African district of Kilometer Cinq. Here you will find the city’s largest market, as well as bars and nightclubs. Malachite jewelery is sold in the busy market in the center near Place de la République. The Boganda Museum, the School of Arts and Crafts, the Cathedral, the Hausa district and the Saint Paul Mission are worth visiting. The Grande Corniche leads to the banks of the Ubangi, where a picturesque view of the round huts and the boats of the fishermen opens up.
Outside of Bangui
In the Lobaye forest area and near M’Baiki, about 100 km southwest of the capital, pygmies live in small liana huts. At the edge of the forest there are coffee plantations everywhere. The village of Boali and the nearby waterfalls of the same name are a worthwhile excursion destination (90 km north-west of Bangui). The falls are 250m wide and 50m high and the view from the restaurant at the top is breathtaking. The mighty Kembe Falls west of Bangassou are also worth seeing. Bouar in the east of the country has burial sites whose towering megaliths ( tanjunu ) are said to be a few thousand years old.
Shopping
Overview
Gold jewelry and ebony carvings. Handcrafted items can usually be obtained through bartering in the villages outside of the large towns. Shop opening hours: Mon-Sat 08.00-12.00 and 16.00-19.00. All shops are closed on Sundays, some also on Mondays. The Bangui market opens at 07:30 and closes at dusk.
Nightlife
Introduction
The expensive nightclubs of the few hotels in Bangui cater to tourists and business people. Local nightlife is concentrated in the Kilometer Cinq district (see Resorts & Excursions).
Culinary
Overview
European dishes are only available in Bangui. Almost all hotels have good restaurants, but the other restaurants are also highly recommended. In small villages you can buy food by bartering. Drinks: There are bars in Bangui. In areas with an Islamic population, restraint with alcoholic beverages is recommended.
Accommodation
Hotels
In Bangui have a high standard, some are very exclusive and expensive. The better hotels offer air conditioning and swimming pools. Advance booking recommended. Good accommodation is hard to find outside of Bangui; there are boarding houses in the small towns of Bangassou, Bambari and Bossangoa.
Camping
Offered at the Center d’Accueil des Touristes at Kilometer Cinq. The necessary equipment and food should be brought with you.
Culture
Religion
35% followers of native religions, 50% Christians, 15% Muslims.
Social Rules of Conduct
casual wear is accepted; in Islamic areas one should observe the prevailing customs and traditions. It is considered impolite to show the soles of your feet when sitting. They shake hands to greet each other. Especially during the fasting month of Ramadan, one should neither drink alcohol nor smoke in public in predominantly Islamic areas. Photography: Film is expensive and should be developed in Europe. Military facilities and public buildings may not be photographed. You should always ask permission before photographing local people. Tipping: 10% is customary for all services.
Climate
Best travel time
Hot all year round with a pronounced dry season. In the south, monsoon rains occur from May to October.
Country data
Phone prefix
+236
Area (sq km)
622984
Population
4,829,767 (Source: homosociety)
Population density (per square km)
9
Population statistics year
2020
Main emergency number
118
