Central Africa Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food and drink, where to stay, culture and customs, safety and health, and transportation options in Central Africa.


Introduction to Central Africa

Central Africa is a region located in the heart of the African continent. It is composed of 11 countries, including Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Burundi, and South Sudan. Despite political instability in some countries, Central Africa offers a unique opportunity for travelers to discover its hidden gems, including natural wonders, cultural attractions, and delicious cuisine.

List of Places to Visit in Central Africa

Visitors to Central Africa will not be disappointed with the range of activities and sites on offer. Here is a list of the top places to visit in the region:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. National Museum of Cameroon in Yaounde, Cameroon
  2. Bangui Museum in Bangui, Central African Republic
  3. N’Djamena National Museum in N’Djamena, Chad
  4. Congo National Museum in Brazzaville, Congo
  5. National Museum of Kinshasa in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
  6. Equatorial Guinea National Museum in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea

Natural Attractions of Central Africa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Lake Chad in Chad
  2. Dzanga-Sangha National Park in Central African Republic
  3. Gorilla Trekking in Virunga Mountains, Democratic Republic of Congo
  4. Lope National Park in Gabon
  5. Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda
  6. Manda National Park in Chad

Hiking/Biking Routes of Central Africa

Central Africa offers a considerable number of hiking and biking trails. Here’s a list of some of the best routes:

  1. Mount Cameroon in Cameroon
  2. Kibira National Park in Burundi
  3. Kahuzi-Biega National Park in Democratic Republic of Congo
  4. Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda
  5. Cassipore Forest Reserve in Equatorial Guinea
  6. Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve in Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire, and Liberia

Best Things to Do in Central Africa: Activities and Tours

  1. Gorilla Trekking in Virunga Mountains, Democratic Republic of Congo
  2. Boat Tour in Congo River, Congo
  3. Safari in Zakouma National Park, Chad
  4. Cultural Tour in Bangui, Central African Republic
  5. Visit Wildlife Conservation Society in Gabon
  6. Visit Bantu culture museums in Equatorial Guinea

Week-Long Itinerary for Central Africa

Day 1: Explore Yaounde, Cameroon’s capital city, and visit the National Museum of Cameroon. Day 2: Travel to Bangui, Central African Republic, and visit Bangui Museum. Day 3: Head to Dzanga Sangha National Park for gorilla trekking. Day 4: Travel to Makokou, Gabon, and explore Lope National Park. Day 5: Visit the Nyungwe Forest National Park in Rwanda to admire its diverse wildlife. Day 6: Visit Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, and explore the National Museum of Kinshasa. Day 7: Travel to Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, and visit the Bantu culture museums.

Food and Drink Scene of Central Africa

Central Africa offers a variety of delicious dishes and beverages. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Ndole - Cameroon
  2. Fufu - Central African Republic
  3. N’Dole - Chad
  4. Makayabu - Congo
  5. Fufu Lusaka - Democratic Republic of Congo
  6. Muamba de Galinha - Angola

Local Beverages

  1. Palm Wine - Chad
  2. Tchoukoutou - Congo
  3. Malamba - Central African Republic
  4. Kongo Bololo - Gabon
  5. Ikoti Kati - Equatorial Guinea
  6. Banana Wine - Rwanda

Where to Stay in Central Africa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Central Africa offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Here are some recommendations:

  1. Hilton Yaounde in Cameroon
  2. Ledger Plaza in Bangui, Central African Republic
  3. Kempinski Hotel in N’Djamena, Chad
  4. Radisson Blu M’Bamou Palace in Brazzaville, Congo
  5. Kin Plaza Arjaan by Rotana in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
  6. Hilton Malabo in Equatorial Guinea

What to Buy in Central Africa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Central Africa has many unique souvenirs and local products from each of its countries. Here are some recommendations:

  1. Wooden Masks - Cameroon
  2. BaAka Bow and Arrow - Central African Republic
  3. Traditional Pottery - Chad
  4. Wax and Kuba Cloth - Congo
  5. Tribal Masks - Democratic Republic of Congo
  6. Carvings and Tapestry - Gabon

Local Culture and Customs of Central Africa

Central Africa has a rich cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and festivals. It is essential to respect local customs and traditions during your visit. Here are some of the most important customs and traditions to note:

  1. Religion plays an important role in daily life in Central Africa, and many people are deeply religious.
  2. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
  3. Greetings are essential in Central Africa; it is customary to shake hands and use formal titles when meeting someone for the first time.
  4. Do not take photos of people or places without permission, especially when visiting traditional villages.
  5. Homosexuality is illegal in many countries in Central Africa, and it is essential to be mindful of local laws and customs.

