Boali Falls: the classic day trip from Bangui

What you will see

The falls, known locally as the Chutes de Boali, plunge from a broad rocky ledge into a gorge below, framed by forest. In the wettest months the whole width runs white with water. In the dry season the flow drops sharply, in part because the river also feeds the Boali hydroelectric dams that supply much of Bangui's electricity, so the falls can shrink to a few strands. Time your visit for the second half of the rainy season if you can.

The visit

Viewpoints near the top of the falls give the classic picture, and paths lead down toward the base, which can be slippery. There has long been a simple hotel and restaurant area overlooking the falls, with places to sit and eat grilled fish or chicken. Local guides offer to walk you down, and a small payment for their help is normal. Bring sturdy shoes, water and something for the spray.

Boali town and the dams

Boali is a small town along the main road north west from Bangui. Its hydroelectric stations, built from the 1950s onward with a newer plant later, are some of the most important infrastructure in the country, so expect guarded areas where photography is not allowed. The town has a market and roadside stalls selling fruit, smoked fish and cassava.

Getting there

Boali lies roughly a hundred kilometres from Bangui along the main road toward Bossembélé. The drive takes around two hours, depending on the state of the road and checkpoints along the way. Visitors usually go with a trusted driver organised through their hotel, employer or family, leave early, and make sure they are back in Bangui well before dark.

Staying safe

The road north of Bangui has seen insecurity at times, and government advice warns against road travel outside the capital. Check the latest situation before you set out, travel in daylight only, carry identity documents for checkpoints and keep the trip simple. Do not swim near the top of the falls or in fast water below.

Food and practicalities

Bring snacks and water, and carry small notes of Central African francs for food, guides and parking. There are no ATMs at the falls. Phone signal can be patchy, so tell someone in Bangui your plans.

Tips for a good day

Leave Bangui early, take water, snacks and cash in small notes, and bring a change of clothes in case you get soaked by spray. Wear shoes with good grip. Ask locally about the state of the paths before you set off for the base, and keep children close near the edge, as there are few barriers.

Combining Boali with other stops

Many families combine the falls with a meal and a stop at the roadside stalls in Boali town, buying fruit and smoked fish to take back to Bangui. Keep the day simple and allow plenty of time to be back before dark.

A family favourite

For many families in Bangui, a trip to Boali is a childhood memory of picnics, swimming in safe pools well away from the falls, and the noise of water in the gorge. Joining relatives for this outing is one of the nicest ways for diaspora visitors to share a day out together.