The people of this country are one of the biggest tourist attractions in Central African Republic

Careful thought and planning is needed if you want to travel to Central African Republic. The U.S. Department has several advisories warning against its safety. Newbie travelers should get their feet wet in safer yet exotic nations located elsewhere. If you are determined to push through with a trip to the Central African Republic though, you should go see its best attractions. These popular tourist spots showcase the country’s eccentric beauty and plethora of wildlife.

Bangui

The capital city sits on the banks of Oubangui River. It is the gateway to the top tourist attractions in Central African Republic though it has a few of its own. The highlight of Bangui is its old town which was built by French settlers in 1880. The old town features colonial architecture and wide roads connected to the central market square, the busiest place in the city.

Dzanga-Sangha National Park

The nature reserve protects a rainforest and thus, the wildlife thriving within it. More than a hundred mammal species including gorillas, chimpanzees, elephants, bongos, hippos, and leopards consider it their home. The clearing which usually attracts a herd of elephants is one of its main attractions followed by the gorilla research station. A limited few are even allowed to join gorilla tracking expeditions which start at the Bai Hokou camp.

Other activities at the Dzanga-Sangha National Park include cruising along the river with a traditional dug-out canoe, hiking, collecting medicinal plants with the Baaka pygmies, and net hunting. Guests can stay at the guesthouses or luxury lodge within the area.

Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park

It is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Central African Republic. It has both flooded and lowland plains, a mountainous region, and several rivers. About 320 bird species and several hundreds of mammals like giraffes, buffalos, lions, and hippos can be spotted in the park.

Les Chutes de la Mbi

The waterfall is formed by the Upper Mpoko River as it falls more than 650 feet into the Oubangui basin. For a good view, it is best to look at it from the bridge.

Chutes de Boali

This cascading waterfall is not far from Les Chutes de la Mbi. It stands 164 feet tall. The best time to visit it is during the rainy season, when its cascade is more evident.