Central African Republic
Travel guide
The Central African Republic (CAR) is a landlocked country in Central Africa, bordered by Chad, Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo, and Cameroon. Covering over 622,000 sq. km, CAR offers a mix of lush rainforests, savannahs, rivers, and cultural heritage. If you are planning a visit, there are many things to do in Central African Republic, from exploring national parks to discovering local traditions and vibrant city life.
Although one of the world’s poorest countries, CAR is rich in natural resources and wildlife. For travelers seeking adventure, things to do in Central African Republic include gorilla trekking, bird watching, visiting waterfalls, and engaging with indigenous communities. The country’s remarkable biodiversity and cultural diversity make it a hidden gem for off-the-beaten-path safaris.
From the expansive Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park to the scenic Boali and Kembe Falls, and from the capital city Bangui to the villages of the Baka pygmies, this guide highlights the top 10 things to do in Central African Republic, ensuring an unforgettable African safari experience.
Central African Republic travel guide: Things to do in Central African Republic
1. Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park
As the largest park in CAR, spanning 17,400 sq. km in the northeast, Manovo-Gounda St Floris is famous for its diverse flora and fauna across two biological zones. Established in 1988 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was later listed as endangered in 1997. Managed jointly by the African Conservation Trust and the government, the park hosts over 57 mammal species, including elephants, black rhinos, hippopotami, and red-fronted gazelles. The park is divided into three zones by the Bahr Aouk and Bahr Kameur rivers: a northern floodplain, a central area with granite inselbergs and bushy savannahs, and a southern plateau known as Chaine des Bongo. Other wildlife includes Sudan cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes, and leopards. The park’s hot, dry climate makes grass fires common, while the wet season runs from June to November.
2. Bamingui-Bangoran National Park
Located in the northern region, Bamingui-Bangoran National Park was established in 1993 as both a national park and biosphere reserve. Covering 11,191 sq. km, it sits within the Guinea-Congo Forest biome and the mid-Sudanian phytogeographic zone. The park features dry forests, forested savannahs, edaphic savannahs, and gallery forests. Wildlife includes the world’s largest population of hippos, African wild dogs, cheetahs, African manatees, lions, and more. The park is also a major birding site, with over 350 species recorded.
3. Dzanga Sangha National Park
Situated in the southwest, Dzanga Sangha (also Dzanga-Sangha Forest Reserve) covers 6,800 sq. km and is known for dense lowland rainforest near the Sangha River. Established in 1990, the park hosts western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, bongos, elephants, sitatungas, red river hogs, and giant forest hogs. Safari activities include gorilla trekking, river tours, hunting demonstrations, and cultural experiences with the Ba’aka tribe.
4. André Félix National Park
Adjacent to Sudan’s Radom National Park, André Félix National Park spans 951 sq. km. Established in 1960, it consists of a lowland north section and a wooded, hilly south. The park features savannah and jungle forests with Bambusa, Isoberlinia, and Terminalia trees, hosting ostriches, buffaloes, crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, hippos, lions, panthers, and wild boars.
5. Boali Falls
Located 100 km northwest of Bangui, Boali Falls drops 164 ft from schist rock cliffs and spans 820 ft wide. Best viewed during the rainy season, the falls teem with crocodiles and are flanked by two hydroelectric dams supplying Bangui. The surrounding woodland and cliffs offer a spectacular natural spectacle.
6. Bangui City
The capital, Bangui, sits on the northern bank of the Ubangi River. Attractions include the Presidential Palace, the riverfront with water activities, and the Notre Dame of Bangui Cathedral, noted for its architecture and history. Bangui is a lively hub of culture, commerce, and safari departure points.
7. Kembe Falls
Situated near the DRC border in the village of Kembe, Kembe Falls showcase pristine African natural beauty. The falls roar day and night, and the nearby village offers authentic cultural experiences. Despite historical conflicts, the area remains accessible to adventurous travelers.
8. Boganda National Museum
Located in central Bangui, the Boganda National Museum preserves CAR’s history and culture. Exhibits include traditional cooking utensils, musical instruments, ivory sculptures, jewelry, ebony statues, games, and displays on the lifestyle of the Baka pygmies.
9. Cultural Visit to the Baka Pygmies
The Baka pygmies, living in the Lobaye region near Dzanga Sangha, inhabit low-rise homes with leaf roofs built from lianas. Visitors can engage with local communities, explore plantations, and observe daily life, gaining insight into the country’s rich cultural heritage.
10. Central African Republic Cuisines and Languages
CAR offers diverse culinary experiences featuring vegetables, meat, fish, insects, and staples like millet, rice, sesame, and sorghum. Popular dishes include muama de galinha, fufu, foutou, chichinga, spinach stew, muamba, Fulani boullie, and kanda ti nyma. The official languages are French and Sangho, with around 120 additional local languages. Christianity is predominant, followed by Islam and Animism.
Best Time to Visit
December to March, during the dry season, offers ideal conditions for wildlife viewing.
With these Top 10 Attractions in the Central African Republic, travelers can experience wildlife, culture, and natural wonders on an unforgettable African safari.
Visa to Central African Republic
Visa-exempt foreign nationals : Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Israel, Liberia, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, United States
Nationalities subject to visa
citizens of all other nationalities can obtain their visa in embassies.
Standard procedure in embassies: You can go to the nearest Central African diplomatic representation accompanied by the necessary documents. Travelers living in a country without a Central African diplomatic representation can obtain an visa on arrival on condition that an express authorization has been requested in advance. Passengers with no visa are sanctioned by a fine of 200,000 FCFA (300 €).
The necessary documents to get a visa to Central African Republic
- A valid passport
- One visa application form dully completed and signed by the applicant.
- One (01) identity passport-size color photographs with white background
- A Visa Invitation Letter from the tour operator inviting you to Bangui
- Visa Fee including Kwafrika Travel facilitation fees
o Short Stay (0-1 month): $300
o short stay( 45 days): $350
o Medium Stay (2 months- 3 months): $500
o Long Stay (3 months and more) $600
o Additional $10 will be apply for express visa processing: 24-48h processing time. - Yellow fever Immunization is required. A COPY OF THE VACCINATION CARD is accepted ;
- Flight itinerary;
- Hotel reservation:
- All visa requests take up 10 days maximum.
OUR FEATURED TRIPS: things to do in Central African Republic
