Most people who travel to the Central African Republic come for its superb wildlife viewings during a jungle safari and gorilla tracking in Dzanga Sangha and Chinko. It is also worth it to spend a little bit of time in the capital, Bangui as you will get insight into a little known culture in one of the least visited capitals in the world. The locals will be happy to receive you and tell you everything about their city and country.
We will pick you up in the morning and start with a visit to the PK5 market, the biggest market in Bangui, where you can shop everything you need: from vegetables and fruits to clothes and household items. It is a colorful place and an ideal introduction to Bangui. During the day we will also stop by the cathedral of Notre-Dame, a beautiful piece of architecture built in orange brick.
Notre-Dame-de-l’Immaculée-Conception Cathedral or simply Notre-Dame de Bangui Cathedral, is the main place of Catholic worship in the Central African Republic and the seat of the Archdiocese of Bangui. Built in the 1930s, it is located in the 1st district of Bangui. It is built on a free concession of four hectares acquired in 1924 by Mgr Jean-René Calloc’h. In 1977, the cathedral hosted the coronation of Emperor Bokassa I and his wife Catherine. In March 2013, it was looted by the Seleka coalition.
On November 29, 2015, during his African tour, Pope Francis opened the first of the Holy Doors there a few days before the official opening of the Jubilee of Mercy, thus making the Central African capital, a city ravaged by war and among the most poor of the world, “the spiritual capital of the world”.
We will visit the different neighborhoods of Bangui and go to the hills to have a good look of the city from above. At noon we will have a nice local meal with a cold drink near the river.
Includes:
– Local guide (French/English/Chinese/Japanese) with government issued license
– All entrance fees
– Transport
– One local meal and one local drink for lunch
Don’t forget to bring mosquito repellent and protect yourself against the sun. Please, also bring your passport.
