Republic of the Congo, Congo - Travel Guide

The Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) is home to 80% of the world's western lowland gorillas, pristine rainforests, and the legendary sapeurs (fashion dandies). Encounter gorillas in Odzala-Kokoua, explore the mighty Congo River, and discover Brazzaville's French-African culture across from Kinshasa.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay12 days

Budget$80/day

Mid-range$200/day

Luxury$450/day

Known For

congo_brazzavillebrazzavillegorillaswestern_lowland_gorillarainforestcongo_riverodzalanouabale_ndokisapeurspointe_noirediosso_gorgewildlifeprimatesadventureoff_the_beaten_pathcentral_africafrench_africa

🇨🇬 Country Information: Congo

CapitalBrazzaville

CurrencyCongolese Franc (CDF)

LanguageFrench , Lingala, Kikongo, Swahili, Tshiluba

Phone Code+242

Electricity230V (Type C, E)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is not customary in many local establishments but is appreciated for good service in hotels and restaurants (5
10% of the bill)
For tour guides and drivers, tipping is expected and varies based on the length and quality of service

Money & Payments

ATMs are scarce, especially outside major cities; bringing enough cash is highly recommended, especially in smaller denominations
Credit cards are generally not accepted outside major hotels and some large businesses
Bringing USD or Euros in cash is highly recommended for exchange
A black market for cash exists, offering better rates but with inherent risks

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, especially in public and religious areas
Always greet people with a handshake
Ask for permission before taking photos of individuals
Bargaining is common in markets
Punctuality is often flexible

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. Homosexuality is not explicitly criminalized, but there is no legal recognition for LGBTQ+ relationships, and societal discrimination is prevalent.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, and possession or use of illegal drugs can lead to severe penalties

Special Laws

Photography of government buildings, military installations, or sensitive areas is strictly prohibited
A valid visa is required for entry and can be difficult to obtain
Travel outside major cities often requires special permits and local guides

Common Phrases

HelloBonjour (boh-zhoor)

Thank youMerci (mair-see)

Climate

Equatorial climate - hot and humid. Two wet seasons (Oct-Dec, Mar-May) and two dry seasons (Jun-Sep, Jan-Feb). Brazzaville: 24-33°C year-round. High humidity. Northern rainforests wetter. Dry season June-September best for travel.

Best Time to Visit

Best Time: June
September (main dry season)
Rainy: March
May, October
November
Gorilla Tracking: Year
round but dry season easiest
Short Dry: January
February

Getting There

Maya
Maya International Airport (BZV) in Brazzaville has flights from Paris, Addis Ababa, and regional African cities
Visa required in advance
obtain from embassy before travel (not available on arrival)
Yellow fever certificate mandatory
Hotel reservation required for visa application

Getting Around

Domestic flights connect Brazzaville and Pointe
Noire
La Gazelle train runs weekly between cities (scenic 12
hour journey, resumed 2023)
Taxis in cities
prebook through hotels
4x4 essential for national parks
Internal roads challenging
Tour operators handle logistics for wildlife travel

Health & Vaccinations

Yellow fever vaccination MANDATORY (certificate checked)
Malaria prophylaxis essential
high risk throughout
Hepatitis A and Typhoid strongly recommended
Hepatitis B for extended stays
Rabies if wildlife interaction
Bring comprehensive medical kit
Medical facilities very limited outside Brazzaville
Evacuation insurance ESSENTIAL

Staying Connected

MTN and Airtel main providers
3G in major cities
NO coverage in national parks
Satellite phones for remote areas
eSIM options very limited
Download everything offline

Local Cuisine

Poulet Moambe must_try

The national dish - chicken cooked in palm nut sauce. Rich, earthy, and deeply flavorful. Similar to Gabon's nyembwe. Served with fufu or rice.

Saka Saka must_try

Cassava leaves cooked down into a rich, green stew. Sometimes with fish or meat. Fundamental Congolese comfort food served with fufu.

Fresh Fish from Congo River must_try

Capitaine (Nile perch) and tilapia freshly caught from the Congo River. Grilled or fried, simply prepared and delicious.

Fufu (Manioc) local_favorite

Pounded cassava (manioc) that accompanies most Congolese meals. Stretchy, starchy, and used to scoop up sauces. Essential for the full experience.

Grilled Brochettes must_try

Meat skewers grilled over charcoal - beef, goat, or chicken. Street food staple found at evening stalls throughout cities.

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Visa Transport

Apply 3-8 weeks before travel

Visa required BEFORE arrival - no visa on arrival. Apply at embassy with hotel reservation and invitation letter.

Gorilla Safari Package tour_or_activity

Book 3-12 months in advance

Limited camps with small capacity. Peak season sells out months ahead. All-inclusive packages handle logistics.

Yellow Fever Vaccination tour_or_activity

Get vaccination 2-8 weeks before

MANDATORY for entry. Certificate must be valid. Get at least 10 days before travel.

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