Your stay — Relais des Chasses
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Bangui.
The Property — Relais des Chasses
The Relais des Chasses sits as a calm, colonial-era lodge near Bangui’s riverbank, with wide verandas, ceiling fans and a small pool that cuts the heat. It’s the sort of place UN staff and mining consultants use for a quiet night — tidy rooms, reliable air-con, and a bar that stays open late enough for a cold beer after a dusty day. The smell of grilled fish from the restaurant and distant laughter from the pool area give it a lived-in, unhurried feel. This suits an independent traveller who wants solid comfort, not frills, and prefers low-key local atmosphere over a generic international chain.
Chronicles of Bangui
Bangui was founded in 1889 as a French military post on the Ubangi River, chosen for its strategic position below the rapids. Its grid of wide boulevards and low-rise concrete buildings reflects a century of colonial and post-colonial planning, with the grand Cathédrale Notre-Dame and the Presidential Palace as landmarks. The city’s identity is a mix of Sango and French influences, visible in the bustling marché central and the nightlife along Avenue de l’Indépendance. Politically, Bangui has weathered cycles of instability, but its river port and music scene — especially the rhythm of soukous — keep it alive as the nation’s only real urban hub. Today, it’s a city of sharp contrasts: quiet, leafy residential streets next to unpaved lanes and the constant hum of moto-taxis.
Best Time to Visit
Full Bangui guide →Best months
December to February — the dry season, with lower humidity, blue skies, and the city’s least oppressive heat. Good for walking around and not risking washed-out roads.
Peak / festival surge
June is the core rainy season, particularly the first weeks. Heavy downpours can flood streets and delay flights; hotel occupancy stays low, so prices are often negotiable. No major festivals drive demand.
Budget shoulder season
March and November sit at the edges of the dry season — still manageable, with fewer rain risks than mid-year and more availability than December. Prices are typically lowest in May and October.
Weather & packing
Bangui is on the equator but not a rainforest — it has two distinct rainy seasons (March–June and October–November) that can dump sudden torrents. Pack a light rain jacket and quick-dry walking shoes, plus a cotton scarf for dust on dry days.
Live City Briefing — Bangui
- The newly resurfaced N1 road from the airport to the city centre has cut journey times to 20 minutes, though potholes remain on side streets.
- A new market area is forming near the Petevo quarter after the old site was cleared for a bus terminal project — expect more fruit stalls and tailors.
- From late June, the Ubangi River rises enough to run small boat tours from the port near the Hotel Oubangui, though check safety with your driver.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jun 2026Before you check in to Relais des Chasses, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Ask for a room on the top floor facing away from the street. These are usually quieter and have better airflow in Bangui’s heat.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift, stairs, or staff service areas. In a 3-star hotel, internal noise from these spots can be noticeable.
Best views
If the hotel has one, request a room facing inner courtyard or garden rather than a main road. Courtyard views tend to be calmer and greener in Bangui.
Quietest floors
Top floor is typically most quiet, as there is no foot traffic above and less chance of street noise.
🔊 Noise notes
Street-facing rooms may pick up traffic noise. Also check for nearby generators or air conditioning units on the roof or in back alleys.
Insider tips
Book directly with the hotel by phone or email—you often get a better rate and can request a specific room type. Confirm if there’s a generator for power cuts; many 3-star hotels in Bangui have one running at night.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Relais des Chasses
Free basic Wi-Fi (2 Mbps) in lobby and restaurant; paid premium tier (20 Mbps) at XOF 3,000 per day for in-room use. One device per login.
No passenger lift – only stair access to first and second floors; ground-floor rooms available upon request.
No physical newspapers; free digital access to Radio Centrafrique news app (not full PressReader). The building is a converted 1970s hunting lodge with original wooden ceilings and mounted trophies in the bar area.
Standard check-in from 14:00; early bag drop allowed from 09:00 if notified 48 hours ahead; late check-out until 16:00 costs XOF 15,000 subject to availability.
Complimentary for same-day arrivals and departures; secured room behind reception.
Step-free entrance via ramp at rear, but no dedicated wheelchair-accessible rooms; doorways are narrow (approx 75 cm) and no lift. Guests with limited mobility should request ground-floor room and assistance.
Free on-site gated parking for 8 cars (no reservation); nearest public parking is Place de la République lot (XOF 1,000 per night, unguarded). No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required via bank transfer or mobile money at least 7 days before arrival; a refundable XOF 50,000 incidental hold on credit card or cash at check-in.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Église Mission de la Bonne Nouvelle Mahanaim Cyber College (1.0 km · ~13 min walk)
- Church: Cathédrale Notre-Dame de l’Immaculée Conception (1.2 km · ~15 min walk)
- Church: Cathédrale Notre-Dame (1.2 km · ~16 min walk)
- Church: Annonciature (1.8 km · ~22 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Jardin de Mairie — 328 m · ~4 min walk
Musée National Barthélémy Boganda — 566 m · ~7 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Banque Populaire Maroco Centrafricaine — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk
Pharmacie Awa — 81 m · ~1 min walk
Terminal Nord — 931 m · ~12 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Central African CFA franc, XAF
Bureaux de change in downtown Bangui offer slightly better rates than hotels; the airport gives poor rates, so exchange only a small amount there.
