Experience the essence of Africa's raw, unspoiled beauty.
The Central African Republic (CAR) could be described as "Africa’s Untamed Heart" due to its vast wilderness, rich biodiversity, and cultural diversity. It embodies the essence of Africa's raw, unspoiled beauty, with sprawling savannahs, tropical rainforests, and unique wildlife, such as forest elephants and lowland gorillas.
CAR’s cultural tapestry is woven from numerous ethnic groups, each with distinct traditions, languages, and customs. Its national parks, like Dzanga-Sangha, highlight its ecological wealth, while its challenging history and political complexities underscore the resilience of its people.
CAR captures the essence of Africa’s natural and cultural richness in its most unfiltered form.
What to see in Central African Republic
Reason why you need a tent
Bangui
Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, lies along the Ubangi River, offering a mix of natural charm and vibrant culture. The city’s setting amidst river rapids and rolling hills adds to its appeal.
Key attractions include the Presidential Palace, the Big Mosque, bustling markets, and a lively nightlife.
Visitors can explore museums showcasing the country’s colonization history and indigenous cultures.
Though underdeveloped, Bangui’s rough and ready vibe provides a unique experience. Most sights, including its cultural landmarks, can be explored in a couple of days, but the city’s atmosphere may entice you to stay longer.
From Bangui, charter flights provide access to exceptional destinations like Dzanga-Sangha National Park, Dzanga Bai, Dzanga Ndoki National Park, and Chinko Nature Reserve, making it an ideal transit hub for exploring Central Africa’s pristine wilderness and rich biodiversity.
Dzanga-Sangha National Park
The Dzanga-Sangha Protected Areas, established on December 29, 1990, cover over 400,000 hectares in the southwestern Central African Republic (CAR).
The area comprises the Ndoki sector (725 km²) and the Dzanga sector (495 km²), both part of the CAR’s national heritage and managed by the Ministry of Water, Forests, and Tourism.
Recognized for its biodiversity, the area was initially protected in 1981 as an elephant and bongo sanctuary.
Studies in 1984 confirmed its significance for endangered species, including forest elephants, bongos, buffaloes, mountain gorillas, and chimpanzees. Dzanga-Sangha's unique Dzanga Bai salt clearing offers excellent wildlife visibility, making it a key tourism and conservation asset.
The region also holds rich cultural value, serving as a habitat for Ba Aka pygmy communities and Sangha fishermen. Visitors can enjoy the majestic elephants of Dzanga Bai, habituated gorillas at Bai Hukou, and modern infrastructure, enhancing both tourism and scientific research opportunities.
Dzanga Bai & Dzanga Ndoki National Parks
Dzanga Bai is large mineral rich clearing in the middle of the rain forest where forest elephants gather in large numbers to indulge in drinking the mineral rich waters that bubble up in places in this Bai.
The interaction between so many different groups of Forest elephants ensure that no one can ever get bored at this place, while the possibility of some of the other normally shy forest creature like Bongo.
The main attractions? Giant Forest Hog, Red River Hog, Sitatunga and Forest Buffalos visiting the Bai keep us alert.
Dzanga Ndoki National Park
The Dzanga-Ndoki National Park, located in the rainforest of the Congo Basin in southwestern Central African Republic, spans over 4,000 km² (400,000 hectares). It consists of the Dzanga and Ndoki Sectors, covering 495 km² and 725 km², respectively.
The park is part of a trilateral cooperation between the Central African Republic, Cameroon, and Congo. Attractions include the western lowland gorilla, African forest elephant, chimpanzee, giant forest hog, red river hog, sitatunga, endangered bongo, African forest buffalo, and six species of duiker.
The Dzanga sector is renowned for having one of the highest gorilla densities, with 1.6 individuals/km².
Chinko Nature Reserve
The Chinko Nature Reserve, also known as the Chinko Project, is located in the Chinko Drainage Basin and is one of the most biologically diverse areas on earth. The reserve faces threats from armed herdsmen and ivory poachers.
Despite these challenges, it remains a fascinating destination and offers opportunities for involvement in conservation efforts.
The reserve is home to a rich variety of species, including 90 large mammal species.
Notable inhabitants include 25 carnivores, such as the endangered African wild dog and vulnerable Northern lion; 14 primate species, including Eastern chimpanzees; 24 even-toed ungulates, such as the Eastern giant eland and lowland bongo; and 4 ant-eating mammals, including three species of African pangolin.
Both forest and savannah elephants coexist here, making it one of the few protected areas in the world to host both species.