In
(Keywords: Places, City, Country....)
Find
Unique Search Engine and Database for Travellers
( Keywords: Information, Companies, Product, Services, Brands, ...etc... )
|
In
(Keywords: Places, City, Country....)
Find
Unique Search Engine and Database for Travellers
( Keywords: Information, Companies, Product, Services, Brands, ...etc... )
|
Introduction - The Central African Republic (CAR) is a landlocked country located in Central Africa. This country of staggering exceptional natural beauty is neighboured by Chad in the north, Sudan in the east, the DR Congo and the Republic of the Congo in the south and Cameroon in the west. The capital city is Bangui. Bangui is so popular with adventurous travelers. The city is built on a rock, shaded by tropical greenery; watered by River Ubangi and features many modern architectural buildings. Places of interest for tours include the lively Central Market (renowned for its malachite necklaces), the Boganda Museum, the Arts and Crafts School, the cathedral and the Saint Paul Mission, whose small brick church overlooks the river, and the Hausa quarter. Other top attractions in the country aside from the Bangui attractions include the Chutes De Boali (a series of spectacular waterfalls); the Dzanga-Sangha National Park popular for its gorilla concentration; Bamingi Bangoro National Park; St. Floris National Park; Andre Felix National Park. These wildlife conservation areas are home to forest elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos plus several other animals. One of the lowland gorilla’s last habitats is found in the rainforests of the south and offers a perfect destination for Central African Republic safaris. Dominantly the southern border is covered by streams of River Congo, with the Mbomou River in the east joining with River Uele and forming the Ubangi River. The eastern border lies along the edge of the Nile river watershed. In the west, River Sangha flows through part of the country. Because the country is well watered, it generally experiences a tropical climate. With a history of turmoil and ongoing internal conflict, Central African Republic (CAR) is not a particularly safe travel destination. Years of tyranny under the Bokassa regime has rendered it one of the poorest countries in the world. However, it does have friendly locals, natural splendour and amazing wildlife.
(the French embassy and US embassy both have fine doctors) or at a clinic at an organisation like Institut Pasteur. The local clinics and hospitals sometimes have a limited supply of necessary resources such as syringes, medicine, etc. Hepatitis E is present and hepatitis B is hyperendemic. Diarrhoeal illnesses are common. Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) is present; avoid swimming and paddling in fresh water. Meningococcal meningitis is particularly prevalent during the dry season in December, especially in the north of the country. Vaccination is strongly recommended. There is also a high incidence of HIV/AIDS; sensible precautions should be taken. Rabies is present. For those at high risk, vaccination before arrival should be considered. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay. Hot, dry, dusty harmattan winds affect northern areas. Floods are common. Police manning checkpoints will demand bribes, expect no less than US$5; there are many reports that a trip from the Cameroon border to Bangui will cost hundreds of US dollars or Euros in bribes. Police will often confiscate an item (passport, camera, watch) and demand money for it. Armed robberies on roads in the country are common. Violent crime in the capital is common even in daylight, particularly around the "kilometre 5" bus station. Alcoholism is a major problem with city-dwellers, so be weary of drunks and do not even think about drinking with locals (you will be out-drunk). In March 2003, rebel forces took over the government of the Central African Republic, and the group's leader named himself president. He remains in power today, and despite peaceful elections in March 2005, tourists could be at risk, particularly during public gatherings. Nonetheless, South West Central African Republic is a relatively stable and popular tourist destination. No incidents of crime involving tourists have been reported on the road from Bangui to Dzanga Sangha[1] and many diplomats frequent the region on holiday. 
Islamic minority of 15% and 35% of the population have indigeneous beliefs.
woodblock prints and batiks and tie-dyed cloths. Dress is normally conservative and shorts are frowned upon, and the standards are usually tougher for women than men.
in denominations of XAF10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of XAF500, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1. The CFA Franc is tied to the Euro. There are no ATMs in CAR and credit cards are generally not accepted. Take travellers cheques in euros to avoid additional exchange-rate charges. Even so, commission charges can be very high and the exchange rates very low – up to 25% below the current internationally accepted rate.
along most routes, so it’s a good idea to take along a large petrol supply and spares. International Driving Permit required. Identification (e.g. residence permit or certified copy of passport) must be carried at all times. Failure to do so can result in detention by police. Self-drive or chauffeur-driven cars are available. Limited bus services run in Bangui on a two-zone tariff. Taxis are only available in the urban areas; they do not have meters and fares must be negotiated. Minibuses serve Bangui and other major towns.
