Things to see and do Central African Republic

These engravings will reward the walker, after ten kilometres on foot in the heart of the trees. Do not leave without a good litre of water per person, and put it right: beware of snakes!

Approximately 3 km after Kembé, on the left of the bridge overlooking Kotto, huge cataracts of white foam are tearing on the bow of a black rock ship: The Kotto Falls are probably the most beautiful in the Central African Republic. Their noisy and steep flow contrasts wonderfully with the peaceful water restraint that feeds them. One hundred metres after the bridge, left at the left is a picnic area on the edge of Kotto, overlooking the falls. Provide a little méchouis, bread or grilled corn purchased at the Kembé market. The Dimbi market, 20 km before Kembé, is often much better supplied, as this village serves as a crossroads to Satéma in the south. But if the water is jonzac on that day, the fishermen will surely propose to you to taste their loot. In this calm water, bathing is pleasant, provided that it remains far from the abyss of the falls: the current can surprise at one stroke the reckless swimmer and be fatal to him. Better off on foot: rocks polished by erosion form giant steps to descend at the foot of the falls and contemplate their strength.

Some information can be found on local curiosities: Musée museum, megaliths, Gouffre chasm, painting of traditional chiefs on a wall of the town hall of Bouar.

It is impossible to find this place, located behind the apostolic church in the Zoukpana district, if you are not accompanied by a guide. Once, when a harmful event threatened Berbérati, the elders gathered on this hill side - offering a breathtaking view of the city - for ceremonies and ritual sacrifices. Today, the place is left out and invaded by the tall grasses. However, it was maintained a few years ago because of its great archaeological interest: " pots ", cavities dug out of the hard and red rock, are the whole plateau. Ruissellement are connecting them to each other. They dates from the iron age, a period where the ancestors here dnsels concentrated latérite, heated up to liquefaction to draw an ferrous metal that serves either the bride's bride or the dot of their weapons. According to legend, when water no longer discharges a pot into a pot to fill them, the peace of the city and the country'does not go well '. Another legend claims that mythical warriors always take care of this site, and that in case of threat they will chase foreigners.

Consecrated in the 1930 s by Mgr Lefebvre, then superior of the Spiritains, who had to do so much to speak about him, the ancient cathedral, located in the diocese district, is certainly one of the jewels of missionary architecture in the Central African Republic. Although we can no longer enter it because of the dilapidated roof of the roof, this huge church is probably the most beautiful of the country. Unfortunately, you can no longer admire the beautiful frescoes it contains. Nevertheless, you can still enjoy the majestic and refined spectacle of the hanger arches which cut a sober facade whose ochre fades itself under the wear of time.

The source of the Lobaye, which crosses the entire western part of the country, including Ngotto and the south of Mbaïki, before joining the Oubangui in Mongoumba, is located in Bouar in one of the districts of the centre, dotted with megaliths. Apply for guidance to Aboriginal people. The main attraction of Bouar, the megaliths are spread both in the municipality and in its large suburbs. One of the most popular sites is located next to the cattle market on the plateau (open every day at 11 pm). On the left side of the park there are straight stone stones. Their provision is varied but nevertheless appears organized. An altar consisting of two stones lying on the side and surmounted by a massive oval stone serves as a table, and seems not to have moved for millennia. This altar is a privileged witness to our evolution: Over 3 000 years ago, when writing appeared in Egypt, an agricultural civilization cut and climbed these menhirs. Other dolmens are visible in the city itself, but many are left behind, some of which were even covered with latérite during the expansion of the road.

It is imperative to be accompanied by a traditional leader to access this escarpment and its steep slopes. One can also rely on a young person from the village who finds there the opportunity to make service, to glorify the heritage of his ancestors and to improve his daily life (given in general 500 FCFA). The chasm, which is about metres wide and m wide, winds through the rock to a hole that is impossible to access because of its sacred character. The Maïgaro is a dry wind that would take its source in this chasm, before coming to sweep the cliffs of red rock, and then escape through the final orifice, giving birth to a particular song that only the elders know to interpret. Each year in November, a bag of each seed grown in the region is intended for a ceremony at the level of the orifice: rituals, accompanied by drums and youyous of women, are expected to ensure good harvests and protect the population from disease.

A former place of relaxation for the French military, the Liberty Bar has an exceptional exhibition: its facade and beautiful terrace offer a panoramic view of the savannah depression that extends to the foot of the building. Some of the great hostel Auvergne, with its central dome and its half-moon opening, its high ceilings supported by beams and its huge fireplace, the Liberty Bar is now abandoned. Advice to prospective buyers!