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).
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
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. The Central African Republic is just north of the Equator and consequently throughout the year daily high temperatures rarely fall below 30 °C (86 °F). 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.
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 kilometres (3 mi) further north, the heart of the residential area has the largest market and most nightlife. North of the city lie rolling hills. 1 Boganda National Museum (Musée national Barthélemy Boganda), Avenue Barthélemy Boganda. The national museum. (updated Mar 2017) 2 Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l'Immaculée-Conception of Bangui (Notre-Dame de Fatima). The largest cathedral in Bangui. (updated Mar 2017) 3 Renaissance Palace (Palais de la Renaissance). The presidential palace, can only be viewed from the outside. (updated Jul 2020)
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.
Mocaf is one of the better local beers, cheap and good quality. Comes in a big 650 ml bottle. 1 Sewa Rock Bar, ☏ +236 75 08 41 14. Riverfront bar that doubles as a sports venue with swimming pool and gym during daytime. Popular with the tiny elite in Bangui and expats. (updated Jul 2022)
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 (city hall) for a few dollars and is much safer to carry around than your passport.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
In Jul, Bangui typically sees ~28°C daytime highs and 29 rainy days.
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