Must See

Bangui

Located on the banks of the River Ubangi, this capital city shaded by tropical greenery has some seedy and dangerous areas, but also a charming administrative district. There is the colourful Central Market, renowned for its malachite necklaces, with other places of interest including the Arts and Crafts School, the Boganda Museum, the Saint Paul Mission and the cathedral. The Grande Corniche leads to the banks of the Ubangi and offers a scenic view of the fishermen's round huts and canoes.

M'baiki

This major timber and coffee growing area is also the home of pygmies and the Lobaye, a forest tribespeople, who live in encampments of small, low huts made of lianas and roofed with leaves. North-east of M'Baiki is a village of ebonistes, where you can watch men carving ebony, and there is also a lovely waterfall near the town.

Bangassou

Near the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, this large town has a bustling market, selling all kinds of bushmeat, including anteater, buffalo, bush pig, gazelle, monkey and warthog. The town also has the extraordinary Kembe Falls on the River Kotto.

Boali

Boali is the site of a hydroelectric power plant, and its nearby Boali Waterfalls (250 m wide and 50 m high), are a popular tourist destination, offering a stunning view from the restaurant at the top.

Dzang-Sangha Reserve

This reserve in the southwest of the country contains the last remnants of the Central African Republic's virgin rainforest. Visitors will find some of the highest densities of lowland gorillas and forest elephants anywhere in Africa, along with many other animal species. Trekking is a popular activity and park entrance fees help to protect the wildlife, assist villagers and pygmies, and preserve the forest.