Central African Republic

Landlocked Central African Republic is known for lush nature and incredible wildlife, including a stunningly diverse array of butterflies, western lowland gorillas, and forest elephants. The country’s rich culture is influenced by French, Belgian and British heritage. While it’s a fascinating destination, unfortunately at the time of writing all travel to the Central African Republic is advised against by Western governments due to its ongoing civil war.

The Central African Republic is home to numerous national parks. Dzanga Sangha National Reserve, in the south-west of the country, is a lowland rainforest habitat where wildlife including various monkeys, gorillas, chimpanzees, giant forest hogs, red river hogs, forest elephants, forest buffalo, and bongos live. World Heritage-listed Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park is in the north-east and spans various terrains including savannah and grasslands. Wildlife here includes elephants, cheetahs, leopards, rhinos, wild dogs, gazelles, and buffalo. Capital city Bangui lies on the banks of Ubangi River, which marks the boundary between the Central African Republic and Congo. It has a large central market, majestic Presidential Palace, and imposing red-brick Cathédrale Notre-Dame, as well as an excellent, French-inflected dining scene.