Everything you need to know about travelling to Cameroon and Central African Republic: Essential travel information (Q&A with our tour leader)

14.02.2025 11:50

We just got back from an unforgettable journey through Cameroon and the Central African Republic, and we’re still buzzing from the experience. It was an adventure in the truest sense - bouncing along remote dirt roads in sturdy 4x4s, deep in the Central African rainforest, where every turn reveals something incredible—lush green landscapes, curious children running out to greet us, and the occasional unexpected road challenge that kept us on our toes. From the thunderous Ekom Nkam Waterfalls, made famous by Tarzan, to the quiet moments spent watching chimpanzees in their natural habitat at Pongo Songo, every day brought something extraordinary. We also met the Baka people, who welcomed us into their world with music, dancing and a lot of smiles. Traveling through these regions isn’t always easy, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to explore this part of the world, we sat down with Nesi - our tour leader of the last group in January 2025  to answer your questions, share the best moments, and give you a real feel for what it’s like to take on this journey. 

Q: What makes this trip so special compared to other destinations?
A: This is the kind of journey that reminds you why you travel in the first place. It’s raw, real, and full of unexpected moments. Unlike more touristy destinations, here you’re immersed in places few travelers ever go. You’re driving through untouched rainforests, visiting remote villages where people are genuinely excited to see you, and experiencing nature at its most powerful—whether it’s standing in front of Ekom Nkam Falls or locking eyes with a chimpanzee in their natural habitat. It’s travel at its purest.

 

Ekom Nkam Waterfalls, Cameroon

Q: What are the highlights of this trip?
A: This journey is packed with unforgettable moments, but a few experiences really stand out. First, Ekom Nkam Waterfalls—you can hear the roar before you even see them, and when you step out onto the viewing platform, the sheer force of the water takes your breath away. Knowing that this was the filming location for Tarzan only adds to the magic—you can almost picture him swinging through the trees! Then there’s Pongo Songo, where you can see chimpanzees in their natural habitat. Seeing them climb trees and squabble over food is incredible. You can see the intelligence and curiosity in their gaze -it’s a reminder of how closely connected we are to them. Another highlight is visiting a Baka village, deep in the rainforest. The Baka people have an extraordinary connection to their environment, and they welcome our groups with songs and dances. It is humbling and fascinating—one of those rare moments where you truly step into another world.

Chimpanzees in Pongo Songo Sanctuary, Cameroon

Q: Is it safe to travel in these regions?
A: Safety is always a top priority. While Cameroon is relatively stable, the Central African Republic has had ongoing conflicts, and you will notice UN peacekeepers in Bangui. This is a reminder that security is still a concern in some areas. It’s crucial to follow our guides’ recommendations at all times. That means avoiding certain areas, not wandering off alone, and being respectful in sensitive situations. Also, never take photos of military personnel, government buildings, or checkpoints—this can cause serious problems. We always stay updated about the security situation and might make changes to the itinerary if some of the regionsare not considered safe for visitors anymore.

Q: What do people need to know about visas for this trip?
A: Most nationalities can get e-visa for Cameroon. We sort the visa to CAR with the help of our local partner to make the procedure as easy and fast as possible. In this group, we were all able to get visa on arrival. However, the visa requirements might change, so it's best to check with us as the time of reservation. Yellow fever vaccination certificate is also mandatory for this trip, as it’s required for entry into both countries.

 

Q: How do you get to Cameroon and the Central African Republic?
A: Our tour starts in Yaounde in Cameroon, so you need to travel there from your home country. From Europe, most people fly from Paris with Air France, but there are quite a lot of airlines that can be used for arrival.  From there, we travel overland in Cameroon. According to our current itinerary (Jan 2025), we then take a flight from Douala to get to Bangui in CAR. There are a few airlines that can be used - CAMAIR, Afrijet, RwandAir. Once the tour is confirmed, we will advise you which flight the particular group will use. Flying out of Bangui can be a bit more challenging, but most people are able to find a connecting flight using Air France  to Paris. Royal Air Maroc is another major airline that operates flights to/from Bangui. Alternatively, you can use some of the regional airlines like Afrijet to another city in the region, from where you can find a good option for connecting flight back home. 

Q: What are the road conditions in Cameroon and the Central African Republic and what transportation is used?
A: In Cameroon, we use standard tourist bus, the size depends on the group size. Most of the roads were in pretty good conditions and we experienced no issues in this regard. Once we arrive in CAR, the difference between the two countries is immediately noticeable—CAR is less developed, most of the trip we travelled on rural dirt roads. That's why in CAR we use 4x4 cars - two or three, depending on the group size.  

On the road to Mbaiki, Central African Republic

 

Q: What is the accommodation like on this trip?
A: The accommodation varies throughout the trip, but overall, you can expect simple but comfortable places to stay. In Bangui, we stay in a legendary hotel overlooking the Oubangui River. While the standards may be a bit lower, the view more than makes up for it. Waking up in the morning, stepping onto the balcony, and seeing the serene river with local fishermen gliding past in traditional pirogues—it’s a moment of calm that sticks with you. In Mbaïki, accommodations are even more basic. Depending on availability, we either stay in a simple local bungalow or in the yard of a cathedral, using the missionary guesthouses. It’s rustic but part of the adventure, and it gives you a real sense of the local way of life. Elsewhere, especially in Cameroon, we use standard hotels that offer comfortable beds, hot running water, and air conditioning. 

Q: What’s the food like on this trip?
A: It’s a mix of local and more familiar dishes. Expect grilled fish, plantains, different sauces, and lots of rice. In the more remote areas, meals can be quite simple—meat and rice, and fresh fruit of course. If you are vegetarian, there will still be one or two options in most places, but other dietary restrictions or preferences might be harder to accommodate. Most of the days, we had takeaway sandwiches or snacks for lunch. Because of the logistics, sometimes there are no options for lunch at restaurants, or they will take a long time and affect the daily plan. It's something that people with dietary restrictions or other health conditions should keep in mind 

Baka People Dancing in CAR

Q: How can people best prepare for this trip?
A: The more you understand about the region, the richer your experience will be. Of course, on the trip, our guides will share the history and culture of their countries, but if you want to have a better understanding and built up the excitement before the trip, I recommend reseraching the following topics, be it by watching movies, reading books about them or simple searching the internet: 

• Colonial history – Both Cameroon and the CAR were shaped by European powers, and you can still see the influence today.
• Ethnic and religious diversity – These countries have complex social structures, with different ethnic groups, languages, and religions coexisting.
• Current political situation – Especially in CAR, where instability is an issue. Understanding the background helps you appreciate what you see on the ground.
• African history and culture documentaries – Anything on the Baka people or Central Africa’s rainforests will be useful.

Q: What should people pack for this adventure? A: The essentials:

• Lightweight, breathable clothing (it gets humid!)
• A good rain jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes/ sandals
• Swimsuit
• Insect repellent—trust me, you’ll need it
• A headlamp (power cuts happen)
• Sleeping bag liners - this is not madatory, but in some of the accommodations in the remote areas, you might feels more comfortable using your own bedsheet
• A sense of adventure—you’ll use it every day