The capital on the river
Almost every trip begins in Bangui, the capital, spread along the north bank of the Oubangui river opposite the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is the country's only real city, with its busiest markets, the red brick Notre-Dame cathedral, the Boganda museum, lively music bars and the only international airport. It is also where embassies, aid organisations and most hotels are.
The rainforest of the south west
Dzanga-Sangha is the reason most international visitors come. This protected rainforest at the country's south western tip is part of the Sangha Trinational UNESCO World Heritage Site, shared with Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo. It is famous for habituated western lowland gorillas, the forest elephants of Dzanga Bai and the knowledge of the BaAka forest people. Most visitors arrive by charter flight to Bayanga.
Day trips from Bangui
The Boali Falls, on the Mbali river north west of the capital, are the classic outing from Bangui and spectacular in the rainy season. South west of the city, the Lobaye forest around Mbaïki offers a first taste of rainforest, coffee plantations and Aka villages.
The rest of the country
Huge areas of the north, east and centre, including the once famous Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park, are affected by armed groups and are not places visitors can go. Every government that publishes travel advice warns against travel to most or all of the country, so read that advice first and use the free trip planner to think your plans through.