Travel to Republic of the Congo — everything you need to know
When to go to Republic of the Congo?
- Jun – Sep — Long dry season : Best time to visit the national parks and observe gorillas. Dry, cool weather, accessible trails.
- Dec – Jan — Short dry season : Short, pleasant dry season for exploring Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire. Calmer sea on the Atlantic coast.
Weather in Republic of the Congo
Check the weather city by city, starting with Brazzaville.
- Brazzaville: daytime highs from 28 to 33 °C depending on the season, 125 mm of rain per month on average.
- Pointe-Noire: daytime highs from 26 to 31 °C depending on the season, 109 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Republic of the Congo?
The Republic of the Congo, often called Congo-Brazzaville, is a Central African country covered 60% by dense rainforest. Facing Kinshasa on the banks of the Congo River, Brazzaville is one of the two closest capital cities in the world. The country is home to Odzala-Kokoua National Park, one of the last refuges of western lowland gorillas and forest elephants.
Odzala-Kokoua National Park
Odzala-Kokoua is one of the oldest and most valuable national parks in Africa, at the heart of one of the largest rainforests in the world. It holds one of the highest densities of western lowland gorillas and forest elephants on the continent. The bais (swampy clearings) are unique wildlife-viewing spots.
Highlights : Mboko Bai — gorilla and elephant viewing at the clearings, Western lowland gorilla trekking, Bongo and sitatunga in the forest bais, Lekoli River — canoes and aquatic wildlife.
Brazzaville
Brazzaville is a peaceful, green capital facing Kinshasa, the two cities separated by just 4 km of the Congo River. The city retains a French colonial atmosphere with its historic buildings and cathedral. It's an excellent starting point for exploring the country and admiring the spectacle of the Pool Malebo.
Highlights : Basilica of Sainte-Anne — iconic neo-Gothic cathedral, River corniche — view over Kinshasa and the Pool Malebo, Total Market — Congolese crafts and wax fabrics, La Sape — Congolese dandyism, a culture unique in the world.
Pointe-Noire
Pointe-Noire is the Congo's economic capital and main coastal city, with beautiful beaches on the Atlantic Ocean. It's also a gateway to the Tchimpounga chimpanzee sanctuary and the gorillas of the Conkouati-Douli reserve. The oil city offers lively nightlife and renowned seafood cuisine.
Highlights : Côte Sauvage beach — surfing and artisanal fishing, Tchimpounga chimpanzee sanctuary, Pointe-Noire railway station — listed colonial architecture, Conkouati-Douli Reserve — forest and coastline.
Congo River crossing by boat
The ferry crossing between Brazzaville and Kinshasa is a one-of-a-kind experience: two capitals of different countries separated by a simple river channel. The 30-minute trip on the Congo River offers spectacular views of both metropolises and the vastness of the Pool Malebo. It's also a place of intense cultural exchange between the two Congos.
Highlights : Brazzaville–Kinshasa ferry — crossing the Congo River, Port Beach in Brazzaville — fishermen and traditional canoes, View of the Pool Malebo from the Congolese bank.
Travel budget for Republic of the Congo
The Republic of the Congo is slightly more expensive than its neighbours due to its oil-driven economy, but remains affordable for Western travellers. Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire are the priciest cities. National parks have significant entry fees.
- Backpacker : 50–80 €/j — Simple lodging, local maquis, public transport, unguided activities
- Comfort : 100–200 €/j — Comfortable hotel, varied restaurants, private taxi, guides and guided activities
Practical tips for travelling to Republic of the Congo
- Flight from Paris : 8–12h with a layover (Air France, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines). Maya-Maya Airport in Brazzaville.
- Visa : Visa required before departure. Apply at the Congolese embassy in Paris. Allow 2–4 weeks.
- Currency : CFA franc (XAF), fixed rate with the euro. Euros and dollars accepted in hotels. ATMs available in Brazzaville.
- Language : French is the official language and widely spoken. Lingala dominant in the north, Munukutuba in the south.
- Electricity : Type C and E (220V). Power cuts possible, bring a portable battery.
- Health : Yellow fever vaccination mandatory. Other recommended vaccines: hepatitis A and B, typhoid. Malaria is endemic — prophylaxis essential. Drink bottled water only.
- Safety : The country is relatively stable compared to its neighbours. Avoid travelling at night in Brazzaville. Check official government travel advisories before your trip.
- Ecotourism : Odzala-Kokoua is managed by African Parks. Booking gorilla treks well in advance is recommended. Strict conservation rules must be followed.
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