Bangui

Understand

Modern Bangui was founded in 1889, but archaeological studies in and around Bangui have yielded at least 26 ancient Iron Age sites that contain many metallurgical tools and objects, illuminating the pre-European history of the city and surrounding area.

Climate

The Central African Republic is just north of the Equator and consequently throughout the year daily high temperatures rarely fall below 30 °C (86 °F). The rainy season lasts from May until October. Bangui, being in the south of the country and thus closest to the Equator, is slightly hotter and wetter than the northern parts of the country.

Getting there

By plane 1 Bangui M'Poko International Airport (BGF IATA) (7 km (4 mi) northwest of Bangui). In 2017, the airport was functioning under the supervision of the UN aviation officials. There are flights to Douala (DLA), Kampala (EBB), Nairobi (NBO), Paris–Charles de Gaulle (CDG, only on Tuesdays and Fridays), Casablanca (CMN), Abidjan (ABJ), Cotonou (COO) and N'Djamena (NDJ). (updated Jul 2019) Visas are required for all European (and probably most other) travellers, and should be obtained before arrival. The arrival procedure is a bit long, requiring at least two queues to get all necessary visa stamps. Exit from the arrival hall is through "Things To Declare", with customs officers picking out passengers randomly for baggage check. Security guards check the luggage tags on the way out. Be careful of pickpockets outside the terminal building, including people claiming to provide assistance.

By ferry Barges run all day across the Oubangui river from Zongo in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

See

The city centre lies near the river and features a large triumphal arch dedicated to Bokassa, the Presidential Palace and the central market. Lying 5 kilometres (3 mi) further north, the heart of the residential area has the largest market and most nightlife. North of the city lie rolling hills.

1 Boganda National Museum (Musée national Barthélemy Boganda), Avenue Barthélemy Boganda. The national museum. (updated Mar 2017) 2 Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l'Immaculée-Conception of Bangui (Notre-Dame de Fatima). The largest cathedral in Bangui. (updated Mar 2017) 3 Renaissance Palace (Palais de la Renaissance). The presidential palace, can only be viewed from the outside. (updated Jul 2020)

Buy

Buy beautiful wood carvings, but do not be tempted to buy rare African Grey parrots that are being traded illegally. You will be arrested if you do.

Polo Market. Bangui Mall. Log base PX. Bangla PX. Starmarket. Marche Ouango.

Eat

The city has a community of French expats, which translates into one of the best ice cream parlours in Africa; a supermarket that sells international (mainly French) delicacies, e.g. foie gras; and a really good Italian restaurant.

Coin Grill. Marche 3B - Chez Philbert. Le Delces de Vinght Mille Places. Coin Grill. La Casa Chinese Restaurant & Hotel. Restaurant Le M'. Relais des Chasses. Cuisine A. Restaurant Belle Vue.

Drink & nightlife

Mocaf is one of the better local beers, cheap and good quality. Comes in a big 650 ml bottle.

1 Sewa Rock Bar, ☏ +236 75 08 41 14. Riverfront bar that doubles as a sports venue with swimming pool and gym during daytime. Popular with the tiny elite in Bangui and expats. (updated Jul 2022)

Sleep

1 Oubangui Hotel, Boulevard du Général de Gaulle, ☏ +236 77 77 30 38. The closest you can get to "luxury" in Bangui. A high-rise just next to river Ubangi offering some spectacular views. As expected, due to the ongoing conflict, there are several shortcomings in service and standards. From US$80 per night. 2 Ledger Plaza Bangui, Avenue de l'indépendance. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. 5-star hotel. (updated Nov 2023) 3 Hotel Levy's, Avenue Barthelemy Boganda. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. (updated Nov 2023)

Go next

Zongo – A Congolese town, on the opposite side the Ubangui River, on the left bank. Take a wooden pirogue or ferry (for vehicles).