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Old Power Station of Boali

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Historical site
—°1
Old Power Station of Boali (Central African Republic)

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The old power station of Boali is a technical monument of paramount importance for the Central African Republic, marking the beginning of the country's modern electrification. Located at the spectacular Boali Falls on the Mbali River, about 95 kilometers northwest of Bangui, the first power plant (Boali 1) was constructed in the 1950s by the French colonial administration. The goal was to provide the growing capital and emerging industries with reliable hydroelectric energy. The facility utilizes the natural drop of the waterfalls, which plunge over 50 meters deep into a forested valley. In the following decades, the system was expanded with additional plants (Boali 2 and Boali 3) to meet rising demand. The historic infrastructure includes dams, turbine houses, and supply lines that are still partially in operation or stand as witnesses to the engineering prowess of that era. Besides its economic role, Boali is a major tourist destination due to the falls. The power station stands as a symbol of the union between natural power and technical progress in Central Africa and remains the backbone of energy supply for the greater Bangui area.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272828272625252425252526
Rain mm642101107138161217203193222637

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The old power station of Boali is a historic industrial monument open to visitors. The facility sits right at the spectacular waterfalls. Guided tours are usually offered.
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Typical hours
Opening hours are usually from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. On weekends, access may be restricted. It is advisable to call ahead as hours vary seasonally.
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Photography
Photography is allowed on site. The old turbines and the waterfalls make excellent subjects. Flash can be useful in the engine hall. Be careful on wet surfaces.
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Time needed
A visit to the power station and waterfalls takes about an hour. If you join a guided tour, expect 45 minutes. The surrounding nature invites a longer stay.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with the nearby Boali recreation area, well-suited for a picnic. The waterfalls are the highlight. Bangui is only about 100 kilometers away.
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Getting there
The power station lies on the main road from Bangui to Boali. By car it's reachable in about 1.5 hours. The road is paved but partially in poor condition. A 4x4 is recommended.
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Insider tip
Visit the power station in the morning when light hits the waterfalls. Bring insect repellent as there are many mosquitoes near the water. Sturdy footwear is advisable.

Geography

Coordinates
4.80200, 18.13500

Facts

  • Boali 1 was officially commissioned and put into operation in 1954.
  • The Boali Falls have a width of approximately 250 meters.
  • The station provides over 80% of the electricity for the capital, Bangui.
  • The drop height of the water at the main falls is 50 meters.
  • Some of the power plant equipment was originally manufactured in France.
  • During the dry season, the plant's output decreases due to lower river water levels.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

BoaliBoali<1 km · SWExplore →
Boali Falls Recreation AreaBoali Falls Recreation Area2 km · SEExplore →
Mont M'PokoMont M'Poko43 km · EExplore →
Ombella-M'Poko Market GardensOmbella-M'Poko Market Gardens43 km · NWExplore →
Bangui M'Poko International AirportBangui M'Poko International Airport61 km · NWExplore →
BogangoloBogangolo64 km · NEExplore →
BimboBimbo64 km · NWExplore →
University of BanguiUniversity of Bangui64 km · NWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Old Power Station of Boali (1)

Boali📍 landmark

Boali is a town in the Ombella-M'Poko prefecture. An old power station is located here.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Boali power plant known for?
It is the most important hydroelectric power plant in the CAR, utilizing the famous Boali Falls.
Can you visit the Boali Falls?
Yes, they are one of the country's main attractions, about 95 km from Bangui.
When do the falls flow strongest?
During the rainy season from August to November, the spectacle is at its peak.
Is there a restaurant on site?
Yes, there is a hotel-restaurant overlooking the falls.
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, a small fee is usually charged for access to the viewpoint.
Old Power Station of Boali: where is it located?
Old Power Station of Boali is located in Central African Republic.
Old Power Station of Boali: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Nov, Dec.
Old Power Station of Boali: why is it worth visiting?
The old power station of Boali is a technical monument of paramount importance for the Central African Republic, marking the beginning of the country's modern electrification.
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Nearby cities

Bimbo — Old Power Station of Boali (Central African Republic)
Bimbo
Bimbo is the second-largest city in the country and the capital of the Ombella-M'Poko Prefecture.
Boali — Old Power Station of Boali (Central African Republic)
Boali
A town northwest of Bangui, famous for its waterfalls.
Bossembélé — Old Power Station of Boali (Central African Republic)
Bossembélé
A town on the main road connecting Bangui and Cameroon.
Damara — Old Power Station of Boali (Central African Republic)
Damara
A strategically important town north of Bangui.
Bogangolo — Old Power Station of Boali (Central African Republic)
Bogangolo
A town in the Ombella-M'Poko Prefecture, located north of Bangui.
Yaloké — Old Power Station of Boali (Central African Republic)
Yaloké
A town in the Ombella-M'Poko Prefecture, located west of Bangui.

History & landmarks

Honor Stadium of Bimbo — Old Power Station of Boali (Central African Republic)
Honor Stadium of Bimbo
A modern sports complex in Bimbo, serving as an important venue for regional competitions and events.
Bangui M&#39;Poko International Airport — Old Power Station of Boali (Central African Republic)
Bangui M'Poko International Airport
The main international gateway to the Central African Republic, located on the outskirts of the capital.
University of Bangui — Old Power Station of Boali (Central African Republic)
University of Bangui
The only public university in the country and a major center for higher education and research.
BEAC Headquarters Bangui — Old Power Station of Boali (Central African Republic)
BEAC Headquarters Bangui
The distinctive building of the Bank of Central African States, a key financial center in Bangui.

More places

🗺️
Boali Falls Recreation Area
Around the thundering Boali Falls stretches a popular family excursion destination.
Boali II Hydroelectric Power Station — Old Power Station of Boali (Central African Republic)
Boali II Hydroelectric Power Station
This power station harnesses the energy of the Boali Falls to supply the capital city of Bangui with electricity.
Boali I Hydroelectric Station — Old Power Station of Boali (Central African Republic)
Boali I Hydroelectric Station
The first stage of the Boali power plant cascade, which has reliably generated energy from hydropower for decades.
Mont M&#39;Poko — Old Power Station of Boali (Central African Republic)
Mont M'Poko
A mountain in southern Central Africa, giving its name to the surrounding prefecture and river.
Ombella-M&#39;Poko Market Gardens — Old Power Station of Boali (Central African Republic)
Ombella-M'Poko Market Gardens
Near the capital city of Bangui, the fertile gardens of Ombella-M'Poko supply the markets with fresh vegetables.
Bimbo Forest — Old Power Station of Boali (Central African Republic)
Bimbo Forest
A remnant of the tropical rainforest south of the capital Bangui.
🗺️
Bangui Soap Factory
This factory produces hygiene products for the local market, often using domestic raw materials such as palm oil.
Colonial Quarter of Bangui — Old Power Station of Boali (Central African Republic)
Colonial Quarter of Bangui
The heart of Bangui still houses charming, albeit decaying, buildings from the French colonial era.