Overview
Central African Republic is a country in Africa according to areacodesexplorer. The public face of the Central African Republic is characterized by political unpredictability and a wild nature. It is a land of unstable governments and cruel harmattan winds. However, the private face of the African state is much milder, offering visitors savannas, forests, waterfalls and magnificent national parks that are home to numerous animals including lowland gorillas and forest elephants. Life in the Central African Republic is an exciting mix of arts, crafts and cultural diversity, home to more than 80 ethnic groups. Although the capital Bangui has a reputation for being dangerous,
Getting there
Arriving by plane
There are no non-stop flights to the Central African Republic from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Air France (AF) flies twice a week non-stop from Paris to the Central African Republic. Feeder flights from Germany, Austria and Switzerland to Paris are possible with Air France (AF) and the respective national airlines. Royal Air Maroc (AT) connects Frankfurt/M. once a week. via Casablanca (Morocco) and Douala (Cameroon) with Bangui. Feeder flights to Frankfurt/M. are possible from Vienna and Zurich with Lufthansa (LH) and the respective national airline.
Flight times
Paris – Bangui: 6 hours 40 minutes (non-stop); Frankfurt/M. – Bangui: 13 hrs 35 mins (with stops)
Departure fee
There is a fee of approximately €15 (CFA 10,000 Fr.) to be paid at Bangui Airport on departure.
Arrival by car
The roads from Yaoundé (Cameroon) and N’Djaména (Chad) to the Central African Republic are passable in all weathers. There are also connecting roads from the Democratic Republic of the Congo; the Ubangi is crossed by ferry upon arrival. Due to the unstable political situation in the Central African Republic and some of the neighboring countries, it is advisable to obtain information about the current situation from the embassy before leaving. Toll: There are no toll roads. Documents: In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license is required.
Arrival by train
There is no cross-border rail traffic.
Arrival by ship
Passenger and car ferries operate on the Ubangi between Bangui and Zongo (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Boats can also be rented, sometimes at high prices. During political unrest, which occurs again and again, ship traffic is very irregular, if at all.
Ferry provider
The SOCATRAF company operates ferry services on the Ubangi between Bangui and the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Departures from Brazzaville (Congo) take place every two to three weeks between June and November. It is best to arrange everything necessary in Brazzaville (Congo).
Routes across the rivers
Customs offices in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are closed on weekends. The Ubangi cannot then be crossed.
Transportation
warning
Armed raids by criminal gangs are to be expected in the outskirts of Bangui.
Traveling by plane
Domestic air traffic, including between Bangui and Berberati, is operated by charter airlines.
Traveling by car/bus
The road network has a total length of approx. 24,000 kilometers and connects the few larger towns in the country. Outside the urban areas, there are few vehicles; Spare parts are hard to find. A section of Transafrican Highway 8 runs between the border with Cameroon and Bangui. Toll: The roads are not subject to tolls. There are hardly any petrol stations outside of the cities and they are often supplied only irregularly. Filled petrol cans should therefore always be carried on long-distance journeys.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Condition of the roads
Only about 3% of the entire road network is asphalted; four-wheel drive is required on the remaining roads. During the rainy season (July to October) most of the roads are difficult to drive on or impassable.
Road classification
The country’s roads are divided into trunk roads, marked with the letters RN and a number, and regional roads, marked with the letters RR and a number.
Car rental
Rental cars are available in the cities both with and without a driver.
Taxi
Taxis are available in towns. They are usually used as shared taxis, but can also be hired as a single taxi at a higher price. The price should be agreed before departure; Night surcharges are common.
Coach
Regular buses run between the cities; however, the journey can be long and tiring. Another possibility are minibuses, for which you have to organize a ride yourself.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – seat belts are compulsory; – alcohol limit: 0.8 ‰; – Children must be transported in suitable child seats; – Telephoning at the wheel is only permitted with a hands-free system. Speed limits: – urban: 60 km/h; – extra-urban: 110 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of damage to the vehicle: Tel. +49 (0)89 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49 (0)89 76 76 76. In the event of breakdowns or accidents with the rental car, the car rental company should be contacted first.
Documentation
In addition to the national driver’s license, the international driver’s license is required.
Traveling in the city
Bangui has a small bus network with two fare zones. Taxis are only available in the city area.
Locally on the way by train
There is currently no rail transport.
