- Not to be confused with its larger neighbour, the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Odzala-Kokoua National Park offers excellent western lowland gorilla trekking
- Air France flies direct from Paris to Brazzaville
- British visitors need a visa and yellow fever certificate
- Airports
- Brazzaville Maya-Maya (BZV), Pointe-Noire Agostinho-Neto (PNR)
- Flight time
- about 9-10h from London to Brazzaville with one stop, usually in Paris
- Best time to go
- June-September and December-February, the drier seasons
- Currency
- Central African CFA franc (XAF)
The Republic of the Congo, sometimes called Congo-Brazzaville, sits on the north bank of the Congo River opposite its much larger neighbour, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Most of the north is untouched rainforest, and Odzala-Kokoua National Park, one of Africa's oldest, is among the best places on the continent to track western lowland gorillas, spot forest elephants in swampy clearings and see chimpanzees and colobus monkeys.
Brazzaville, the capital, has a relaxed riverside feel and views across to Kinshasa, while Pointe-Noire on the Atlantic coast is the country's oil and beach town. Congo is on West Africa Time (UTC+1), the same as the UK in summer and one hour ahead in winter. Plugs are the European type C and E, traffic drives on the right and French is the official language. This is one of our Africa destinations.
Where to go in the Republic of the Congo
Odzala-Kokoua National Park
The highlight for most visitors. Odzala combines rainforest and savannah, and its bais (forest clearings) attract elephants, buffalo, sitatunga and red river hogs. Gorilla trekking is run from small, high-end lodges, often as part of a fly-in safari, and boat trips on the Lekoli and Mambili rivers add to the experience.
Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park
In the far north, near the borders with Cameroon and the Central African Republic, Nouabalé-Ndoki is one of the most pristine rainforests in Africa. The Mbeli Bai observation platform is famous for gorilla viewing. Access is long and expensive, and usually arranged through the park's conservation partners.
Brazzaville
The capital is easy-going by regional standards. See the Basilique Sainte-Anne with its green-tiled roof, the Marien Ngouabi Mausoleum, the rapids of the Congo River at Le Djoué and the artists' workshops at the Poto-Poto school of painting. Evenings are best spent at riverside bars with grilled fish.
Pointe-Noire and the coast
Pointe-Noire has beaches, seafood restaurants and the old railway station built in colonial style. North of the city, Conkouati-Douli National Park mixes lagoons, forest and beaches, with chimpanzee rehabilitation projects and turtle nesting. The Diosso Gorge, with its red cliffs, is a popular day trip.
Lésio-Louna Reserve
A few hours north of Brazzaville, this reserve runs a gorilla reintroduction project, with boat trips to see released gorillas on the river banks.
Best time to visit the Republic of the Congo
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Long dry season (June-September) | Cooler and drier, good for wildlife and travel |
| Short rains (October-November) | Heavy rain, some lodges may close |
| Short dry season (December-February) | Hot with fewer rains; good gorilla trekking |
| Long rains (March-May) | Wettest period, rivers high |
Getting to the Republic of the Congo from the UK
There are no direct flights from the UK. Air France flies from Paris to Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, and Ethiopian Airlines, Royal Air Maroc and Turkish Airlines offer alternatives via their hubs. Total journey times are typically 9-10 hours. Odzala lodges are usually reached by a charter flight from Brazzaville.
Entry requirements
British passport holders need a visa. You can apply through the embassy, and an online pre-visa system has also been used, with the visa issued on arrival; a tour operator or lodge will often help with the invitation letter. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required, and your passport should be valid for at least six months. The FCDO has advised against all but essential travel to parts of the Pool region, south-west of Brazzaville, so check the current map. Rules change, so check GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.
Getting around
A good road links Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, and domestic flights connect the two cities in about an hour. Reaching the national parks almost always means a charter flight or a long 4x4 journey arranged by your lodge. In cities, use taxis and agree the fare first.
Money and costs
The currency is the Central African CFA franc, pegged to the euro. Congo is expensive: gorilla-trekking packages to Odzala typically cost several thousand pounds per person for a few nights, including charter flights. Hotels in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire are aimed at business travellers and priced accordingly. Bring euros in cash, as cards are accepted only in larger hotels.
Book Odzala as a full package including the charter flight; independent access is very difficult and rarely cheaper.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Republic of the Congo the same as the DRC?
No. The Republic of the Congo (capital Brazzaville) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (capital Kinshasa) are separate countries on opposite banks of the Congo River.
How does gorilla trekking in Congo compare with Rwanda?
Congo has western lowland gorillas in remote, little-visited forest, often with far fewer people around. Rwanda and Uganda have mountain gorillas and are easier to reach.
Is Brazzaville safe?
Brazzaville is calmer than many African capitals, but petty crime happens. Avoid walking alone at night and check FCDO advice before travel.
Do I need malaria tablets?
Yes, malaria is present throughout the country. Speak to a travel health clinic well before your trip.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
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