Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in the capital city, settle into your accommodation, and get your first taste of Central African culture with an orientation tour of the city center.
Morning
Airport arrival and hotel check-in
Arrive at
Bangui M'Poko International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Meet with your local guide or tour operator to review your itinerary, confirm arrangements for the coming days, and exchange currency. Take time to rest after your journey and acclimate to the tropical climate.
3-4 hours
$30-40
Arrange airport pickup in advance through your accommodation for safety and convenience
Lunch
A hotel restaurant serving international and African cuisine
Mixed continental and local dishes
Mid-range
Afternoon
Orientation walk through central
BanguiTake a guided walk through the city center to orient yourself. Visit the central market to observe daily life, see the Ubangui River waterfront, and explore the commercial district. This helps you understand the city layout and local customs while your guide provides context on current conditions and safety considerations.
2-3 hours
$20-30
Evening
Welcome dinner and early rest
Dine at a restaurant near your hotel serving grilled fish from the Ubangui River with local sides, then retire early to prepare for upcoming adventures
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Bangui (Secure mid-range hotel with generator backup)
Central location provides security and easy access to services while you prepare for wilderness excursions
Always carry small denomination CFA francs as change is rarely available, and ATMs can be unreliable
Day 1 Budget: $120-180
Dive deeper into the capital's culture and history, visiting local artisan markets and learning about the country's complex heritage.
Morning
Visit
Bangui Mall and local artisan workshops
Start at
Bangui Mall to see the modern commercial side of the city, then visit nearby artisan workshops where craftspeople create traditional woodcarvings, textiles, and musical instruments. Engage with local artists and learn about traditional techniques passed down through generations. This is an excellent opportunity to purchase authentic souvenirs directly from makers.
3-4 hours
$15-25
Hire a local guide who can facilitate conversations with artisans and help with fair price negotiations
Lunch
A local eatery serving traditional Central African dishes
Local specialties including cassava-based dishes and grilled meats
Budget
Afternoon
Ubangui River excursion
Take a boat trip along the Ubangui River to see
Bangui from the water and observe riverside communities. The river forms the border with Democratic Republic of
Congo, visible on the opposite bank. Watch fishermen at work, see traditional pirogues, and enjoy the birdlife along the riverbanks while learning about the river's importance to local commerce and culture.
2-3 hours
$40-60
Book through your hotel or a reputable tour operator for safety
Evening
Cultural evening with live music
Experience Central African music at a venue featuring traditional instruments and rhythms, with dinner of local specialties
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Bangui (Same hotel as Day 1)
Maintain your base while exploring the capital before heading into remote areas
Photography restrictions exist near government buildings and military installations; always ask permission before photographing people
Day 2 Budget: $100-150
Begin the long but rewarding journey southwest toward one of Central Africa's premier wildlife destinations, traveling through changing landscapes.
Morning
Early departure for Dzanga-Sangha
Depart
Bangui very early for the approximately 600km journey to Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve in the southwest. Travel by 4x4 vehicle with an experienced driver, stopping at roadside villages along the way. The journey provides insight into rural Central African life as you pass through savanna transitioning to dense rainforest. Road conditions vary considerably and the trip requires patience.
Full day (10-12 hours)
$150-200
This must be arranged through a specialized tour operator with proper vehicles and permits
Lunch
Packed lunch or simple meal in a roadside village
Afternoon
Continue journey and arrival
Continue through increasingly dense forest as you approach the Dzanga-Sangha region. Arrive at your lodge in the late afternoon or early evening. Check in, meet your wildlife guides for the coming days, and receive briefings on gorilla trekking protocols and forest safety. The transition from city to pristine rainforest is dramatic and exciting.
Remainder of day
Included in morning transport
Evening
Lodge dinner and forest sounds
Enjoy dinner at your eco-lodge while listening to the incredible symphony of rainforest sounds, from insects to distant primates
Where to Stay Tonight
Dzanga-Sangha area (Basic eco-lodge or tented camp near the reserve)
Proximity to the reserve allows early morning starts for wildlife activities
The journey is long but fascinating; embrace it as part of the adventure rather than just transit time
Day 3 Budget: $200-280
The highlight of your trip: trek through pristine rainforest to encounter habituated western lowland gorillas in their natural habitat.
Morning
Western lowland gorilla trekking
After an early breakfast and briefing, trek into the rainforest with expert BaAka trackers to find habituated gorilla families. The trek duration varies depending on gorilla location, but the hour spent observing these magnificent primates in their natural environment is unforgettable. Watch them feed, interact, and go about their daily lives just meters away. This is one of the world's most exclusive wildlife experiences.
