These are the best places to travel this summer

Central African Republic

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2025

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
Western lowland gorilla juvenile male portrait

Getty Images

Plan your trip with Guide, an AI travel planner!

Create a personalized trip itinerary in seconds using artificial intelligence.

Create a trip

Overview

Central African Republic (CAR) is a country with staggering rare natural beauty and some wonderful wildlife. Not so long ago it was one of the best places in Africa for encounters with huge forest elephants and western lowland gorillas, and the best place in the world, some say, to see butterflies. However, since 2012 political problems and religious-fuelled civil war have made the country completely off limits to travellers for safety reasons, with all Western governments warning against any visits here.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Dzanga-Sangha National Park

    Dzanga-Sangha National Park

    Central African Republic

    This national park, wedged into the triangle of southwestern CAR Cameroon from Congo, is probably the one corner of the country still attracting visitors…

  • M'Baïki

    M'Baïki

    Central African Republic

    Southwest of Bangui and surrounded by rainforest, M'Baïki is in a timber, coffee and tobacco growing area. It's also the stopping-off point for visiting…

  • Chutes de Boali

    Chutes de Boali

    Central African Republic

    These waterfalls tumble 50m (164ft), which is just a whisker more than Niagara can manage. Although no more than a trickle when its dry, they are dramatic…

View more attractions

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Central African Republic