Bangui

Bangui (pronounced: bang-EE) 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.

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. 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.

By plane


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



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


 * Tringoulee.
 * Complexe Tinam.
 * Sewa Bar.
 * Royal Beach Hotel.
 * La Sirene.
 * La Sirene.

Connect
Four GSM-900 mobile telecommunications companies, Telecel CAR, Nationlink Telecom RCA, Orange CAR and MOOV CAR 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 with fair prices and speeds are available. MOOV provides GPRS/EDGE Internet access with USB sticks for reasonable prices in whole Bangui and in major cities of CAR as well.

Le Grande Cafe in the city centre has open free Wi-Fi and serves coffee and food.

MOOV and Orange phones can access GPRS/EDGE networks if properly configured. Configuration is provided free at the telecommunication offices at PKZero. Speeds may vary. GPRS is available in Bangui centre, but fades out by PK12.

Stay safe
As of March 2020, the UK government advises against all travel to most parts of Bangui and all but essential travel to "central Bangui between the Airport and the Oubangui river". Other governments including the United States recommend against all travel to CAR, including all parts of Bangui.

The KM-5 district has a particularly high crime rate.

A colour photocopy of your passport can be certified at the Hotel de Ville for a few dollars and is much safer to carry around than your passport.

Embassies and consulates

 * 🇫🇷 France
 * 🇷🇺 Russia
 * 🇺🇸 United States

Go next

 * Zongo – A Congolese town, on the opposite side the Ubangui River, on the left bank. There is no road across the river.