Lying along the banks of the Ubangi River, Bangui is the capital of the Central African Republic. Long wracked by political instability, the country - and the city itself - is slowly coming back into balance. Visit this colonial old town with its broad avenues and vibrant market square, pop in at the Boganda National Museum with its interesting collection of creative, religious, musical and martial relics, take a wander past the Presidential Palace and the memorial arch dedicated to past president Jean-Bédel Bokassa, or go shopping for beautifully crafted wooden carvings. An easy trip from Bangui, Dzanga Sangha National Park is one of CAR’s premier tourist attractions, blanketed with dense rainforest and home to an impressive array of wildlife, including elephants, gorillas and chimpanzees.
Situated in the southwestern Central African Republic, the Dzanga-Sangha Reserve is a protected sanctuary that forms part of the Sangha Trinational Protected Area, a UNESCO Heritage Site that connects the Lobeke Park in Cameroon, Dzanga-Ndoki National Park in the Central African Republic, and Nouabale Ndoki Park in the Congo. The area is internationally renowned for its "mosaic of ecosystems", including lowland rainforests, rivers, streams, grassy glades called bais and moisture-laden marshes. The rich landscape is home to top predators and rare and endangered species including bongo and sitatunga antelopes, forest buffalos, lowland gorillas, forest elephants, and other mammals, birds, trees, and plant species that cover the tropical terrain.
Covered by vast expanses of pristine rainforest threaded with powerful rivers and cascading waterfalls, the Republic of the Congo, also known as Congo-Brazzaville, is a remarkable destination for adventurous travellers seeking an authentic African wilderness experience. Much of the country lies within the Congo Basin, home to the world's second-largest tropical rainforest and one of the most biologically diverse regions on Earth. This extraordinary ecosystem supports an incredible variety of wildlife, including western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephants, buffalo, hippos, the elusive bongo antelope and countless bird species. Visitors can swim in crystal-clear rivers, kayak along winding waterways and explore rainforest trails alive with the sounds of monkeys and tropical birds. For a cultural contrast, the capital city, Brazzaville, offers a vibrant blend of French influence, colourful markets, striking architecture and fascinating historical landmarks, making it one of Central Africa's most captivating urban destinations.
As previously described
As previously described
Set on the banks of the mighty Congo River, overlooking the sprawling metropolis of Kinshasa across the river in the DRC, Brazzaville is a classic central African city and capital of the Republic of Congo. Brazzaville is by far the more appealing of these two neighbouring cities, with a thriving arts scene, great restaurants, vibrant nightlife, a fascinating colonial heritage, and some fabulously friendly locals. Visitors can look forward to relaxing on the city's scenic riverside embankment and exploring several colourful marketplaces, including a lovely candlelit night market. Must-see sights include the insightful national museum, the lush municipal gardens and the house constructed for Joseph Marie de Gaulle when the city served as the capital of Free France. Don't miss the striking Basilica of St Anne, one of the world's most beautiful modern churches.
