Bangui Travel Guide, Central African Republic

Bangui, Travel Guide – Location

The capital city of Central African Republic is located south by the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Bangui travel guide makes a short description of the city and its main attractions.

Bangui, Travel Guide – Topography and Climate

Located by the Ubangi River, Bangui has a diverse topography which comes down in slopes to the banks of the river. The higher parts of the city are located north, gradually decreasing until they meet the waters of the river.

Local climate in this area is tropical characterized by the presence of two seasons, a dry one from October to April and a wet one lasting from May until September. The dry season can get quite hot, average temperatures reaching sometimes even 34ºC while the wet season usually brings flooding of the lowlands located by the banks of the river.

Ubangi River is an important resource for the city, being exploited for fishing as well as for water transportation.

Bangui, Travel Guide – Flora and Fauna

Bangui is a city with lots of vegetation due to the climate and favorable topography, its streets being lined with tall trees and its northern hills covered with lush vegetation. Numerous tulip trees, mahoganies, red ironwood trees, manilkara trees, African nutmeg and other such beautiful trees and plants decorate the city and its small parks and other green spots creating an overall green image for the city.

Fauna is also very present here especially in the less populated neighborhoods and in the waters of Ubangi River. The river is an important resource for some locals, fishermen appreciating it as a good source of carps, barbells and many other fish and crustacean species.

Bangui, Travel Guide – Population

Bangui houses a population of nearly 500.000 people, and represents the administrative and religious centre of the Central African Republic. Population is mainly made up of Christians and Animists and also of a large Muslim minority, about 20% of all inhabitants. The city is also a strong economic center based especially on agriculture and exports which are mainly made by boat on the nearby river. The main products exported are cotton, coffee and exotic wood, very appreciated all over the world.

The city is also an important educational center housing the largest university in the country, the University of Bangui, several secondary schools and other such institutions.

Bangui, Travel Guide – Culture and Arts

Local culture in Bangui has deep roots and still plays a crucial role for a dominant number of individuals. Even within the city many people keep their ancient traditions intact, respecting them and transmitting them to the next generation. Local culture is also very much connected with religion and often expressed in art from their colorful clothes to crafts, dancing, singing and so on. Traditional art is usually represented by pottery; decorative objects made of leather, ivory, wood and can be found in special markets while modern art is present especially in art exhibitions organized by different institutions like the French Cultural Centre, local museum and so on.

Bangui, Travel Guide – Transport

Thanks to its statute of capital, Bangui is connected with many other important African cities by railway and road, even though they are not the most modern. There is also a local airport here, the Bangui M’Poko International Airport, located minutes away from the center of the city and making great connections with other parts of Africa and Europe, especially France. Ferries are also popular here, creating good access to three different countries and being the first option for freight transportation. Like most African cities, Bangui has a problem with the amount of modernized roads, most roads not being paved so at every rain travelling by car may become adventurous.

Within the city taxis are the most common travelling option, being found everywhere throughout the city at quite reasonable prices.

Bangui, Travel Guide – Festivals

Festivals in Bangui are cheerful and colorful, taking place on the streets, in local institutions or other places. Some of these events are organized in collaboration with the French Embassy like the Human Rights International Documentary Film Festival, the Art Festival or commemorate important historic moments like the Independence Day, Boganda Day and more.

To find out more about this part of the world you can also read Douala Travel Guide or Yaounde Travel Guide