Bangui
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Bangui is a pleasant shady town. On the south, the city is bordered by the Ubangi river. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is on the other sideof the river. The rest of Bangui is surrounded by green hills. There are many things to see in the city, so take some time when you visit it.
Bangui was founded in 1889 by the French, who named it after the Ubangi river, which the French transliterated as Oubangui. Ubangi translates as 'rapids' and there are rapids nearby.
The old town of Bangui has retained its colonial town planning, with wide boulevards that lead towards the central market square.
Places of interest
- The Place de la République is the square that marks the center of the city. There is a huge triumphal arch, one of the legacies of Bokassa.
- Two blocks to the southeast, not far from the port, you will find the Marché Central (central market).
- The Presidential Palace is northeast of the square, also nearby. It was formerly known as the formerly known as the Bokassa Palace.
- From the square there are streets leading in different directions. Leading west is the city's main shopping street, the Avenue Barthelémy Boganda. It runs from the square to the Rond-Point Boganda, or km 5 (also 'K-cinq') as it is known locally, because it is 5 km from the city center.
- The liveliest part of the city is the African quarter, where you will find many bars, discotheques and a large market. It is the area around intersection km 5. The same area is also the best place to find nice food from food stalls.
- South to the Boganda Avenue is the Avenue David Dacko.
- The famous Hôtel Minerva and the US Embassy are situated on this avenue. If you plan to go to the south of the country you will have to take this avenue.
- From the square towards the golf club in the north of the city is the Avenue de l'Indépendance. On this avenue you will find the Centre Artisanal (artisan's market), where bead necklaces are for sale, the national assembly and the golf club. This avenue is the direction, traffic to destinations in the east of the Central African Republic takes.
- On Avenue de la France is the Musée de Boganda (Boganda Museum) that has an excellent exhibition of pygmy tools, weapons, ancient hunting tools, pottery and many religious antiques. The exhibition of musical instruments from the region is especially interesting, as you are allowed to try them out yourself. The museum is also home to a collection of bark cloth, which was the material that Bokassa used to cover his bed.
- Bangui Zoo.
- The Roman Catholic Notre-Dame Cathedral.
- Former dictator Bokassa's palace is in Kolongo, about 10 km (6 mi) southwest of Bangui heading for M'Baïki. After Bokassa fled, the palace was looted, but it is still an interesting place to visit.
- 100 km northwest of Bangui are the Boali Waterfalls. Trips can be arranged from the capital.
An area where many restaurants are located is around the Place de la République. Accommodation is scattered all over the city. The airport is north of Bangui and the gare routière, where buses to the west of the country can be found, is 4 km from the center on Avenue de l'Indépendence.
Be very careful in the city, as thieves and pickpockets are around day and night. At night NEVER walk through the city, always take a taxi.
