Central African Republic Safaris

Landlocked in the heart of Africa, the relatively undiscovered Central African Republic consists mainly of the savannah plateau and southern equatorial forest. Discover some of the most pristine parks and reserves in Africa, venturing into the luscious Dzanga-Sangha National Park, home to the last spots of untouched rainforest and some of the most endangered animal species. Finding wildlife in the Central African Republic may be hard work but equally, the experiences and encounters here are some of the wildest and most rewarding. From lowland gorillas to forest elephants and river hogs, this really is a wild frontier and you can’t expect luxury. With a rich cultural tapestry that includes over 80 ethnic groups and religions ranging from Muslim to Christian, there are ample opportunities to experience contrasting and exciting walks of life. Southwest of the capital city of Bangui, you will find the village of M'Baïki, home to tobacco, timber and coffee plantations and whose surrounding rainforests are home to indigenous pygmy communities. Visiting some of the local villages and communities that are home to Ba’Aka pygmies can involve real cultural interaction at its most engaging. The pygmies occupy a narrow band of tropical rainforest, straddling the equator and they are the largest group of hunter-gatherers in the world today. For the adventurous and pioneering traveller, setting foot inside this mysterious magnificently low-key country is certain to give an original and distinctly African experience, unique cultural insight and some of the most rewarding wildlife encounters in the continent.

Why Natural World Safaris for your CAR Safari?

Originally started back in 2005 as World Primate Safaris, our CEO and Founder, Will Bolsover, has spent many years in jungles across the world tracking and guiding primates. Since then, we have gained years of valuable experience designing itineraries that put you in the right place, at the right time for magical encounters. In 2018, Will travelled to the Central African Republic on a journey into the Dzanga-Sangha National Park with the local Ba’Aka Pygmy tribe. As a largely undiscovered destination, first hand knowledge is essential. Our Africa & Primate Specialist, David, has experience on the ground and a wealth of expertise of this unique experience.

How much does Central African Republic cost?

Expect to budget from £7800 per person sharing for an 8 day pioneering safari to the remote Dzanga Sangha Reserve, this will typically include charter flights to the reserve and two gorilla treks and exclude international flights. For a longer 11 day safari, expect to budget from £9105.

A gorilla-tracking safari in the Dzanga Sangha is one of very few locations in the world where you can track these critically endangered species. With your experienced guides, begin by searching for gorilla nests before following their movements along elephant paths and narrow trails. The pursuit can be extensive and it may be a strenuous trek, gorillas can sometimes cover significant distances before finding their food of choice. While encounters are likely, they cannot be guaranteed. You will be one of few people fortunate enough to have the opportunity to track these remarkable primates.

• Track endangered western lowland gorillas in their natural habitat.
• Visit Dzanga Bai, a large, mineral-rich, clearing in the rainforest where forest elephants and other wildlife gather to drink.
• Experience the hunter-gatherer lifestyle of the Ba’Aka on a net hunt.
• Visit the pangolins that have been rescued and rehabilitated by Sangha Lodge.
• Journey upriver by boat deeper into the forest and hike through pristine primary rainforest in search of unique wildlife.
• Climb to the top of the waterfalls for extraordinary views over the forest canopy, looking out for birdlife such as the endangered grey-necked rock fowl.
• Join a night walk in search of the more elusive nocturnal wildlife, including tree pangolins, pottos, African palm civets and several owl species.
• Learn some of the uses of the medicinal plants that can be found in the Dzanga Sangha Reserve by the Ba’Aka.

Where to stay in CAR?

Accommodation options in the Central African Republic are much more basic as the country is less developed for tourism than other African countries. Many of the lodges and camps have a focus on sustainable tourism rather than luxury; traditional wood and thatch bungalow-style rooms are not uncommon, with beautiful settings on the banks of the Sangha River, complementing the forest that surrounds them. Read more about where to stay in CAR.

When to go to the Central African Republic?

The tropical rainforest within Dzanga Sangha National Park has an equatorial climate with no pronounced summer or winter, so there are generally opportunities for year-round travel. If you are looking to transfer from another country by pirogue, we would recommend between July to October as river levels must be high with an adequate flow. Read more about when to go to the Central African Republic.