01 ·
Ubangi River
Giant Goliath Grouper + Nile Perchmain river for big fish
Africa · Fishing World Guide
Central African Republic.
Fishing in Central African Republic 2026: Permits, Best Spots, Charters & Costs
5
target species
Yes
license needed
Mar–Nov
best season
Scroll
Do you need a license?
License
Yes.
Approx. 20-50 USD (often included as a fee in tours).
›All license details
- Where to apply?
- Local authorities or through specialized tour operators.
- Cost
- Approx. 20-50 USD (often included as a fee in tours).
- Validity
- For the duration of the organized trip.
- Available online?
- No
There is no standardized national system for sport fishing. Licenses must usually be organized with local conservation authorities or through specialized expedition providers on site. The country continues to be characterized by security risks.
When to go?
The season at a glance.
Best season
November-March (dry season offers the best access).
Where to fish?
The top waters.
02 ·
Sangha River
Tigerfish + Vundubest experience in Dzanga-Sangha NP
03 ·
Lobaye River
Tilapia + native speciessurrounded by dense rainforest
04 ·
Chari tributary
Tilapia + diverse perch speciesnorthern regions
05 ·
Bangui shoreline zones
Tigerfishbase for expeditions on the Ubangi
What's biting?
Your target species.
The rules.
Four things you need to know.
Closed seasons
Closed seasons
No formal closed seasons implemented for the recreational fishing sector.
Catch limits
Catch limits
No strict limits; Catch-and-Release is strongly recommended in guided tours.
Prohibited methods
Prohibited methods
Use of dynamite and poisons is strictly prohibited, but is sometimes practiced illegally due to lack of control.
Catch & release
Catch & release
Is promoted by reputable providers as the standard for trophy fish (Goliath fish).
What does it cost?
20-50 USD
License
20-50 USD.
300 USD
Guide per day
Only in expensive, fully organized expedition packages (from 300 USD/day).
300-600 USD
Daily budget
Expedition flat rates: 300-600 USD/day including logistics and protection.
Bite times
The best fishing times — free.
Best fishing times
·Central African Republic6.61°, 20.94°
Plan your trip.
Everything in one place.
All the details
The fine print.
License in detail
Local authorities or through specialized tour operators. — There is no standardized national system for sport fishing. Licenses must usually be organized with local conservation authorities or through specialized expedition providers on site. The country continues to be characterized by security risks.
Rules in detail
The focus is on sustainable tourism in the southwest. Fishing without a local guide is absolutely not advisable due to the security situation and lack of infrastructure.
Freshwater
Ubangi, Sangha and various Congo tributaries.
Saltwater
No access to the sea (landlocked).
Equipment
Complete equipment must be brought along; no supplies available on site.
Guides
Mandatory: Only through specialized, local expedition providers.
Getting there
Arrival via Bangui; after that only possible with 4WD or boat transport.
Safety
EXTREMELY DANGEROUS: Security situation unstable, large parts of the country are closed to tourists due to armed conflicts. Only the Dzanga-Sangha region in the southwest is touristically accessible.
Customs & fish export
Visa and special permits for remote regions are mandatory.
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All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: July 5, 2026
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