The Mbaéré-Bodingué Integral Reserve is located in the Sangha-Mbaéré prefecture, at the confluence of the Mbaéré and the Bodingué in the middle of the semi-deciduous forest. It is a complex of four intervention zones of 824,000 ha and it is located in the south of The Central African Republic, north-east of Dzanga Sangha.
The first zone known as Rural Development is located on the outskirts of the buffer zone. It is operated by the villagers and the ECOFA-RCA association which provides assistance to develop existing resources.
The second zone, covering an area of approximately 86,000 ha, called Mbaéré-Bodingué, is used for the conservation of flora and fauna. It is the area par excellence of large mammals composed among others: of elephants, bongo, Cobe defassa which normally only lives in savannah areas, primates including the western lowland gorilla, chimpanzee and monkeys, including a new species (Cercopithecus cephus ngottoensis) unique to this reserve and not found anywhere else.
We also find amphibians (hippopotamus, crocodile) there. The exceptional discovery of a single monkey (Cercopithecus cephus ngottoensis) marks the specificity of this reserve. In addition, the flora which is not completely studied includes precious woody species such as Sapelli (Entandrophragma cylindricum), Black ebony (Diospyros sp) and gives a good idea of all the vegetation which is of the forest type. dense semi-caducifolia.
The last is the Ngoto forest which is a pilot forest management experiment zone and which constitutes the buffer zone.
Our tour starts in Bangui from where we will drive in a Landcruiser or similar to Ngoto Forest where we will camp for three nights and discover the area. It is possible to combine this with a visit to Dzanga Sangha as this is en route for the Dzanga Sangha Park. We will have to pass two dozen or so police roadblocks in both ways, each costing at least 10 euro to pass unfortunately. Make sure to bring 400 euro or more in 5-euro bills or 2.000 xaf bills to make sure we can pass, as well as camping material.
Day 1: Bangui – Ngoto
We will pick you up from your hotel in Bangui in the early morning and will have quite some driving on bumpy roads ahead. The road will quickly turn into green and you will have a lot to see during the road. We will pass Mbaiki, Bouaka, Boda and eventually Ngoto village. We will stay in the village overnight and have a simple local meal.
Day 2, 3, 4: Camping in Ngoto
The coming three days we will explore the forest. We will be on the lookout for antelopes, monkeys, gorillas and elephants, but also keep our eyes open for colorful butterflies and more. We will sleep in tents, light a campfire and enjoy simple local meals.
Day 5: Ngoto – Bangui
After breakfast it’s time to drive back to Bangui already, where we will drop you off at your hotel. End of tour.
Includes:
– Camping permits
– Simple local meals
– Park entrance fees
– Professional local guide
– Transport
Doesn’t include:
– Camping gear
