Bangui is the capital of the Central African Republic. Bangui lies on the northern banks of the Ubangi River just below a series of rapids that limit major commercial shipping farther upriver, on the southern border. The navigable Ubangi River turns sharply south below Bangui and connects to the Congo River just south of the Equator near Brazzaville as its chief northern tributary. The river marks the border between the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Congolese town of Zongo sits opposite the river from Bangui.

The Central African Republic is situated just north of the Equator and consequently throughout the year daily high temperatures rarely fall below the high 80s Fahrenheit. 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.

Travel to Bangui - Visa Requirements

Bangui M'Poko International Airport (BGF) is the airport serving Bangui. It is located 7km (4 miles) northwest of Bangui. In 2004, the airport served 53,862 passengers. There are flights to Douala, Tripoli, Paris, Brazzaville, Yaounde, Cotonou and N'Djamena.

Tours and Getting around Bangui

Bangui tourist attractions and sightseeing

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 km further north, the heart of the residential area has the largest market and most nightlife. North of the city lie rolling hills.

Bangui souvenirs and shopping

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

Bangui Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

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 eg foie gras, and a really good Italian restaurant.

Bangui nightlife, bars, clubs and pubs

Bangui cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels and lodging

Telecommunications

Two GSM-900 mobile telecommunications companies, Telecel CAR and Nationlink Telecom RCA, operate out of Bangui. State-owned Socatel is the principal telecom in CAR and Bangui, and is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the communications infrastructure.

Internet cafes in town allow users to access the internet, also using own laptop computers. Download speeds are acceptable and prices reasonable.

Get out

This page was last edited by Wikitravel user ChubbyWimbus. Based on work by tulas, Wikitravel user(s) Episteme and Pashley and Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. - Content on this page is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 1.0 license

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