Congratulations, you just booked your first trip to the Central African Republic and you’re all excited. Let’s go over a few things, so you’re sure you know what you’re up to and what you should bring. You are most likely going to join one of our rainforest trips, which means you’ll be hiking, gorilla tracking and taking boats. Make sure that you’re physically and mentally prepared and have realistic expectations of the challenges on this trip.
The Central African Republic is an exciting, adventurous place and also one of the wildest and least visited countries on our planet. You’re about to visit a unique, very real place and very different from most countries you’ve been to. The Central African Republic has very little tourism infrastructure, a bad road network, barely any good hotels and restaurants and services. Don’t let this scare you, as once you’re in the rainforest, you’ll be in a peaceful, tranquil environment with amazing biodiversity.
Road transfers will prove to be challenging and many things such as hotels and certain services are expensive to very expensive. It is one of the most expensive, bureaucratic and most difficult countries for business and travel in all of Africa.
You need to be mentally prepared for canceled flights and buses. It is wise to leave a few buffer days as most roads are in bad conditions or vehicles break down. There are police and army blocks all over the country which can seriously delay your trips as well. Services often lack in quality and electricity black outs and lack of running water are frequent all over the country. Many places don’t have cell phone reception, let alone internet connection. Serious rainfall and thunderstorms can also obstruct travel plans and transport.
Be prepared for corruption, bribes and absurd bureaucracy practiced by officials and locals. Prices of accommodation, transport such as car rental and private plane charter are among the highest in the continent. Accommodation and tourism value in the Central African Republic, though hugely expensive, never and cannot yield the same value as in countries such as Kenya, Uganda, and South-Africa. The best hotels in Bangui are mediocre at best.
Having travel experience in countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, Peru or Ghana does not prepare you for this trip. Be mentally prepared for these local nuisances and challenges and possible minor or major plan changes, especially if you’re doing a cross-country trip coming in from Congo or Cameroon. Plan for enough buffer time! We are not responsible for you missing your flight if you didn’t carefully plan your trip. We help you from point A to B, as described in the tour and the contract, but it’s up to you to make sure you are prepared to change your travel plans. Make sure you have good travel and personal insurance.
Besides bringing your passport and vaccination card (you need to be vaccinated against yellow fever and we hope you are vaccinated against covid-19 as well), you also should bring the following (but not limited to) if you plan to go into the forest:
– DEET or another mosquito repellent
– Ask your doctor about malaria-medication
– A small stack of medication
– A mosquito net
– Good walking shoes that can get wet and easily dry
– Enough socks if you need to walk
– A light rain jacket
– A hat against the sun
– Sun screen
– Enough snacks and water
– A torch
– Swimwear and light towels
– A sleeping bag
– A good dose of humour and patience!
We don’t want to scare you and welcome you to come. It’s important you have realistic expectations. Although there is a large presence from UN personnel, NGO’s and Russian mercenaries, you will see no other tourists and have most of the country to yourself and see some of the most beautiful and wildes parts of Africa, if not the planet, with an abundance of wildlife, deep green forests and fascinating tribes. Welcome to the Central African Republic!
