Central African Republic Travel Information

Central African Republic is a country with a rich culture, stunning natural beauty, and a wealth of wildlife. Here are the top 10 things to do in Central African Republic:

1. Visit Dzanga-Sangha National Park

Dzanga-Sangha National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Central African Republic, and for good reason. It is home to a variety of rare and endangered species, including forest elephants, gorillas, and chimpanzees.

2. Explore the Bamingui-Bangoran National Park

Bamingui-Bangoran National Park is a vast wilderness area that is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and cheetahs. Visitors can go on guided safari tours to see the animals up close.

3. Visit the Chinko Nature Reserve

Chinko Nature Reserve is another stunning natural area that is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and antelopes. Visitors can go on guided tours of the reserve and see the animals in their natural habitat.

4. See the Boali Waterfalls

The Boali Waterfalls are a popular tourist attraction in Central African Republic, and for good reason. They are a stunning natural wonder, and visitors can hike to the top of the falls for breathtaking views.

5. Visit the Cathedral of Bangui

The Cathedral of Bangui is a beautiful Catholic cathedral that is a symbol of the country's religious heritage. It is a must-see for visitors to Central African Republic.

6. Learn about the country's history at the Musée de Boganda

The Musée de Boganda is a museum that is dedicated to the country's first president, Barthélemy Boganda. Visitors can learn about the history of the country and its struggle for independence.

7. Explore the town of Bambari

Bambari is a town in Central African Republic that is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional crafts. Visitors can explore the town and see the artisans at work.

8. Visit the Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park

Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park is another stunning wilderness area that is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, lions, and leopards. Visitors can go on guided safari tours to see the animals up close.

9. Attend a traditional dance performance

Central African Republic has a rich cultural heritage, and traditional dance is an important part of that heritage. Visitors can attend traditional dance performances and learn more about the country's culture.

10. Visit the Pygmy communities

The Pygmy communities of Central African Republic are a unique and important part of the country's cultural heritage. Visitors can visit these communities and learn more about their way of life.

Climate

• The rainy season: May to October
• The dry season: November to April
• Average temperatures range from 21°C (70°F) to 35°C (95°F)

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Central African Republic is during the dry season, from November to April. This is when the weather is most pleasant, with sunny days and cooler nights. The dry season is also the best time to see wildlife, as animals tend to gather around water sources.

During the rainy season, many roads become impassable, and some parks and reserves may close due to flooding. However, if you don't mind the rain, the wet season can also be a great time to visit, as the landscape is lush and green, and there are fewer tourists.

It's worth noting that Central African Republic is currently experiencing political instability and violence, and the U.S. Department of State has issued a "Do Not Travel" advisory for the country. Before planning a trip to Central African Republic, it's important to research the latest travel advisories and safety information.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Accommodation options in Central African Republic are limited, especially outside of the capital city of Bangui. However, there are a few options available for travelers.

Hotels

There are a few hotels in Bangui, ranging from budget to mid-range. Some of the most popular options include:

• Ledger Plaza Bangui
• Hotel Amitie
• Hotel du Centre

Guesthouses

Guesthouses are a popular option for budget travelers, and there are a few options in Bangui. These may offer a more authentic experience than hotels. Some popular guesthouses include:

• Residence Le Nid
• Chez Wafik

Safari Lodges

If you are visiting one of Central African Republic's national parks or reserves, you may be able to stay in a safari lodge. These lodges offer a unique experience in the heart of the wilderness, and may be the only accommodation option in some areas. Some popular safari lodges include:

• Doli Lodge
• Sangha Lodge

Air Travel

The main international airport in Central African Republic is located in Bangui, and there are a few domestic airports throughout the country. Air travel is the safest and most convenient option for getting around Central African Republic, especially for long distances.

Road Travel

The road network in Central African Republic is generally poor, and many roads are unpaved and poorly maintained. Driving can be hazardous, especially outside of urban areas. However, there are some rental car options available in Bangui, and taxis are also available in larger towns.

Public Transport

Public transport options in Central African Republic are limited, and may not be safe or reliable. Buses and shared taxis are available, but may be crowded and uncomfortable, and may not follow set schedules.

River Travel

Central African Republic is home to the Ubangi River, which forms part of the country's border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. River transport is available, but may not be safe or reliable.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.