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.

Let's go!

DAY 1 :: Oubangui River
Morning flight lands in Bangui just after noon. You’re met with big smiles, cold water, and the unmistakable smell of red earth and river breeze. A short drive through the colourful streets drops you at the hotel, then straight onto the wide Oubangui River for a sunset cruise. On one side the skyline of Bangui, on the other the endless green wall of the Democratic Republic of Congo – the perfect welcome cocktail to Central Africa!

DAY 2 :: Bangui
Today is all about the capital’s heartbeat: the bustling central market, the National Museum (Boganda’s story is still remembered), Cathedral of Notre-Dame, and key historical monuments. In the afternoon, visit local communities for presentation of traditional Banda and Gbaya dances.

Evening turns up the volume! Dinner followed by a proper Bangui banger, a night out in a local dance bar where the bass is loud and the moves are fearless.

DAY 3 :: Pygmies and falls
Early start south-west to the rainforest edge and the Aka pygmy village of Bossongo. The chief and his singers escort you into the green tunnel for the full immersion: jungle survival lessons, finding medicine plants, honey hunting from towering trees, net and bow practice, and building your own leaf hut before the whole village throws an epic dance party.
Afternoon drive to the thunderous Boali Falls, a quick walk across the creaky liana bridge, and a stop at the hydroelectric dam that keeps Bangui’s lights on. On the way back we pass through a Fulani cattle camp – tall herders, long-horned cows, and another reminder that Africa never runs out of surprises.

DAY 4 :: Departure
Souvenir shopping before airport transfer for return flight home. Bye, bye Central Africa!

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

COST: 5,900 AED + 880 AED visa + 3760 AED flights. Total: 10,540 AED.

Cost valid until FEB 13th.

Requirements: Yellow Fever Vaccination certificate, malaria prophylactics compulsory.

Visas:
Visa support available for every passport, 880 AED.

YELLOW FEVER Vaccination Certificate is mandatory for entering CAR.

See yah in CAR x

Trekkup Crew
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