Central African Republic Travel Guide

A land of grassy savannahs and thick forests brimming with wildlife, the Central African Republic is a nature lover’s dream that is sadly marred by constant civil unrest and strife. It can be unsafe to travel, even within Bangui, the country’s capital. Aside from political conflict, you can find the large populations of forest elephants – a distinct species from its cousin, the bush elephant, as well as gentle lowland gorillas and buffalo. The Dzanga-Sangha National Park, a rain forest area, is one such area, and is home to more than 16 of the 20 primate species in the area. It is also home to the BaAka pygmies, an indigenous hunter-gatherer tribe that rarely grows to five feet. Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park, a World Heritage Site also features a wide variety of animals, including the black rhinoceroses, redfooted gazelle and cheetahs. A third national park worth visiting is the Bamingui-Bangoran National Park. Sadly, it is still possible to hunt within these forests, and numerous gaming tours operate within the country. Behind the unrest and violence, lies a country filled with friendly people, graceful animals and vividly stunning landscapes.