Cards accepted in major hotels and a few supermarkets; most shops, taxis, and markets require cash – mobile pay and contactless are rare.
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated; 5-10% in restaurants for good service, small change for taxis, and 500-1,000 XAF for hotel staff.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Nescafe or instant coffee at a street-side stall – about 200-400 XAF.
Grilled meat (brochettes) with rice or cassava at a street-side grill – roughly 1,500-2,500 XAF.
Simple stew or fish with fufu in a local eatery (maquis) – main dish around 2,000-3,000 XAF.
Stalls along Avenue des Martyrs and near the Grand Marché sell grilled plantains, beignets, and skewered meat; evenings are best.
Supermarkets like Tropicana and Score are common in the city centre.
The Grand Marché has second-hand clothing stalls and basic new clothes – prices are negotiable.
Shared minibuses (clando) cost 150-250 XAF per ride within the city; from the airport, take a clando to the centre for about 500 XAF.
Eat at maquis and street stalls rather than hotels; buy water in 1.5L bottles from supermarkets (around 500 XAF) and refill; use clando taxis shared with others for cheap rides.
Emergency Contacts
BanguiPolice: 117. Ambulance and fire both use 118. For general emergencies, the UN police can be reached at +236 75 51 00 00. Note: services are limited; have a local contact or embassy number ready.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Bangui, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Relais des Chasses
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Banque Populaire Maroco Centrafricaine — 1.2 km · ~15 min walk — pharmacy · Pharmacie Awa — 81 m · ~1 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Bangui M'Poko International Airport (BGF) → Hôtel du Centre, Avenue de la Libération
💡 Agree the fare before you get in. No meter; cash only. The hotel can arrange a driver for about 18,000 XAF – safer and avoids haggling in the dark.
Anywhere central → Hôtel du Centre
💡 Fast and cheap, but no helmets. Agree price before riding – 200 XAF short hop, 500 XAF across town. Hold your bag tight; snatch-and-run happens. Women: sit side-saddle unless confident.
Airport road (stop near main gate) → Place de la République (walk 5 mins to Hôtel du Centre)
💡 Minibuses are cheap but crowded, with no luggage space. Only use in daytime with a small bag. Tell the conductor 'Centre ville' – they'll drop you near the main market.
Any central point (e.g., Place de la République) → Hôtel du Centre or anywhere in central Bangui
💡 Shared taxis run set routes – ask for 'Centre ville' and pay 500 XAF. For private, add 1,000–1,500 XAF. Yellow taxis are official; green ones are informal. No seatbelts, so hold on.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Relais des Chasses?
Ask for a room on the top floor facing away from the street. These are usually quieter and have better airflow in Bangui’s heat.
Which rooms should I avoid at Relais des Chasses?
Avoid rooms near the lift, stairs, or staff service areas. In a 3-star hotel, internal noise from these spots can be noticeable.
Is Relais des Chasses noisy?
Street-facing rooms may pick up traffic noise. Also check for nearby generators or air conditioning units on the roof or in back alleys.
Which rooms have the best views at Relais des Chasses?
If the hotel has one, request a room facing inner courtyard or garden rather than a main road. Courtyard views tend to be calmer and greener in Bangui.
What are insider tips for staying at Relais des Chasses?
Book directly with the hotel by phone or email—you often get a better rate and can request a specific room type. Confirm if there’s a generator for power cuts; many 3-star hotels in Bangui have one running at night.
What time is check-in at Relais des Chasses?
Check-in at Relais des Chasses is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Relais des Chasses have Wi-Fi?
Free basic Wi-Fi (2 Mbps) in lobby and restaurant; paid premium tier (20 Mbps) at XOF 3,000 per day for in-room use. One device per login.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Relais des Chasses?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Relais des Chasses?
Grilled meat (brochettes) with rice or cassava at a street-side grill – roughly 1,500-2,500 XAF.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Relais des Chasses?
Shared minibuses (clando) cost 150-250 XAF per ride within the city; from the airport, take a clando to the centre for about 500 XAF.
When is the best time to visit Bangui?
December to February — the dry season, with lower humidity, blue skies, and the city’s least oppressive heat. Good for walking around and not risking washed-out roads.
Top Attractions in Bangui
💡 Come before 09:00 for the best selection of fruits. Keep valuables hidden and bargain firmly but politely.
💡 Visit early morning or late afternoon to see the square alive with vendors and people. Watch for occasional political rallies.
💡 Ask the guard to see the small crypt beneath the altar. Free entry, but donations are welcome.
💡 Bring water and go early (before 10am) or late afternoon; the shade makes it pleasant even in hot weather. Watch for snakes on the path.
💡 Entry costs about 1000 CFA. Go on a weekday morning to avoid crowds; the staff often give a personal tour if you ask.