Ano ba ang nasa Africa? Mga animals parang nasa NatGeo at mga “taong kawawa”.

Well, most people would think of that because somehow it is how media portrayed the countries in Africa. However, we should know better, Africa is not only of animals and “poor” people. I hope to change these perceptions and people would be encouraged to visit the continent.

It’s a place full of diverse cultures, flora and fauna, and different species of animals and birds. We should travel there to experience their traditions and see marvelous views so that when we go home we could share our stories with people and they’ll come and visit.

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The previous post was a Guide on West Africa. This post will help you know more about Central African Countries, How to Get to Central Africa, What are the Central Africa Visa requirements for Philippine Passport Holders and the Best Central Africa Travel Itinerary.

Other Articles You can Read:

About Central Africa

There are 9 Countries in Angola, Gabon, Cameroon, Chad, Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Congo, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Though Burundi and Rwanda are geographically located in East Africa, we will include them here since they are also a part of the ECCAS – Economic Community of Central African States.

With cultural diversity, countless ethnic groups, abundant wildlife, and many flora and fauna, which you will undoubtedly fawn all over; Central Africa is a must. If you love seeing animals; from gorillas to lions, hippos, elephants, whales, turtles and many species of birds and you want to feel like a National Geographic adventurer, then this place is where to go.

Getting Around Central Africa

Flights from the Philippines

There are no direct flights to any Central African Country from the Philippines. In the image below; the Philippines is green, No Visa Required Countries is Blue, eVisa or Visa on Arrival is Pink and Visa Required is Yellow.

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The best way to go is through Ethiopia via Hong Kong or Singapore since transit visa will be easier to get rather than Turkey. Alternatively, you go travel a bit in either Ethiopia or Kenya before going to Central African Countries. The easiest to go is to Rwanda and Gabon which don’t require a visa.

Note your flights will probably take more than a day, this is because you will have many stops and will wait for your next plane. So that it won’t matter much, you could try touring these countries before riding to any of these Central African Countries.

Traveling Within Central Africa

Unlike the Philippines, Central Africa connects except for Sao Tome and Principe where you might need a plane, or a boat ride to get there. There are also bus companies that travel between countries. There are also accessible bush taxis and minibusses. Be careful though as some countries don’t have Visa on Arrival in border crossings, so might as well apply for an e-visa.

COUNTRIES IN CENTRAL AFRICA

Visa Free Countries in Central Africa for Filipinos

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Rwanda

Rwanda is a country in East Africa (but we included them here since it is also beside Burundi and a part of ECCAS. This country has 3 National Parks that serve as habitats for mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.

Stay: 90 days
Points of Interest: Volcanoes National Park, Mount Bisoke, Kigali Genocide Memorial, Lake Ruhondo, Akagera National Park

eVisa or Visa On Arrival Countries

Gabon

Full of National parks, Gabon is a shelter of much wildlife with 13 national parks; from gorillas to hippos, and whales to turtles. There are also beaches, surf spots, and cultural attractions; Gabon indeed has a lot to offer.

eVISA: must arrive via Libreville International Airport, €70 + 15 processing fee
Points of Interest: Lope National Park, Mont Bengoué, Cathédrale Sainte Marie, Elobey Grande, Mayumba National Park

São Tomé And Príncipe

The Portuguese named the two islands; the capital is Sao Tome after Saint Thomas and while the other one is Principe stands for Prince; São Tomé And Príncipe - Saint Thomas and Prince.

eVISA: 30 days, € 20
Points of Interest: Obo Natural Park, Ilhéu das Rolas, Praia das Bananas, São Nicolau Waterfall, Pico Cão Grande

Visa Required Countries

Angola

The 7th Largest country in Africa is Angola. Its capital, Luanda, is known as the “Paris of Africa.” If you want to go here, try going to beaches, natural reserves and waterfalls.

