As its name would suggest, Central African Republic sits landlocked in the heart of Africa and is mainly comprised of savannah plateau and southern equatorial forest. As a destination it is relatively undiscovered, but for the more adventurous and pioneering traveller it offers an original experience that is distinctly African.
Meet people from various walks of life, and even try net hunting with the Ba’Aka.
See our C.A.R. safarisThese shy animals hang around in the forest bai’s and are seen by the lucky few who dare venture this far into Africa’s heart.
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The Central African Republic is not for everyone, and finding the wildlife can be hard work. But equally, the experiences and encounters here are some of the wildest and most rewarding.
To travel here, you have to trek through harsh forests and traverse wild rivers; totally immersive and 100 percent unforgettable.
A safari here is not like the rest of Africa, you have to work for your wildlife and experiences. This really is a wild frontier, and you can’t expect luxury.
From lowland gorillas, forest elephants and river hogs, to African grey parrots. This is wild Africa, and the wildlife here reflects just that.
Boasting some of the most pristine parks and reserves in Africa, the scenery and wildlife of the CAR can leave you speechless. On the border area with Cameroon and Congo, the luscious Dzanga-Sangha National Park is home to some of Central African Republic’s last spots of untouched virgin rainforest. The area is also home to some of the most endangered animal species.
Lowland gorillas, black rhino, chimpanzees and jungle elephants are all found in Dzanga-Sangha and the fees here are channelled back into the conservation of the reserve.The capital city Bangui, characterised by tropical greenery and resting beside River Ubangi, is home to various attractions such as the St Paul Mission, cathedral and Boganda Museum. The central market is colourful, effervescent and is well-known for its tribal art and quality malachite necklaces. The Grande Corniche is an excellent riverside spot to catch views of the fishermen’s huts and canoes on the banks of the Ubangi. Southwest of Bangui you will find the village of M'Baïki, home to tobacco, timber and coffee plantations and whose surrounding rainforests are home to indigenous pygmy communities where residents average just 4 feet in height.
With a rich cultural tapestry that includes over 80 ethnic groups and religions ranging from Muslim to Christian, there are ample opportunities to view people from very contrasting walks of life. Visiting some of the local villages and communities that are home to Ba’Aka pygmies can involve real cultural interaction at its most engaging. The pygmies occupy a narrow band of tropical rainforest that straddles the equator and they are the largest group of hunter-gatherers in the world today. The people of CAR are both resilient and friendly and whilst their official language is Sango, French is also widely spoken in this captivating country.
We are destination specialists
Our team of specialists have extensive on-the-ground knowledge and have all lived, guided or explored in great detail the destinations that they sell. They will design your journey around you, at the right place at the right time.
We are wildlife specialists
As a leading specialist operator we have excellent partnerships with naturalists and conservationists. We know our wildlife and do what we can to preserve its natural habitat.
We really care about our destinations
At Natural World Safaris we frequently monitor the social, economic and environmental impact of our travel operations to ensure we are at the forefront of a sustainable and ethical tourism industry.
Talk to one of our specialists for further details on travelling to the Central African Republic.
