Nola

Nola is the capital of the Sangha-Mbaéré prefecture, located in the far southwest of the Central African Republic. The city occupies a strategic geographic position at the confluence of the Mambéré and Kadéï Rivers, which merge at this point to form the mighty Sangha River. This location makes Nola a central hub for riverine transport and the movement of natural resources. The town's economy is built on two primary pillars: diamond and gold mining, and a robust timber industry that draws from the surrounding dense tropical rainforests. Nola is often regarded as the gateway to the Dzanga-Sangha Protected Areas, a critical biodiversity hotspot in Central Africa. Due to its position, it plays a key role in trade routes connecting the CAR with Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo. The cultural fabric of Nola is enriched by various ethnic groups, including indigenous forest communities. The city remains a vital administrative and commercial center in the country's southwestern corner.

Nearby cities

Bayanga

A town in the deep south, famous as a center for ecotourism.

Bambio

A town in the Sangha-Mbaéré Prefecture.

History & landmarks

Dzanga-Sangha Reserve

This reserve in the southwestern Central African Republic is a vital sanctuary for western lowland gorillas and dense rainforests.

Nature

Sangha River

A significant river in the southwest that flows through dense rainforests and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Kadeï River

A western river originating in Cameroon and joining the Mambéré at Nola.

Mambéré River

An important river in the west that, together with the Kadeï, forms the Sangha River.

More places

Historic Confluence of Nola

Located at the confluence of the Kadeï and Sangha rivers, Nola was a strategic key point for early European missions and expeditions.

Nola River Port

Located at the confluence of the Kadeï and Sangha rivers, this port is a critical shipping point for timber and coffee.

Nola Sawmill

The Nola sawmill processes massive logs from the surrounding rainforests into lumber for the international market.

Port of Salo

Salo is an important river port on the Sangha, primarily used for exporting high-quality tropical timber.

Sangha River Butterfly Habitats

Thousands of colorful butterflies flutter in the humid shore zones of the Sangha River.

Dzanga-Sangha Rainforest

A dense tropical rainforest in the deep south, famous for its biological diversity.

Dzanga Bai

A magical forest clearing in the heart of the rainforest where hundreds of forest elephants gather to dig for precious minerals in the soil.