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Central African Republic Safaris

Landlocked in the heart of Africa, the relatively undiscovered Central African Republic is home to the luscious Dzanga-Sangha National Park, an untouched rainforest with endangered wildlife from the lowland gorillas to forest elephants and river hogs. A gorilla-tracking safari in the Dzanga Sangha is one of very few locations in the world where you can track these critically endangered species. With your experienced guides, begin by searching for gorilla nests before following their movements along elephant paths and narrow trails. The pursuit can be extensive, and it may be a strenuous trek, gorillas can sometimes cover significant distances before finding their food of choice. While encounters are likely, they cannot be guaranteed. Finding wildlife in the Central African Republic may be hard work but equally, the experiences and encounters here are some of the wildest and most rewarding.

The CAR Safari Experience

  • Track endangered western lowland gorillas in their natural habitat, Dzanga-Sangha National Park
  • Visit Dzanga Bai, a large, mineral-rich, clearing in the rainforest where forest elephants and other wildlife gather to drink
  • Experience the hunter-gatherer lifestyle of the Ba’Aka on a net hunt and learn some of the uses of the medicinal plants that can be found in the Dzanga Sangha Reserve
  • Journey upriver by boat deeper into the forest and hike through pristine primary rainforest in search of unique wildlife
  • Climb to the top of the waterfalls for extraordinary views over the forest canopy, looking out for birdlife such as the endangered grey-necked rock fowl.
  • Enjoy night safaris in search of the more elusive nocturnal wildlife, including tree pangolins, pottos, African palm civets and several owl species.
  • Visit the pangolins that have been rescued and rehabilitated by Sangha Lodge

Why Natural World Safaris for your CAR Safari?

As a largely undiscovered destination, first-hand knowledge is essential. Originally started back in 2005 as World Primate Safaris, our CEO and Founder, Will Bolsover, has spent many years in jungles across the world tracking and guiding primates. Since then, we have gained years of valuable experience designing itineraries and our Primate Specialist, David, has experience on the ground and a wealth of expertise in this unique experience.


Chad Camels Will Bolsover

CAR & Chad Safari

Travel on an unforgettable and one-off journey combining two very unique counties. Unlike more popular safari destinations, the Central African Republic and Chad remain as hidden gems, providing a unique opportunity to explore untouched terrain, where untamed wilderness and extraordinary encounters await. This expert-led safari promises a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, conservation, and remarkable encounters in some of Africa’s few untouched wilderness areas.

From 52500 per person
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Dzanga Sangha Gorilla Tracking Safari

Track endangered western lowland gorillas, observe forest elephants, bongos, and mangabey monkeys, and join the local Ba'Aka tribe on a net hunt in the dense rainforests of the Dzanga Sangha reserve.

From 9500 per person
CAR Dzangha Sangha Kyle De Nobrega

Sangha Lodge

Sangha Lodge is a eco-tourism lodge located in the Congo Basin rainforest in the Central African Republic. It is situated in the heart of the Dzanga-Sangha Protected Areas, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity and unique wildlife. Sangha Lodge offers a variety of eco-tourism activities such as guided forest walks, bird watching, river trips, and gorilla and chimpanzee tracking. The lodge is committed to responsible and sustainable tourism practices, and works closely with the local communities to support conservation efforts and promote cultural understanding. The lodge is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers looking for a unique and authentic experience in one of the most remote and pristine wilderness areas in Africa.

Read more about the lodge
CAR Sl Central African Republic Dzanga Bai Elephant Credit Andrew James

Dzanga Sangha National Park

This is the Central African Republic’s major natural attraction and enticing area for tourists to visit, fully capturing the remarkably unspoilt and pristine beauty that the destination has to offer

Read more about the park
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Talk to an Africa Destination Specialist

The Central African Republic Safari Experience

How much does Central African Republic cost?

Expect to budget from $9,500 per person sharing for an 8-day pioneering safari to the remote Dzanga Sangha Reserve, this will typically include charter flights to the reserve and two gorilla treks and exclude international flights.

When to go to the Central African Republic?

The tropical rainforest within Dzanga Sangha National Park has an equatorial climate with no pronounced summer or winter, so there are generally opportunities for year-round travel. If you are looking to transfer from another country by pirogue, we would recommend between July to October as river levels must be high with an adequate flow. Read more about when to go to the Central African Republic.

Where to stay in the Central African Republic?

Accommodation options in the Central African Republic are much more basic as the country is less developed for tourism than other African countries. Many of the lodges and camps focus on sustainable tourism rather than luxury; traditional wood and thatch bungalow-style rooms are common, with beautiful settings on the banks of the Sangha River. Read more about where to stay in CAR.

Download our Gorilla Trekking Guide

Discover the top gorilla tracking experiences, when to go, best accommodation and more.

Sl Rwanda Gorilla David Yarrow

CAR Wildlife

CAR Sl Central African Republic Dzanga Bai Elephant Credit Andrew James

Where To Go

Dzanga Sangha National Park

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What to expect from a trip to CAR

Client Reviews

Rated 5/5 based on 1 customer reviews
  • africa-car-wendy-ostgaard

    David went out of his way to help with our trip and we had an amazing experience! The guides at Sangha were excellent, and knowledgeable, and everyone went out of their way to help. We would love to travel again due to the attention to detail and NWS' willingness to deal with difficult situations.

    5 out of 5

Central African Republic Safaris FAQs

What is the main food of the Central African Republic?

The main food of the Central African Republic (CAR) is based on a diet that includes a variety of staple foods such as cassava, yams, maize, millet, and rice. These staples are often used to make dishes like fufu (a starchy side dish), porridge, and various types of bread. Meat, particularly bushmeat such as antelope, monkey, and wild boar, is also commonly consumed, especially in rural areas. Additionally, vegetables, legumes, and fruits are part of the diet when available. The cuisine in CAR reflects local ingredients and traditional cooking methods, and meals often incorporate a blend of flavours and spices.

What is Central Africa famous for?

Central Africa is famous for its rich biodiversity and expansive rainforests, home to iconic and endangered species; its cultural diversity with a mosaic of languages, traditions, and arts; its contributions to wildlife conservation efforts and key habitats for gorillas, chimpanzees, and more; its geographical features like the Congo River and diverse landscapes; its historical role in Africa's colonial past and subsequent challenges; its resilience in the face of difficulties; its production of traditional arts, crafts, literature, and music; and its valuable oil reserves and natural resources, all contributing to the region's complex and multifaceted identity.

What is the climate of the Central African Republic?

The Central African Republic's climate varies across its regions, with the equatorial zone in the south experiencing a hot and humid climate with consistent rainfall, the central savanna zone having distinct wet and dry seasons, and the northern Sudanese zone characterised by a longer dry season and higher temperatures. Altitude and the Intertropical Convergence Zone contribute to climate variations. The equatorial rainforest receives heavy rainfall year-round, while the central and northern regions have wet and dry seasons affecting temperatures and precipitation. These climate patterns influence the country's diverse ecosystems, agriculture, and daily living conditions.