When To Go to Central African Republic

The best time to visit the Central African Republic is during the dry season from November to March. Sitting just north of the equator, the Central African Republic remains hot and humid most of the time with the majority of the rain falling in the southwest region where the largest trees grow. You can see wildlife here all year round, but some species are easier to spot towards the end of the dry period when they cluster around the remaining water sources.

April to October

Rainfall occurs throughout the year, with precipitation averages higher between the months of April to October, particularly so between August and November, whilst June and July more traditionally known as the ‘short dry season’. This is only a guideline and does not guarantee that you will not experience rain outside of these months. Similarly, it may not rain every day during these months. Most excursions are conducted under the forest canopy so you will be protected from the rain.

Clear skies make for excellent lighting conditions for wildlife photography in the Dzanga Bai and the rainforest is fruiting, so the lowland gorillas track well and are more easily visible as they search for food in the trees.

November to March

When the average rainfall starts to decline between the months of November and March wildlife viewing is generally good in the Dzanga Bai, and the lowland gorillas tend to spend more time on the ground in patches of forest. In particular, the best conditions tend to be between January and February, but one should bear in mind that rainfall is still possible even during these times.

If you want to go gorilla tracking

Gorillas can be found in the Central African Republic (CAR) in the Dzanga-Sangha Protected Areas, which include Dzanga-Ndoki National Park, Ndoki Forest Reserve, and Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve. The best time to look for gorillas in CAR is during the dry season, which typically runs from December to February and then from June to September. During the dry season, the gorillas tend to stay closer to the forest edges, making them easier to spot. Additionally, the dry season is a time of less rainfall, making trekking through the forest easier and less muddy. However, it is important to note that gorilla sightings cannot be guaranteed and can be influenced by factors such as weather, gorilla behavior, and the overall ecosystem of the area.

April to October

Rainfall occurs throughout the year, with precipitation averages higher between the months of April to October, particularly so between August and November, whilst June and July more traditionally known as the ‘short dry season’. This is only a guideline and does not guarantee that you will not experience rain outside of these months. Similarly, it may not rain every day during these months. Most excursions are conducted under the forest canopy so you will be protected from the rain. Clear skies make for excellent lighting conditions for wildlife photography in the Dzanga Bai and the rainforest is fruiting, so the lowland gorillas track well and are more easily visible as they search for food in the trees.

November to March

When the average rainfall starts to decline between the months of November and March wildlife viewing is generally good in the Dzanga Bai, and the lowland gorillas tend to spend more time on the ground in patches of forest. In particular, the best conditions tend to be between January and February, but one should bear in mind that rainfall is still possible even during these times.

River Expeditions

Discover secluded villages, verdant woods, and a variety of aquatic species by canoeing or boating along the Sangha River and adjacent waterways.

Dzanga Bai

Visit the well-known Dzanga Bai, a sizable forest clearing where elephants congregate to drink water rich in minerals. It's a great place to take pictures of wildlife.

If you want to go gorilla tracking

Gorillas can be found in the Central African Republic (CAR) in the Dzanga-Sangha Protected Areas, which include Dzanga-Ndoki National Park, Ndoki Forest Reserve, and Dzanga-Sangha Special Reserve. The best time to look for gorillas in CAR is during the dry season, which typically runs from December to February and then from June to September. During the dry season, the gorillas tend to stay closer to the forest edges, making them easier to spot. Additionally, the dry season is a time of less rainfall, making trekking through the forest easier and less muddy. However, it is important to note that gorilla sightings cannot be guaranteed and can be influenced by factors such as weather, gorilla behaviour, and the overall ecosystem of the area.