4-6 hours total
$400-500
Permits must be booked months in advance through authorized operators; spaces are extremely limited
Lunch
Packed lunch in the forest or return to lodge
Prepared provisions
Mid-range
Afternoon
BaAka village visit
Visit a BaAka (pygmy) community to learn about their traditional forest lifestyle, hunting techniques, and medicinal plant knowledge. Participate in a net hunting demonstration, learn about forest navigation, and hear traditional polyphonic singing. This cultural exchange provides insight into one of Africa's oldest forest cultures and their deep connection to the rainforest ecosystem.
2-3 hours
$50-80
Evening
Lodge relaxation and wildlife recap
Enjoy dinner while sharing gorilla encounter stories, then take a night walk near the lodge to spot nocturnal creatures
Where to Stay Tonight
Dzanga-Sangha area (Same eco-lodge as Day 3)
Continue your stay at the reserve base for multiple wildlife experiences
Gorilla trekking can be physically demanding; moderate fitness is required, and waterproof hiking boots are essential
Day 4 Budget: $500-650
Experience one of Africa's greatest wildlife spectacles at Dzanga Bai, where dozens of forest elephants gather daily.
Morning
Trek to Dzanga Bai observation platform
Hike through the rainforest to reach Dzanga Bai, a large mineral-rich clearing where forest elephants congregate. From a specially constructed platform, observe dozens of elephants simultaneously as they dig for minerals, socialize, and bathe. The bai also attracts bongo antelope, forest buffalo, and numerous bird species. This is one of the best places on Earth to observe forest elephant behavior.
3-4 hours at the bai
$80-120
Include this in your reserve package; visitor numbers are controlled
Lunch
Packed lunch eaten at the observation platform
Prepared provisions
Budget
Afternoon
Continue elephant observation and return trek
Spend additional time watching the constantly changing elephant dynamics at the bai. Different family groups come and go throughout the day, and interactions between elephants provide endless fascination. The return trek through the forest offers opportunities to spot duikers, monkeys, and spectacular butterflies. Your BaAka guides will point out medicinal plants and animal signs along the trail.
3-4 hours
Included in morning activity
Evening
Final evening at the forest lodge
Celebrate your wildlife experiences with a special dinner, then enjoy stargazing from the forest clearing
Where to Stay Tonight
Dzanga-Sangha area (Same eco-lodge as previous nights)
Final night in the reserve before beginning your return journey
Bring binoculars for the bai; while elephants come close, you'll want optics for birds and distant animals
Day 5 Budget: $150-220
Begin the return journey to
Bangui, breaking up the long drive with stops at points of interest along the route.
Morning
Depart Dzanga-Sangha
After breakfast, begin the long return journey toward
Bangui. Travel at a more leisurely pace than the outbound journey, stopping at villages and natural sites along the way. The morning portion covers the densest forest sections of the route, with opportunities to stop for wildlife viewing and photography where safe to do so.
5-6 hours driving
$100-150
Lunch
Stop at a village for simple local food
Traditional village cooking
Budget
Afternoon
Continue journey with cultural stops
Continue northward, stopping at villages to interact with communities and observe rural life. Depending on timing and road conditions, visit local markets or craft cooperatives. Break the journey at a mid-point town rather than attempting to reach
Bangui in one day, allowing for a more relaxed pace and better appreciation of the changing landscapes.
4-5 hours
$50-80
Evening
Overnight in a mid-route town
Simple dinner at a local guesthouse, resting for the final leg to
Bangui tomorrow
Where to Stay Tonight
Mid-route town (such as Mbaïki or Boda) (Basic guesthouse or mission accommodation)
Breaking the journey makes travel safer and less exhausting
These mid-route towns offer authentic glimpses of provincial Central African life rarely seen by visitors
Day 6 Budget: $180-250
Complete the return journey to the capital, arriving with time to rest and resupply before the next phase of your adventure.
Morning
Complete the journey back to
Bangui, arriving by midday. The landscape gradually transitions from forest back to savanna woodland as you approach the capital. Check back into your
Bangui hotel, enjoy a proper shower, and catch up on laundry and rest after your forest adventure.
4-5 hours
$80-100
Lunch
Return to a familiar restaurant in
Bangui for a celebratory meal
Mix of local and international options
Mid-range
Afternoon
Rest and resupply
Take the afternoon to rest, organize photos, and resupply for the next portion of your journey. Visit shops or markets for any needed items, recharge devices, and catch up on communications. This half-day break is important for maintaining energy through the full two weeks of active travel.
