Central African Republic in May

December through March is dry season - your best shot at passable roads and comfortable camping. Temperatures hover around 80-85°F, and you can actually reach the national parks without needing a helicopter. Rainy season from April to November turns travel into an extreme sport. But here's what most guides won't tell you - early dry season in December and January offers the best wildlife viewing. Animals concentrate around water sources, and the forest elephants at Dzanga-Sangha are most active. Avoid March if you can. It's the hottest month, pushing 95°F regularly, and dust storms make everything miserable. Late February hits the sweet spot - roads are still manageable, temperatures reasonable, and tourist numbers are basically zero.