Bangui - Discovering Central African Republic

Travelling to Bangui

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Bangui, a pretty good destination in Central African Republic (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Bangui and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Bangui, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Central African Republic, here's everything to know about Bangui for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Bangui

Bangui is the capital and largest city of the Central African Republic. It is located on the banks of the Ubangi River in the southwestern part of the country. The city has a population of approximately 1.2 million people. Bangui is the country's administrative, economic, and cultural center, with several universities, museums, and markets. The city has a tropical savanna climate, with a wet season from May to October and a dry season from November to April. Bangui is known for its vibrant arts and crafts scene, as well as for its colonial architecture and historical landmarks, such as the Presidential Palace and the Notre-Dame Cathedral. However, the city also faces significant social and economic challenges, including poverty, political instability, and security concerns.

What to visit in Bangui

Sure, here are some tourist attractions in Bangui: 1. Presidential Palace of Central African Republic: It is a beautiful palace located in the city center and is the official residence of the President of Central African Republic. Unfortunately, it is not open for public visits.
2. Notre-Dame Cathedral: This is a gorgeous Roman Catholic cathedral that was built in 1890. It is located in the city center and is one of the most popular landmarks in Bangui.
3. National Museum of Central African Republic: It is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the Central African Republic. The museum has a collection of artifacts, traditional costumes, and other objects that are important to the country's heritage.
4. Boganda Museum: This museum is dedicated to the memory of Barthélemy Boganda, the country's first president. It contains a collection of photographs and documents related to the history of the Central African Republic.
5. M'baiki Waterfalls: This is a beautiful waterfall located about an hour's drive from Bangui. It is surrounded by lush vegetation and is a popular place for swimming and picnicking.
6. K-Cinq (5th Arrondissement): This neighborhood is known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars and nightclubs that cater to locals and tourists alike.
7. Bangui Market: This is the largest market in the city and is a great place to buy souvenirs, handicrafts, and fresh produce. Visitors can find everything from food to clothing to traditional crafts.
8. Bokassa Palace: This is an iconic structure that was built in the 1970s by Jean-Bédel Bokassa, the former president of the Central African Republic. It is now used as a government building and is not open for public visits.
9. Place de la Révolution: This is a public square located in the city center that is surrounded by government buildings and is a popular gathering place for locals.
Hope this helps!
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Central African Republic, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Bangui.

When to go on holiday to Bangui

The best time to visit Bangui, Central African Republic is generally during the dry season, which runs from December to May. During this time, you can expect warm and sunny weather with little to no rain. The wet season, which runs from June to November, can be quite challenging for travel as heavy rainfall can make outdoor activities and transportation difficult. Moreover, there is also a risk of flooding and landslides during this time.
It's important to note that travel to the Central African Republic can be challenging due to ongoing political instability and security concerns. It is recommended to check with your government's travel advisory before planning a trip to Bangui or anywhere in the country.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Bangui

The easiest way to get to Bangui is by plane. The Bangui M'Poko International Airport (BGF) is the main airport in the country and is served by a few international airlines, including Air France, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Kenya Airways. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from the United States. You will likely have to connect in Europe or another African country, such as Ethiopia or Kenya. It's important to note that traveling to the Central African Republic can be challenging due to political instability and security concerns. We recommend checking the latest travel advisories from your government before making any travel plans.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Bangui, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Bangui

Sure, here are some of the typical foods found in Bangui, Central African Republic: 1. Fufu: Fufu is a starchy, dough-like dish made from cassava, yam or maize flour. It is a staple food in Central African Republic, often eaten with soup or sauce.
2. Peanut butter soup: This soup is made with ground peanuts and often includes vegetables like okra, onion, and tomato. It is a popular dish in Central African cuisine.
3. Plantains: Plantains are starchy, hearty fruits that are used in many Central African dishes. They can be boiled, fried, or roasted and served as a side dish or used to make fufu.
4. Koko na nyama: Koko na nyama is a popular Central African dish made with cassava leaves and meat (usually goat or chicken). It is typically served with rice or fufu.
5. Saka-saka: Saka-saka is a dish made with pounded cassava leaves and often includes fish or meat. It is a traditional dish in Central African Republic.
6. Mbongo tchobi: Mbongo tchobi is a spicy fish stew made with red palm oil, tomato, and chili peppers. It is a beloved dish in Central African cuisine and often served with plantains or fufu.
7. Beignet: Beignet is a type of donut or pastry that is popular in Central Africa. It is typically made with flour, yeast, sugar, and eggs and fried until golden brown. I hope this helps with your trip planning!
You can find general info about typical foods in Central African Republic here.

