Places / Africa / Central African Republic
Bangui
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The UK Foreign Office currently advises against travel to all or parts of Central African Republic. This guide is for a safer time. Check the latest travel advice.
At a glance
- Country
- Central African Republic
- Region
- Bangui
- Population
- 890,000
- Best time to go
- December to February
- Main airport
- Bangui M'Poko International (BGF)
- Coordinates
- 4.39°N, 18.56°E
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Overview
Bangui lies on the north bank of the wide Ubangi River, which forms the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Forested hills rise behind the city, and the river, busy with pirogues and fishermen, shapes much of daily life.
The Central African Republic has endured long periods of instability, and this guide is written for a future time when visiting is safer. When that day comes, the river, the markets and the forests beyond the capital will reward the patient traveller.
Things to see
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Photo: Pete Chirico, USGS, CC BY-SA 1.0 Ubangi River
The riverfront is the city's natural focus, with dugout canoes crossing the wide brown water and views over to Congo.
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Photo: Antonin Subtil, CC BY-SA 4.0 Notre-Dame Cathedral
The red-brick Catholic cathedral, built in the 1930s, is one of Bangui's best-known landmarks.
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Boganda Museum
The national museum, named after the country's founding figure, displays musical instruments, carvings and traditional crafts.
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Photo: Afrika Force from South Africa, CC BY 2.0 Central market
The city's main market is a busy, colourful place to see local produce, fabrics and everyday trade.
Things to do
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Visit Boali Falls
A tall waterfall on the Mbali river, a couple of hours' drive north-west of the city, at its fullest in the rainy season.
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Photo: Afrika Force from South Africa, CC BY 2.0 Watch the river at sunset
Evenings on the riverbank, with the sun dropping over the water and fishermen heading home, are Bangui at its best.
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Photo: JosepMGracia, CC BY-SA 4.0 Dzanga-Sangha Reserve
In the far south-west, this rainforest reserve is famous for forest elephants and western lowland gorillas.
Where to stay
City centre
Close to government buildings, the market and the few established hotels.
Hotels in City centreRiverside
Hotels near the Ubangi offer cooler evenings and views across the water.
Hotels in Riverside
Getting around
Taxis are the main means of transport. Travel with a trusted local driver and contact rather than moving around independently.
M'Poko airport is on the north-western edge of the city, a short drive from the centre.
When to go
The dry season from December to February is the most comfortable time. The rains, heaviest from roughly June to October, make many roads outside the capital impassable.
Plan your trip to Bangui
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.