Central African Republic is a great destination for seeing wildlife because it is home to a diverse range of animal species and boasts several national parks and reserves. The country's vast and largely untouched wilderness provides a natural …
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Central African Republic
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Backpacking Central African Republic in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Central African Republic with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Embark on an off-the-beaten-path adventure in the Central African Republic, where untamed landscapes and diverse cultures await the intrepid backpacker. Pros? Experience the raw beauty of wildlife in national parks and immerse in local traditions. The country offers an authentic, unspoiled journey away from typical tourist routes. However, ongoing security concerns and limited infrastructure can pose challenges. For the truly daring backpacker seeking a unique and immersive African experience, the Central African Republic stands as an unparalleled destination, where each step uncovers the mysteries of a less-explored corner of the continent.
Best known for:Known for: wildlife
Best time to visit: December-April
Best known for:Known for: wildlife
Best time to visit: December-April
Safety warning
The current risk level for Central African Republic is high. Check the advice before going.
The current risk level for Central African Republic is high. Check the advice before going.
Why to go?
Why backpacking in Central African Republic
Wildlife
💡 Highlights
Top-5 things to do in Central African Republic
- Visit Dzanga-Sangha National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including forest elephants, gorillas, and chimpanzees. Explore the lush rainforests, go on thrilling safari drives, and witness the breathtaking beauty of this untouched wilderness.
- Discover the Boali Waterfalls: Located near the capital city of Bangui, the Boali Waterfalls are a mesmerizing sight. Marvel at the powerful cascades as they crash down from a height of 50 meters, surrounded by lush greenery. It’s a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers.
- Explore the Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park: Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this national park is known for its incredible biodiversity. Embark on a safari adventure to spot rare species like black rhinos, cheetahs, and leopards in their natural habitat.
- Visit Bangui: The capital city offers a vibrant mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. Explore the bustling markets, admire the stunning architecture of the Notre-Dame of Bangui Cathedral, and take a stroll along the scenic banks of the Ubangi River.
- Experience the local culture: Interact with the warm and welcoming people of Central African Republic, and immerse yourself in their rich cultural heritage. Attend traditional music and dance performances, visit local villages, and try authentic Central African cuisine.
🎎 Festivals: Bimbo Cultural Festival, Bouar Music Festival, Kaga Bandoro Cultural Festival, Mbororo Cultural Festival, Ngoumba Festival
🏔️ Hikes: Chinko Nature Reserve, Dzanga Bai Trail
🏞️ National parks: Bamingui-Bangoran, Chinko Nature Reserve, Dzanga-Sangha, Manovo-Gounda St. Floris, Zemongo Faunal Reserve
🌤️ When to go?
Best time to go backpacking Central African Republic
The best time to visit Central African Republic for backpacking is during the dry season, which typically runs from December to April. During this time, the weather is generally warm and dry, making it easier to explore the country's natural attractions and engage in outdoor activities. However, it's important to note that the country can still experience sporadic rainfall during this period, so it's advisable to check the weather forecast before planning your trip.
Risk level: high (100%)
Safety advice for Central African Republic
- There are ongoing military operations throughout the CAR. If it's safe to do so, leave the CAR. Tensions are high. Armed groups operate across the country. They've killed foreigners, including aid workers and peacekeepers.
- The security situation outside Bangui is extremely volatile. A nationwide curfew is in place from 10pm to 5am, except for Bangui. Avoid travelling at night in Bangui due to security risks.
- If despite our advice you plan to travel to the CAR, take personal safety measures. Law enforcement and peacekeepers can't ensure your safety.
- The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) regularly attacks civilians in the southeast of the CAR, especially Haut-Mbomou province. Be alert to possible threats.
- Kidnapping and violent crime occur. Kidnappers can target foreigners. Seek professional security advice.
- Bandit groups are common. They target aid groups to get money, vehicles and equipment. Be very careful when carrying large amounts of money. If possible, split it between your travelling companions. Carry photocopies of key documents and leave originals in hotel safes or other secure locations.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
source: www.gov.uk
Central African Republic
My tips to get you on the way!
Does Central African Republic sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Central African Republic. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Central African Republic may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Central African Republic. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Central African Republic may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Central African Republic, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Central African Republic, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 21 September 2024