Is Bangui an expensive destination for tourists?

Bangui, the capital city of the Central African Republic, is generally considered an expensive destination for tourists. The cost of living in Bangui is quite high, and therefore, the prices for services and goods are also relatively steep. Additionally, tourism in the country is still in its early stages, which means that there is not a lot of competition in the market, and prices remain high. Therefore, visitors to Bangui should expect to pay more for accommodations, food, and transportation compared to other African destinations. It is essential to know that the country has been experiencing political instability, insecurity, and armed conflict recently, which can affect the tourism industry and increase the cost of certain services.

Where to find accomodation in Bangui

In Bangui, the best areas to find accommodation are the city center and the neighbourhoods of PK10, PK12, and PK22. These areas have a good selection of hotels, restaurants, and shops, and they are also well-connected to the main attractions and transportation hubs of the city. However, it is important to be vigilant and take safety precautions when moving around in Bangui, especially at night and in some more isolated areas.
You can check hotel prices at Bangui here:
Booking.com

Is Bangui a safe destination for tourists?

Unfortunately, Bangui has frequent political unrest and high crime rates, making it a risky place for tourists. The US State Department has issued a Level 4 travel advisory, warning American citizens to not travel to the Central African Republic due to crime, civil unrest, and the high risk of kidnapping. It is important to do research and consult with local authorities and travel experts before planning a trip to Bangui or the Central African Republic.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Central African Republic here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Bangui.

What type of travelers will enjoy Bangui the most?

Unfortunately, Bangui, the capital of Central African Republic, is currently not considered a safe destination for travel due to ongoing conflicts and security issues. The US Department of State has a Level 4 Travel Advisory in place, which advises against all travel to the country.
Therefore, I would not recommend traveling to Bangui until security conditions have significantly improved. It is important to prioritize safety, and I suggest considering alternative destinations for your trip.

How to get around Bangui

In Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, there are several ways to get around. Taxis are the most common and convenient form of transportation. Local minibuses and motorcycles can also be used, but they are less reliable and may not always adhere to safety standards. It is important to note that walking at night is not recommended due to safety concerns.

What to see around Bangui

Here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Bangui: 1. Boali Waterfalls: Located about 95 km northeast of Bangui, Boali Waterfalls is one of the biggest attractions in the Central African Republic. The falls are composed of three sections, with a total height of over 50 meters.
2. Lobaye River: The Lobaye River is the largest river in the country and offers beautiful views of the surrounding jungle. Visitors can take a boat tour on the river or go fishing for the local tilapia.
3. Mbaïki: Mbaïki is a small town located about 107 km southwest of Bangui and is famous for its handicrafts and traditional pottery. Visitors can also see the statue of the iconic 19th-century Queen Poko.
4. Chutes de la Mami Wata: Located about 90 km from the capital, Chutes de la Mami Wata are a series of four cascade waterfalls surrounded by beautiful greenery.
5. Boali Elephant Reserve: The Boali Elephant Reserve is located about 95 km northeast of Bangui and is home to a large number of elephants, as well as baboons, monkeys, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
6. Bimbo: Bimbo is a large suburb of Bangui, located about 10 km southeast of the city. Visitors can explore the local market, which is one of the largest in Central Africa, and also visit the Bimbo Zoo, which has a variety of animal species on display.
These are just a few of the places you can visit in a day trip from Bangui. Always remember to check for safety concerns before your trip.
For every travel information about Central African Republic you can click here.

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