Heart of Africa | Journey Across Central African Republic

In the heart of the African continent lies the Central African Republic, still known to some as the Empire of Central Africa, which suffered under a corrupt government for decades. However, the situation is gradually changing, making the country increasingly safer and attractive on a travel map.

Bangui, the capital of the CAR, and biggest city with population of 400,000 is one of the bustling centres of the region. The most important lifeline of Bangui is the Ubangi River, the second largest tributary of the Congo.

Although houses are made here of unfired bricks, with roofs covered in metal (in wealthier areas) or thatch (in villages), dominate the country's architecture, capital influences of French architecture are still visible - wide boulevards and avenues almost all lead to the Place de la Republique.

The heart of Ubangi district is surrounded by an impressive residential district where the city's upper class resides.

One of remarkable highlights is Boganda Museum providing detailed insight into the history of the country, development and traditions of the ethnic groups of Central Africa. Their culture is expressed by dance, art, and tradition. Another popular destination is the central market, which conveys the African way of life at first hand.

The overall landscape of the Central African Republic includes hilly terrain, large areas of wet and savannah forests, a somewhat drier and barren northern region, parts of the Chad and Congo basins, the Mongos Mountains, and the 1,420m high Kayagangiri. Some areas of the country are noticeably sparsely populated, and where there are people, you will find Bantu, various Sahelo-Sudanese groups, Azande people, and pygmies who were the first inhabitants of the area.

The residents of this constantly plundered country, live in accordance with the spirit of "true" Africa, and do not cease to be open, friendly, and generous people.

Pygmies
The legendary Pygmies who live here are known as the Ba'aka. They are one of the few primitive hunter-gatherer tribes on Earth. The Ba'aka are very kind, quiet people who are shy around strangers, but they are extremely helpful and peaceful. However, they struggle to adjust in situations where they are forced to leave the forests and settle on the savannahs because they are unable to build suitable homes for open spaces. They do not understand the concept of money or property rights as they are children of nature. Unfortunately, their time is limited as they are being forced to settle and lose their identity, which ultimately leads to their demise along with the forests that are being irresponsibly destroyed by companies from Lebanon or Yemen.

Day 1 // CAR :: Bangui
Morning departure, immigration adventure, welcome to Central African Republic! We ll head for lunch and city tour, time allowing: President palace, Boganda Museum, Jean Bedel and the Bokasa Old palace, craft and central markets. Overnight in hotel.

Day 2 // CAR :: Boali waterfalls
After early breakfast hit the road to Boali waterfalls, north west part of Bangui. Short walk to watrefalls, visit the liana bridge and walk along Mbali river. After lunch we ll follow to the dam supplying electricity to Bangui. Shortly after hit the road back to Bangui. Dinner and overnight.

Day 3 // CAR :: Pygmies
Early start and head to Bossongo, pygmies village in the South West part of Bangui. Welcome ceremony by the chief of the village accompanied by singing assistants, will bring us into the village in Forest. Here we will start with jungle survival presentation, commencing on how to find medicinal plants in the jungle. Followed by honey collection skills we will learn net and bow hunting. After building our own hut, we will celebrate the day with the village dance party. Back to Bangui for spectacular sunset on Ubangi river, constituting border between CAR and DRC.

Day 4 // Crocodile Lake
Today we will head outskirts to visit famous Crocodile lake and Foulani village, for the outlook on their lifestyle and traditions. Return to Bangui for overnight.

Day 5 // Departure
Bye, bye CAR, time to hit the road to airport and fly back home.

Level of Difficulty: Easy, raw Africa.
Duration: 5 days
Activities: Trekking, boating, sightseeing, wildlife and indigenous tribes encounter.
Rooms: New 4 star hotel – double sharing, single at extra cost subject of availability at the time of booking.
Meals: Restaurant meals excluded. Breakfasts included.

COST: 5,550 AED + 480 AED visa + 3900 AED flights. Total: 9,880 AED.

Requirements: Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate, malaria prophylactics compulsory.

Visas:
Visa support available for every passport, 480 AED.

YELLOW FEVER Vaccination Certificate is mandatory for entering CAR.

See yah in CAR x

Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 00971 50 4848238 /
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup