Tropical country in Central Africa by the Congo River, Republic of Congo (or Congo Brazzaville) is rich with natural attractions, making the country a jungle haven famous for its gorillas. Unfortunately, another thing the country is famous for is its recent history of violence, which restricts traveling inside Congo, and prevents many visitors from enjoying the joys of the white-sand beaches and national parks offered by the Republic of Congo.
Nature lover's choices. A rising Congolese travel destination, Odzala National Park introduces you to pristine African wilderness nature with gorillas, lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and much more. The park is located in the heart of the Congo Basin rainforest. It is an ecotourism destination that might not be one of the most efficient tourist magnets of Africa, but on the other hand this is what makes the experience of visiting the park feel an even more genuine encounter with wild, tropical nature.
Beach destinations. Congo has also some interesting beach resorts such as Pointe Noire, the main city on the coast of Congo, offering palm framed sandy beaches and good facilities for water sports. Other than that, the city is a major commercial center, which pleases rare visitors also with its lively nightlife.
Getting there. Located in the western coast of Central Africa, Republic of Congo is best reached by air. The main airport of the country is located in the capital, Brazzaville, offering best connections to other African airports.
Land of jungles, gorillas and French colonial history
While it is not a popular tourism destination, Republic of Congo still hosts a few interesting destinations, the most famous of which is its capital city, Brazzaville. Lively city in central Congo with a million inhabitants, Brazzaville offers you bustling African city life and riverside landscapes, boosted with French colonial architecture and the best city services in Congo. The city also offers you a zoo and a botanical garden, not to mention the many lively outdoor markets found inside its borders.Nature lover's choices. A rising Congolese travel destination, Odzala National Park introduces you to pristine African wilderness nature with gorillas, lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards and much more. The park is located in the heart of the Congo Basin rainforest. It is an ecotourism destination that might not be one of the most efficient tourist magnets of Africa, but on the other hand this is what makes the experience of visiting the park feel an even more genuine encounter with wild, tropical nature.
Beach destinations. Congo has also some interesting beach resorts such as Pointe Noire, the main city on the coast of Congo, offering palm framed sandy beaches and good facilities for water sports. Other than that, the city is a major commercial center, which pleases rare visitors also with its lively nightlife.
Practical information for your trip to Congo Brazzaville
The climate in Congo Brazzaville is tropical and wet, with average monthly high temperatures climbing to 30°C nearly all-year round. There are two rainy seasons, the first of which is between March and May, and the second between September and December. Overall, the best time to travel to Congo is during the drier seasons in January, February, June, July or August.Getting there. Located in the western coast of Central Africa, Republic of Congo is best reached by air. The main airport of the country is located in the capital, Brazzaville, offering best connections to other African airports.
Photo: Ferdinand Reus, used under Creative Commons License (By Sa 2.0)
Due to the safety situation of the country there are some restrictions for traveling inside Congo, but the main road leading north from Brazzaville to Oyo is quite safe and in good condition. Besides that, roads in Republic of Congo are in bad condition. Public transport in Congo Brazzaville consists of minibuses and taxis. There is also a railway linking Brazzaville to the coast.
Safety. Congo Brazzaville is a former French colony that gained independence in 1960. The country has recently gone through a civil war, which ended in 2003. As an aftermath of the war, Republic of Congo still suffers from internal restlessness and violence, which make traveling to some areas of the country not advisable. The most dangerous areas inside Congo Brazzaville are found in inland between the capital and the coastal areas. Northern part of Congo (the areas bordering the Democratic Republic of Congo) is also not a recommended travel destination. Otherwise, safety situation in Congo is not alarming, but requires caution. Therefore, wherever you might go in Congo Brazzaville, follow common security procedures and make sure your vaccinations for tropical diseases such as malaria and yellow fever are valid.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Odzala National Park
