Boali Falls

보알리 폭포

The Boali Falls are a waterfall on the Mbali River in the Central African Republic. They are about 250 metres wide and about 50 metres high, and the river spreads over a broad rocky lip in several cascades. They lie near the town of Boali, around 100 kilometres northwest of the capital, Bangui.

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At a glance

Country: Central African Republic
Location: Boali, Central African Republic
Height: 50 m
Type: Waterfall

Quick answers

Where is Boali Falls?

Boali Falls is in Boali, Central African Republic.

How tall is Boali Falls?

Boali Falls is about 50 m tall.

The Mbali River tumbles about 50 metres over a broad rocky lip in several cascades — a favourite outing from the capital, Bangui.

The falls are a popular place for a day out from Bangui, and they also do a job. Below the falls stand two hydroelectric power stations, Boali I and Boali II, which together can produce 18.65 megawatts of electricity. Power from Boali supplies the capital and 13 other towns, so this waterfall is both a beauty spot and an important part of the country's electricity system.

Water that makes electricity

When water drops from a height, its movement can turn a machine called a turbine to generate electricity. At Boali the first power station was finished in the 1950s. It encouraged other businesses to start in the town, including the country's first textile mill, which began work in 1954. A third plant, Boali 3, was planned in 2010 with Chinese help. Today the Boali stations supply the capital and many other towns.

Visiting the falls

Boali sits along National Highway 1, the main road running northwest from Bangui. The road is paved as far as Bossembélé. The falls attract visitors because the river spreads wide and tumbles in several streams. The town is also the capital of the Ombella-M'Poko prefecture. Visitors should check current local travel advice, because parts of the country have seen conflict in recent years.

Fun facts

The falls are roughly 250 metres wide, wider than two football pitches laid end to end.
Their power station helped start the country's first textile mill in 1954.
Boali's electricity feeds the capital and 13 other towns.
The falls are about 100 kilometres from Bangui.