3-4 hours
$20-40
Evening
Enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant, reflecting on your gorilla and elephant encounters
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Bangui (Mid-range hotel (your original Bangui base))
Return to familiar, comfortable accommodation to recharge
Use this day to backup photos and videos; reliable internet and power may be scarce in coming days
Day 7 Budget: $120-170
Travel northwest to visit the impressive Boali Falls, one of Central African Republic's most accessible natural wonders.
Morning
Drive to Boali
Depart
Bangui for the approximately 100km journey northwest to Boali. This is one of the country's better roads, making for relatively easy travel. The landscape features savanna woodland and granite outcrops. Arrive at the Boali area and check into simple accommodation near the falls.
2-3 hours
$40-60
Lunch
Simple meal at a local establishment near the falls
Basic Central African dishes
Budget
Afternoon
Boali Falls exploration
Visit the spectacular Boali Falls (Chutes de Boali), where the Mbali River drops approximately 50 meters in a dramatic cascade. Walk to various viewpoints to appreciate the falls from different angles, and explore the surrounding area with its interesting rock formations. The falls are particularly impressive during or just after the rainy season. The site has historical significance from the colonial era.
2-3 hours
$10-20
Evening
Sunset at the falls area
Return to the falls area for sunset photography, then enjoy a simple dinner at your guesthouse
Where to Stay Tonight
Boali village (Basic guesthouse or small hotel)
Stay near the falls to enjoy morning and evening visits when fewer people are present
The falls are less crowded early morning and late afternoon; midday can bring local visitors, especially on weekends
Day 8 Budget: $90-140
Journey north into the vast savanna landscapes of Bamingui-Bangoran National Park region, transitioning from forest to open grasslands.
Morning
Early morning at Boali Falls and departure north
Enjoy a final early morning visit to Boali Falls when the light is beautiful and the area quiet. After breakfast, begin the journey north toward the Bamingui-Bangoran region. This is a long drive through increasingly remote areas, with the landscape opening up into the vast savanna grasslands of the north.
6-7 hours driving
$120-160
This journey requires proper 4x4 vehicle and experienced driver; arrange through specialized operator
Lunch
Packed lunch or stop in a small town along the route
Prepared provisions or basic local food
Budget
Afternoon
Arrive at northern base camp
Continue the journey into the northern savanna region, arriving at your base camp or lodge in the late afternoon. The northern regions are remote and sparsely populated, offering a completely different landscape from the southern forests. Settle in and prepare for savanna wildlife activities in the coming days.
Remainder of day
Included in morning transport
Evening
Introduction to savanna ecosystem
Dinner at camp with briefing about northern wildlife and planned activities, enjoying the vast starry skies
Where to Stay Tonight
Bamingui-Bangoran region (Basic bush camp or simple lodge)
Remote location provides access to northern savanna wildlife areas
Northern regions are very remote; ensure your vehicle carries adequate fuel, water, and emergency supplies
Day 9 Budget: $180-240
Explore the northern savanna ecosystems, searching for the region's distinctive wildlife including various antelope species and potentially large predators.
Morning
Early morning game drive
Depart at dawn for a game drive through the savanna. While wildlife populations have been impacted by poaching, the region still hosts species including buffalo, various antelope (kob, hartebeest, roan), warthog, and occasionally elephants. Birdlife is exceptional with numerous raptors and savanna species. Your guides will track animal signs and explain the ecosystem's recovery efforts.
4-5 hours
$80-120
Lunch
Return to camp for midday meal and rest during the heat
Camp-prepared food
Mid-range
Afternoon
Visit to local Fulani communities
Visit nomadic Fulani herding communities to learn about their traditional pastoral lifestyle. Observe their cattle herding practices, see traditional crafts, and learn about their seasonal migration patterns. This cultural exchange provides insight into how communities coexist with wildlife in these remote regions. The Fulani's knowledge of the landscape and animal behavior is remarkable.
2-3 hours
$40-60
Evening
Sunset game viewing and bush dinner
Evening game drive to catch animals at their most active, followed by dinner under the stars at a scenic location
Where to Stay Tonight
Bamingui-Bangoran region (Same bush camp as Day 9)
Maintain your northern base for multiple savanna experiences
Wildlife sightings in the north require patience and realistic expectations; focus on the landscape and ecosystem as much as individual animals
Day 10 Budget: $160-220
Continue exploring the northern savanna with a focus on birdwatching, landscape photography, and understanding conservation challenges.
