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Meridiela.

Bayanga

The southwestern town that serves as the base for Dzanga-Sangha.

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Typetown
WhereSangha-Mbaéré
Nearest cityBangui
Best seasonDecember to February
Time to allowOvernight or longer
Getting thereIn the far southwest on the Sangha river; long drive from Bangui or charter flight
EntryFree; park permits separate

Bayanga sits on the Sangha river in the far southwest and is the base from which the Dzanga-Sangha protected areas are reached: the research station, the park offices, the guides and the trackers all work from here. It grew around a timber operation and the town still has that shape. Aka and Bantu communities live in and around it and most visitors to CAR who get this far stay here.

What you actually see

  • The Sangha river - the water the town sits on.
  • The park base - offices, guides and trackers working from the town.
  • The timber town layout - the shape left by the logging operation.
  • The communities - Aka and Bantu people living in and around the town.

When to go

December to February is the driest window and the road is best. The wet season makes the drive very difficult. Humidity is high year round.

Honest expectations

The drive from Bangui takes days and the road is poor. Accommodation is limited and must be booked through the park. There is little in the town itself for a visitor.

Nearby

Dzanga-Sangha is around it, and the Sangha river runs past.

What to pack for Bayanga

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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