Lobaye River

The Lobaye River is a significant right-bank tributary of the Ubangi River, located in the southwestern Central African Republic. It flows through the Lobaye Prefecture, an area renowned for its dense primary rainforests and high levels of biodiversity. Originating in the central highlands, the river flows southeast through a region heavily influenced by the forestry industry. The waterway serves as a crucial transport route for moving timber logs from remote concessions to downstream ports on the Ubangi. Numerous indigenous groups, particularly Baka communities, reside along the Lobaye, relying on the river for fishing and daily water needs. The riparian vegetation consists of thick tropical forests that provide habitat for forest elephants and gorillas. Despite the economic pressures from the timber industry, much of the river’s course remains wild and untouched. It joins the Ubangi south of Bangui, contributing substantially to the overall volume of the main river.

Nearby cities

Mbaïki

The capital of the Lobaye Prefecture is located south of Bangui in a forested region.

Boda

A town in the Lobaye Prefecture, known for mining.

Mongoumba

A town in the south of the Lobaye Prefecture on the Ubangi River.

Libenge

Libenge is a border town on the Ubangi River in Sud-Ubangi province.

Bimbo

Bimbo is the second-largest city in the country and the capital of the Ombella-M'Poko Prefecture.

Bangui

The capital and largest city of the Central African Republic, situated on the northern banks of the Ubangi River.

Zongo

Zongo is a city in Sud-Ubangi Province, located on the Ubangi River directly opposite Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic.

History & landmarks

Boganda Monument in Bobangui

A monument in the birthplace of national hero Barthélemy Boganda, commemorating his life and legacy.

Bangui M'Poko International Airport

The main international gateway to the Central African Republic, located on the outskirts of the capital.

Central Mosque of Bangui

The most important Islamic place of worship in the capital, located in the populous PK5 district.

Renaissance Palace

The official residence of the President of the Central African Republic, a grand building overlooking the city.

More places

🗺️

Mbaïki Coffee Plantations

Under the protective canopy of tall rainforest trees, aromatic coffee beans thrive near Mbaïki.

🗺️

Mbaïki Wood Processing Center

Mbaïki is the center of the forestry industry in the Lobaye region, where precious woods are prepared for export.

🗺️

Colonial Prefecture of Mbaïki

In the midst of the dense forests of the Lobaye region stands the old prefecture of Mbaïki, an impressive example of colonial architecture.

🗺️

Port of Mongoumba

This port on the Ubangi is located at the southern border and is a key transit point for goods from the Republic of the Congo.

🗺️

Matoumbou Hills

A chain of hills in the south, covered by dense forest, overlooking the Lobaye basin.

Lobaye Forestry

Sustainable forestry is practiced in the dense forests of Lobaye.

Bimbo Forest

A remnant of the tropical rainforest south of the capital Bangui.

Parc Centrafricain (Bangui Zoo)

The country's only zoo offers capital residents a rare opportunity to experience Central Africa's fascinating wildlife up close.