Visa Guide: Valid Passport, visa application form, a passport-sized photo, an invitation letter from Angola, Travel itinerary (airline tickets and hotel reservation), Vaccination Certificate for Yellow Fever, proof of financial capacity (at least $200 per day), $120
Nearest Consulate/Embassy: Unit 1904, The Peak Towers, 107 L.P. Leviste Street Salcedo Village, Makati City, Manila, Philippines
Points of Interest: Quicama National Park, Kalandula Falls, Fortress of Sao Miguel, Viewpoint of the Moon, Ilha do Mussulo

Burundi

Burundi is another country geographically located in East Africa but a member of the Economic Community of Central African States. A lot of old tribes have settled in Burundi for more than 500 years; the Twa, Hutu, and Tutsi. This country has also been colonized in Germany then Belgium until it gained independence in 1962.

Visa Requirements: Valid Passport, Filled-up Application form, Flight Itinerary, Yellow Fever Certificate, Hotel Reservation, BIF 100,000
Nearest Consulate/Embassy: Burundian Embassy in Beijing, China, 25, Guang Hua Lu Jian Guo Men Wai, Beijing 100600, China
Points of Interest: Kibira National Park, Livingstone–Stanley Monument, Lake Tanganyika, Chutes de la Karera Falls, National Museum of Gitega

Cameroon

Mount Cameroon is the only active volcano in the country and has thermal springs all over. With a lot of National Parks; it is home to different species of mammals and birds.

Visa Requirements: Valid passport, visa application form, passport-sized photos, round trip airline tickets, approved leave letter from employer or school, HKD 780
Nearest Consulate/Embassy: Cameroonian Honorary Consulate in Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1201 Prosperity Millennia Plaza, 663 King's Road, North Point, P.O. Box 9746, General Post Office, Hong Kong
Points of Interest: Mount Cameroon, Waza National Park, Dja Faunal Reserve, Lobe Falls, Lake Oku

Central African Republic

Though rich in diamonds, gold, oil, and uranium, the Central African Republic is one of the poorest nations in the world. Precaution is advised in CAR as there are crimes, civil unrest, and kidnapping, so stay in tourist attractions and avoid rural areas. So it would help if you toured only at National Parks and Reserves.

Visa Requirements: Valid passport, Two applications forms, Two recent photographs, a letter from the airline company or a travel organization guaranteeing onward return air ticket, Yellow fever Immunization required, Flight itinerary, 30 days, $150
Nearest Consulate/Embassy: Central African Embassy in Beijing, China, 1-1-132, Ta Yuan Diplomatic Office Building, 1 Xin Dong Lu, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
Points of Interest: Bamingui-Bangoran National Park and Biosphere Reserve, Cathédrale Notre-Dame, Manovo-Gounda St. Floris National Park, Chutes de Boali, Mont Ngaoui

Chad

Named after Lake Chad, Chad is one of the most culturally diverse countries having over 200 ethnic groups and a hundred languages. Chad is another country covered by the Sahara. It is also a place where you can witness camel racing.

Visa Requirements: Valid passport, visa application form, passport-sized photos, yellow fever immunization certificate, outgoing tickets or itinerary, $150

Nearest Consulate/Embassy: Chadian Embassy in Beijing, China, Tayuan Diplomatic Building No.1, Xin Dong Lu, Beijing, China or Chadian Honorary Consulate in Bangkok, Thailand 36/9, 16-18 Viphavadee Rangsit Road Khweang Sanam Bim, Khet Don Mueang, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
Points of Interest: Lake Chad, Zakouma National Park, Toussidé, Guelta d'Archei, Grande Mosquée de N'Djamena

Republic of Congo

There are two Congos in Africa; this one is the Republic of Congo or Congo-Brazzaville as per locals. It was colonized by the French while DRC was colonized by Belgium. It is home to rainforest reserves and popular safari destinations.

