What to see in Central African Republic: 10 must-sees

Witness the forest clearing where 100 savanna elephants come to drink every day, one of the most spectacular gatherings in Africa. Walk the trails, camp in the savanna, and discover how the BaAka have coexisted with elephants for centuries. Explore the natural landscape where geological formations, wildlife and plants form a living ecosystem. Hiking, nature watching and immersion in spectacular scenery. Natural processes have shaped this landscape for millions of years.

Drift down the Ubangi River in a pirogue and feel the Zongo rapids crash against the rocks as the rainforest closes in on the banks. Camp among centuries-old trees, hear chimpanzees up close, and walk trails where geological formations coexist with biodiversity rarely found so close to a capital: barely 100 kilometers separate this reserve from Bangui. Bring binoculars for birdwatching and sturdy shoes for hiking through humidity and roots.

Sail the Manovo River and camp on its banks within the 17,400 km² of savanna this park stretches to the border with Sudan. Take a guided safari across the plains where elephants, black rhinos and hippos coexist, and from natural viewpoints spot some of the 330 recorded bird species. Getting there requires planning and charter flights from Bangui, but the reward is one of the last corners of Central Africa where wildlife roams without crowds around.

Follow the canopy trails in Dzanga-Sangha, near Bayanga, where the rainforest opens into savanna. Watch lowland gorillas, chimpanzees and elephants gather in the forest clearings to drink mineral-rich water. Hike the paths with local trackers, camp beside the Sangha River, and listen to the forest up close at night. Identify some of the 300 recorded bird species, including parrots and hornbills. Plan your visit for the dry season to make getting around and wildlife spotting easier.

See the 7,000-year-old megaliths that mark the tombs of the region's ancient inhabitants. Walk among the three-meter-high stones, admire the formations, and uncover the mystery of these stones, which locals call balindas. Explore the archaeological site where ruins, artifacts and history tell of civilizations that flourished millennia ago. Walk among the stones, admire the remains, and discover the past.

Tour the 18th-century fortified palace where the sultans of Senoussi ruled the region. Visit the walls and inner courtyards, and admire the architecture that has survived wars and migrations. Take in the monument that tells centuries of history and culture. Walk through its structures, admire the architectural details, and uncover the history held within its stones.

Wander through Bangui's central market among stalls of fabrics, spices, and makeshift workshops, and make your way to the Cathedral to see worship and commerce sharing the same street. Then walk down to the banks of the Lower Ubangi, where pirogues and fishermen set the rhythm of the morning. At the National Museum you'll find ethnographic pieces and objects from Central African history, while the crafts market brings together masks, basketry, and hand-carved works. Take time to talk with vendors and artisans: in one of the least-visited capitals on the African continent, every encounter counts.