A wall of heat greets me as I deplane in the capitol, Bangui. As we taxied in there is not a single other passenger aircraft here. There are, though, 2 rows of UN branded aircraft something I have never seen before. The airport terminal is pure 1950s era with big fans whirring in the small cramped immigration area. Entry is not visa on arrival and I only have a cover note from my tour operator not a visa. An anxious 40 minute wait ensues before the corpulent African official with the booming voice exclaims “Mr Peter” and hands me my stamped passport.
This is Africa in the raw, no tourists minimal infrastructure. Driving in the streets are crowded with pedestrians, few vehicles and lined with ramshackle structures selling what goods they can obtain. I had low expectations before coming here and they have not been exceeded. My rundown hotel still sports a Sofitel name plate dating back to 1965. I am sure it has long ceased to be part of the Sofitel stable.
I have only had a couple of hours broken sleep due to the flight schedule but when my guide suggests we see the Boali Waterfalls this afternoon, I am instantly reenergised. Leaving town it is a 2 hour road pockmarked with potholes some of which could swallow a small car. The waterfalls are the main geographical tourist attraction here and they do not disappoint.
