Republic of the Congo
The Republic of the Congo is one of Africa's last great rainforest frontiers. Odzala-Kokoua and Nouabalé-Ndoki shelter western lowland gorillas and forest elephants in swampy clearings called bais, while Brazzaville faces Kinshasa across the Congo River. Infrastructure is thin and costs are high, but the reward is primate tracking with almost no other visitors.
Overview
Often called Congo-Brazzaville to distinguish it from its huge neighbour, the country is mostly equatorial forest drained by the Congo and Sangha rivers. The far north holds its great draw: Odzala-Kokoua, one of Africa's oldest national parks, and Nouabalé-Ndoki, part of the Sangha Trinational UNESCO site, where elephants, gorillas and sitatunga gather at bais. Most visitors fly into Brazzaville, spend a day or two by the river, then join a lodge package with charter flights north. The coast around Pointe-Noire adds beaches, the Diosso gorges and the slave-trade memorial at Loango.
This is expedition travel. Tourist infrastructure barely exists outside a handful of lodges, prices are high and French (or Lingala) is essential away from the camps. In return, wildlife encounters are intimate and unhurried: only a few visitors a day track a habituated gorilla group, and you may have a bai to yourself. Brazzaville is calmer and greener than most visitors expect, with riverside bars, Congolese rumba (UNESCO-listed in 2021) and the immaculately dressed sapeurs of La Sape. It suits experienced Africa travellers with flexible plans and generous budgets.
Map of Republic of the Congo
Top 5 highlights
- 1Wildlife
Odzala-Kokoua National Park
Established in 1935 and covering about 13,500 km², this is Central Africa's flagship gorilla park. Track habituated western lowland gorillas from Ngaga camp, canoe the Lékoli river and watch forest elephants at bais.
- 2Wildlife
Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park
An almost untouched lowland forest in the far north and part of the Sangha Trinational UNESCO site. From the viewing platform at Mbeli Bai, watch gorillas, forest elephants and sitatunga feeding in the open.
- 3Wildlife
Lésio-Louna Reserve
About 140 km north of Brazzaville on the Batéké Plateau, this reserve, co-managed with the Aspinall Foundation, returns orphaned gorillas to the wild amid rolling savannah and gallery forest; the easiest wildlife trip from the capital.
- 4Nature
Gorges de Diosso
Red and ochre cliffs eroded into a jagged amphitheatre above green forest, about 25 km north of Pointe-Noire. Combine with the Ma-Loango museum in the former royal palace and the slave-trade memorial on Loango's shore.
- 5Architecture
Basilique Sainte-Anne du Congo
Brazzaville's landmark church, built in the 1940s to designs by the French architect Roger Erell, with a steep roof of shimmering green tiles and soaring pointed arches inspired by local forms.
Biggest cities
Brazzaville
A low-key capital on the Congo River's north bank, with the green-roofed Basilique Sainte-Anne, Poto-Poto's painting school and views of the rapids and Kinshasa's skyline.
Pointe-Noire
The oil capital on the Atlantic, with beaches, seafood restaurants and a 1930s railway station; the base for the Diosso gorges and the Tchimpounga chimpanzee sanctuary.
Dolisie
A railway and road junction in Niari, useful as an overnight stop between Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire or as a gateway to the Mayombe forest hills.
Ranked by urban-area population where available. Figures are rounded estimates, and sources define city limits differently, so rankings of similar-sized cities can vary.
When to go to Republic of the Congo
Best time: Jun–Sep.
Average climate in Brazzaville
Festivals & events
- JulFESPAM
The Pan-African Music Festival, held in Brazzaville in July of odd-numbered years, fills the city with concerts, rumba and traditional ensembles from across the continent.
- AugIndependence Day
On 15 August the country marks independence from France with parades, music and street celebrations, especially along Brazzaville's main avenues.
How much does Republic of the Congo cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Saka saka
Cassava leaves pounded and simmered for hours with palm oil, peanut paste and smoked fish, served with cassava bread or rice.
Liboké
Fish or meat seasoned with chilli, onion and tomato, wrapped in banana or other large leaves and steamed or cooked over embers.
Chikwangue
Fermented cassava dough wrapped in leaves and steamed into dense, slightly sour loaves, eaten alongside almost every stew.
Getting around
Domestic flights link Brazzaville with Pointe-Noire and northern towns, and lodge packages for Odzala include charter flights. The paved RN1 highway connects Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, served by buses, while the old Congo–Ocean railway runs slow, irregular passenger trains. Taxis in Brazzaville are cheap; agree fares first. Speedboats cross the river to Kinshasa, but expect heavy paperwork.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- CE230V — bring a UK-to-C/E adapter
- Emergency numbers
- There’s no central number for emergency services in the Republic of Congo. You can report crimes to local police on 06 665 4804. Few police will speak English.
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +242
- Time zone
- UTC+1 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Not safe — drink bottled or treated water
- Driving
- On the right
- Tipping
- Not customary in local places; leave about 10% in upmarket restaurants. Tips for guides, trackers, porters and lodge staff are expected.
- Etiquette
- Carry your passport for police checks, ask before photographing people, and never photograph government buildings, bridges, the airport, port areas or military sites.
- Main airports
- Maya-Maya Airport (BZV), Brazzaville; Agostinho-Neto International Airport (PNR), Pointe-Noire
Visas & entry for Republic of the Congo
Shown for a British passport.
Visa required — apply before you go
You must have a visa to enter the Republic of Congo.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Hepatitis ATetanusTyphoidYellow fever
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- ChikungunyaDengueHepatitis BMeaslesRabiesTuberculosis
- Yellow fever certificate
- A yellow fever certificate is only required if you arrive from (or transit through) a country with yellow fever risk — not if you fly direct from the UK. There is a risk of yellow fever in parts of the country — vaccination may be advised.
- Malaria
- High risk of malaria
- There is a high risk of malaria in the Congo: antimalarial tablets recommended.
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Republic of the Congo
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Sun 1 Nov 2026 | All Saints' Day |
| Sat 28 Nov 2026 | Republic Day |
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Mon 29 Mar 2027 | Easter Monday |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | Labour Day |
| Thu 6 May 2027 | Ascension Day |
| Mon 17 May 2027 | Pentecost Monday |
| Thu 10 Jun 2027 | Reconciliation Day |
| Sun 15 Aug 2027 | National Day |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Useful phrases in French
| English | French | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Bonjour | bon-ZHOOR |
| Thank you | Merci | mair-SEE |
| Please | S'il vous plaît | seel voo PLAY |
| Excuse me | Excusez-moi | ex-koo-zay MWAH |
| How much is this? | C'est combien ? | say kom-BYAN |
Know before you go
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry; carry the original, and check the FCDO travel advice for current entry rules before booking.
- Bring euros in cash to exchange: card payments are rare outside big hotels and ATMs are few. CFA francs are hard to obtain before you arrive.
- Book Odzala-Kokoua through the lodge operator well ahead; gorilla-tracking places are limited, departures fixed and charter flights fill quickly in the dry season.
Republic of the Congo travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Republic of the Congo?
The best time to visit Republic of the Congo is generally Jun–Sep. Peak months are June, July, August and September. Average highs in Brazzaville range from 27°C to 32°C across the year.
How much does a trip to Republic of the Congo cost per day?
Roughly £60 a day on a tight budget, £140 mid-range and £450+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in Republic of the Congo?
Central African CFA franc (XAF).
What plug type does Republic of the Congo use?
Type C and E sockets at 230V. UK visitors need a travel adapter — UK Type G plugs will not fit.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Republic of the Congo?
Traffic drives on the right in Republic of the Congo, unlike the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in Republic of the Congo?
Not safe — drink bottled or treated water.
Do I need a visa for Republic of the Congo?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: You must have a visa to enter the Republic of Congo. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for Republic of the Congo before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/congo/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for Republic of the Congo?
TravelHealthPro recommends Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid and Yellow fever for most travellers, with Chikungunya, Dengue, Hepatitis B, Measles, Rabies and Tuberculosis sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