Best Time to Visit Central Africa

The best time to visit Central Africa depends on your itinerary and preferences. Generally, the dry season from November to April is the best time for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities. However, some parts of Central Africa may experience rain throughout the year.

Do’s and Don’ts of Central Africa

Do:

  1. Respect local customs and traditions.
  2. Dress appropriately.
  3. Learn a few phrases in the local language.
  4. Practice responsible tourism.
  5. Consider tipping your guides and service providers.

Don’t:

  1. Disrespect local customs and traditions.
  2. Take photos without permission.
  3. Engage in illegal activities.
  4. Disrespect local religions.
  5. Be insensitive to cultural taboos.

Safety and Health

Visitors to Central Africa need to be aware of safety and health concerns.

Safety in Central Africa

  1. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
  2. Avoid traveling to areas with a high risk of kidnapping or violence.
  3. Use reputable tour operators for your activities.
  4. Register with your embassy before traveling.
  5. Stay up to date with the latest travel advisories.

Health in Central Africa

  1. Check with your doctor before traveling to Central Africa.
  2. Make sure you have all the necessary vaccinations before your trip.
  3. Protect yourself against insect bites to prevent malaria.
  4. Drink bottled or sterilized water to avoid waterborne illnesses.
  5. Bring a first aid kit and basic medical supplies.

Getting to Central Africa: Transportation Options and Logistics

Central Africa is accessible by air, road, and waterways. Here are some transportation options to consider:

Airports in Central Africa

  1. Yaounde Nsimalen International Airport, Cameroon
  2. Bangui M’Poko International Airport, Central African Republic
  3. N’Djamena International Airport, Chad
  4. Maya Maya Airport, Congo
  5. Kinshasa N’Djili International Airport, Democratic Republic of Congo

Bus Stations in Central Africa

  1. Bus Station Central, Yaounde, Cameroon
  2. Bangui Bus Station, Central African Republic
  3. Immouzer Bus Station, N’Djamena, Chad
  4. Moubeti Bus Station, Congo
  5. Gare Routiere de Mboka, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Other Options

  1. Boat: River transport is a common mode of transport in the region.
  2. Private car rentals with drivers are available.

How to Get Around in Central Africa

Public transportation in Central Africa is limited, and taxis or private car rentals are recommended for getting around. Motorcycle taxis, or “boda-bodas,” are also common in some cities.

Where to Go Next from Central Africa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Central Africa is a great starting point for exploring the African continent further. Here are a few suggestions for nearby destinations:

  1. Lake Victoria in Uganda
  2. Victoria Falls in Zambia
  3. Serengeti National Park in Tanzania
  4. Okavango Delta in Botswana
  5. Kruger National Park in South Africa

Conclusion

Central Africa is a destination that offers something for everyone. With its rich cultural heritage, natural attractions, and delicious cuisine, Central Africa is worth exploring. Visitors should be mindful of local customs and traditions and practice responsible tourism. With careful planning and research, visitors to Central Africa will have an unforgettable experience.

View from Brazzaville to Kinshasa; across the Congo river is the only place in the world to see a national capital from another View from Brazzaville to Kinshasa; across the Congo river is the only place in the world to see a national capital from another Elephant with offspring in Loango National Park Elephant with offspring in Loango National Park


    Angola
    Cameroon
    Central African Republic
    Democratic Republic of the Congo
    Equatorial Guinea
    Gabon
    Republic of the Congo
    South Sudan
    São Tomé and Príncipe