Morning
Birdwatching and nature walk
Focus on the region's exceptional birdlife with a guided birdwatching excursion. The savanna hosts numerous species including various eagles, vultures, bee-eaters, and seasonal migrants. Walk through different habitats including gallery forests along watercourses where bird diversity is highest. Your guide will explain ongoing conservation efforts and the challenges facing this remote protected area.
3-4 hours
$50-80
Lunch
Picnic lunch in a scenic savanna location
Packed provisions from camp
Budget
Afternoon
Landscape exploration and photography
Explore the dramatic savanna landscapes, including granite inselbergs, seasonal watercourses, and vast grasslands. These northern regions offer incredible photographic opportunities with their big skies and open vistas. Visit viewpoints that showcase the scale and beauty of this remote wilderness. Learn about the seasonal transformations between wet and dry seasons.
3-4 hours
$30-50
Evening
Final northern evening
Farewell dinner at camp, sharing experiences with guides and preparing for the return journey south
Where to Stay Tonight
Bamingui-Bangoran region (Same bush camp as previous nights)
Final night in the northern wilderness before heading back to civilization
The northern night skies are incredibly dark; bring a star chart or astronomy app to identify constellations rarely visible from cities
Day 11 Budget: $140-190
Begin the return journey to
Bangui, traveling through the changing landscapes with stops at points of interest.
Morning
Depart northern region
After breakfast, begin the long journey back toward
Bangui. Travel south through the savanna, watching the landscape gradually transition back toward woodland. Make stops at villages along the way to observe rural life and stretch your legs. The journey provides time to reflect on the contrasts between northern and southern ecosystems.
6-7 hours driving
$120-160
Lunch
Stop at a roadside village for simple local food
Basic Central African dishes
Budget
Afternoon
Continue to mid-route stop
Continue the journey, arriving at a mid-route town for the night rather than pushing all the way to
Bangui. This allows for safer travel and better rest. Use the afternoon to explore the town, visit local markets, and interact with communities in this provincial setting.
3-4 hours
$30-50
Evening
Rest at provincial guesthouse
Simple dinner and early rest, preparing for the final travel day tomorrow
Where to Stay Tonight
Mid-route town (Basic guesthouse or small hotel)
Breaking the journey ensures safer travel and adequate rest
These provincial towns often have lively evening markets where you can observe authentic daily life
Day 12 Budget: $170-230
Complete your return to the capital with time to revisit favorite spots, purchase final souvenirs, and prepare for departure.
Morning
Complete the journey back to
Bangui, arriving by late morning. Check into your hotel and take time to shower, rest, and organize your belongings after the northern adventure. Sort through photos and begin processing your experiences from two weeks of diverse travel across the country.
3-4 hours
$60-80
Lunch
Lunch at a favorite
Bangui restaurant from earlier in your trip
Local or international options
Mid-range
Afternoon
Final souvenir shopping and city exploration
Visit artisan markets and craft cooperatives to purchase final souvenirs and gifts. Revisit
Bangui Mall if needed for any last-minute supplies. Take a final walk along the Ubangui River, perhaps visiting spots you enjoyed earlier in your trip. This is your opportunity to say farewell to places and people who made your journey memorable.
3-4 hours
$30-60
Evening
Farewell dinner celebration
Enjoy a special farewell dinner at one of
Bangui's better restaurants, celebrating your two-week adventure with traditional music and local specialties
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Bangui (Mid-range hotel near the airport)
Convenient for early morning departure while providing comfortable final night
Reconfirm your departure flight and arrange airport transfer the night before; early morning coordination can be challenging
Day 13 Budget: $130-180
Final morning in Central African Republic before your departure, with time for last reflections on an extraordinary journey.
Morning
Final preparations and airport transfer
Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel, complete any last-minute packing, and prepare for your departure. Transfer to
Bangui M'Poko International Airport, allowing ample time for check-in procedures. Take a moment to reflect on your incredible two-week journey through one of Africa's most authentic and challenging destinations, from lowland gorillas to savanna elephants, from rainforest to grassland.
3-4 hours
$30-40
Arrange airport transfer the previous evening; allow extra time as airport procedures can be slow
Lunch
Light meal at airport if time permits
Simple airport food
Budget
Afternoon
Departure
Complete airport formalities and board your international flight, carrying memories of gorilla encounters, elephant gatherings, vast savannas, and the warmth of Central African people. This journey has taken you to places few travelers ever experience, providing authentic insights into one of Africa's most remote and fascinating countries.
Variable
$0
Evening
In transit
Reflect on your extraordinary adventure while traveling home
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (N/A)
Departure day
Keep some CFA francs separate for any final airport fees or purchases; exchange remaining currency before security
Day 14 Budget: $50-80