dzanga_sangha_reserve

bayanga, central_african_republic

Dzanga-Sangha Reserve, located in the southwestern Central African Republic, is part of the Sangha Trinational UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places to see Western lowland gorillas in the wild. Covering 4,589 km², the reserve features dense rainforests, swampy clearings (bais), and the Sangha River, attracting forest elephants, bongos, chimpanzees, and rare birds. Visitors can enjoy gorilla trekking, elephant tracking at Dzanga Bai, boat trips, and cultural encounters with the indigenous Ba’Aka people. The best time to visit is December–March (dry season). Access is via a flight from Bangui to Bayanga or a long road journey, with entry fees around $20–$30 and gorilla trekking permits costing $300–$400.