CENTRAL AFRICA
For me, Central Africa was the highlight of my trip across Africa. This part of Africa is tends to attract fewer tourists than East and West Africa. We rarely came across other travelers, and as such we received a lot of attention from the locals - most of it good. In contrast to West and East Africa, Central Africa has a lot of jungles and is a predominately tropical climate. Particularly in Cameroon and Central African Republic, we would drive for days along muddy roads surrounded on each side by thick tropical jungle. This made finding a campsite an interesting prospect, and most of the time we found ourselves camping in the local quarries, which were the only cleared land in the area. Also, at night, you can lie in your tent and hear monkeys and night birds communicating with each other.
WIKKI WARM SPRINGS - YANKARI NATIONAL PARK, NIGERIA
Whilst a lot of people claim that the parks of East Africa far surpass those in the rest of Africa, none can boast a natural spring as beautiful as Yankari. The waters here are at a constant temperature of about 30 degrees Celsius all year round. The water is flowing, and therefore not prone to the usual parasites that infest other African waters. The whole area is surrounded by jungle and a colony of baboons live just downstream.
I had an enjoyable afternoon floating down the little creek, watching baby baboons playing in the trees overhead. These same baboons are also prone to raid your vehicle and steal food and drink if it is left lying around. I discovered a baboon sitting in our truck, helping himself to a 1 litre cask of Spanish red wine. A quick swipe with the broom saw him dash off, but I bet he had a major headache later that day - from the wine, not the broom.
BANGUI, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
The Central African Republic is considered to be quite an unstable country. Shortly after arriving in the capital, Bangui, a military coup broke out and we were stuck there for two weeks. We stayed at the old Peace Corps house, which had a front lawn big enough to fit our 10 tents. Whilst not directly under threat ourselves, we did have to be careful about where we went and what we did. With gunfire sounding every night, and French soldiers set up in sandbag bunkers at the end of every street, it was an interesting time. We considered it a bit of a luxury to be able to stay put in the one place for more than a few days, and have regular showers. Also Bangui was the home of 'Le Croissant D'Or' - one of the best patisseries in Central Africa. Fresh coffee and gateaux, yogurt and air conditioning were things we had not experienced during the months before arriving in Bangui.
Having come from the predominately Islamic countries along the West African coast, my bacon-loving companions were anxious to have a pig on the spit. We asked some of the house staff to buy us a pig from the local market, so we could have a pig on the spit that night. Much to my surprise, the pig came trotting in the front gate. I'm glad that the house staff volunteered to slaughter it for us. The pig was roasted all day and we all had a wonderful party that night, with the sound of gunfire and the sight of tracer fire lighting up the night sky. MILITARY COUP IN CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC - CLICK HERE!!
BANGUI, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC
Central Africa tends to be a predominately French-speaking area, and some of the time people resort to sign language to get the message across. Indeed, a great challenge for a traveler through these areas is to be able to communicate with the locals. Away from the cities, French and English speakers were scarce. Sign language was often the only way to get a message across or to ask for help.
This sign was located at the Lutheran Mission in Garoua Boulai, Cameroon. I had the pleasure of staying at this mission for 2 weeks whilst being denied entry into my next country - Central African Republic. Luckily we had the use of a drop toilet during our stay!
HUNTING WITH THE PYGMIES. CLICK HERE!!
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