Visa Requirements: Valid passport, visa application forms, passport size photos, itinerary or a copy of round trip tickets, yellow fever vaccination certificate, $200
Nearest Consulate/Embassy: Congolese Honorary Consulate in Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 27 floor, One Harbour Square, 181 Hoi Bun Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Points of Interest: Lake Tele, Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Mont Nabemba, Batéké Plateau, African Circle Museum of Pointe-Noire

Democratic Republic of Congo

The bigger Congo, DRC was known as Belgian Congo before then Zaire then DRC. Locals, however, call it Congo-Kinshasa. It is Africa’s second-largest republic and has one of the world’s largest national parks.

Visa Requirements: Valid Passport, visa application forms, passport-size photos, a notarized invitation letter from a host or friend in DRC or travel agent confirmation letter, itinerary round trip tickets or itinerary International certificate of vaccination for yellow fever, $225
Nearest Consulate/Embassy: Congolese Honorary Consulate in Singapore, Singapore, 1 North Bridge Road, #B1-01 High Street Centre, Singapore 179094, Singapore

Points of Interest: Virunga National Park, Mount Nyiragongo, Nyamuragira, Lola ya Bonobo, Zongo Falls

Equatorial Guinea

Although Portuguese came here first, control was given to Spaniards making Equatorial Guinea’s official language Spanish, the only one in Africa. Though it is one of the smallest countries in the world, it is also the richest due to oil. This nation has five offshore volcanic islands, too.

Visa Requirements: Valid passport, passport-size photo, visa application form, confirmed hotel reservation, Original Police Clearance Certificate, €120
Nearest Consulate/Embassy: Equatorial Guinean Honorary Consulate in Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Unit 3603B, 148 Electric Road, North Point, Hong Kong
Points of Interest: Playa de Aleñá, Monte Alén National Park, Pico Basilé, St. Elizabeth's Cathedral, Elobey Grande

Photo by EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid

Additional Tips in Traveling to Central Africa

It is better to have an International Vaccine Certificate especially for Yellow Fever and Cholera when traveling to Central Africa. Read or guide on: Vaccination Needed for Travels in Africa
Not all countries have functioning ATM, so it’s better to bring cash either EURO or USD
Practice precaution in traveling, avoid traveling by night if possible, check travel warnings in the area and don’t go to places where there are possible crimes, sexual trafficking or kidnapping
Always use insect repellent especially in exposed skin, this is to avoid Malaria
It is recommended to dress conservatively in Central Africa as it is predominantly a Muslim country
Be flexible: Central Africa is not that luxurious or rich as European countries, so there’s probability water would be less, electricity would be out or no internet
Since there are a lot of Safaris here, pack your DSLR camera with long lenses for best results
Make sure to process your VISA ahead to avoid delays
Don’t forget to buy your TRAVEL INSURANCE in case of emergencies (extreme would be airlifting you and flying you back to your home country)

Flight Recommendations to Central Africa

With Philippine Passport, Filipinos can enter Rwanda without a visa. However, there are stops before getting there. The best way to go to Central African Countries is through Ethiopia.

If you want to travel in Central Africa, it’s better to fly in Congo and tour clockwise; Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Sao Tome and Principe, Cameroon, Chad, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, and end either in Rwanda or Burundi. You could also start in Rwanda/Burundi and tour it counter-clockwise. Prepare your VISAs ahead before your trip.

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Somehow you’ll think: Ang dami namang countries na kailangan ng Tourist Visa, ang layo pa ng embassy. There’s a bit of a struggle, but let this not stop us from visiting Central Africa. I hope visa requirements won’t stop you from reaching your dreams of traveling the world. The visa requirements are repetitive (6 months valid visa, application form, picture), some will ask for itineraries, plane tickets, and bank statements; but they’re not impossible to get, with today’s technology it’s easy to pass these. Pag-gusto may paraan. Visa requirements can be conquered, and if you’re not confident, I’m here to help.

We hope with this article, you would want to go to stunning Central Africa, and you’ll start making that Central Africa Travel Itinerary. Just remember, even though we have a Philippine passport, we can still travel around the world!