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Travel tips for Republic of Congo The Republic of Congo, not to be confused with the Democratic Republic of Congo to the southeast (formerly the Belgian Congo), is a nation state in central Africa. It borders on Gabun, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire), Cabinda (an enclave of Angola) and the Atlantic.
The Congo river and its tributary Ubangi form the natural border to the east and south east. Behind a narrow sandy coastal strip, the country rises up to form a high plateau which reaches a total altitude of 1040m on the border to Gabun. The country is covered to a large extent by rainforest and the rivers form the only link to the interior. The Congo river, however, is only navigable above the Malebo Pool. The majority of the population resides in the south of the country.
The Congo lies on both sides of the equator and therefore has a tropical climate with a short rainy season between October and December and a longer rainy season from mid January to mid May. The dry season is from June to October.
The official language is French. Lingala and Monokutuba are used colloquially.
Medical care in rural areas and Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire is not of a European standard. A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is required from all travellers. There is a year-round risk of contracting malaria in all regions. Adequate mosquito repellent and clothing are therefore absolutely necessary. Water should always be sterilised before use. Visitors should take out a comprehensive travel insurance with emergency repatriation cover.
The Republic of Congo has two international airports: Brazzaville Maya Maya (4 km north west of the city) and Pointe-Noire (5.5 km from the city).
The capital Brazzaville is on Pool Malebo, formerly called Stanley pool, which is a lake like widened section of the Congo River. Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is located on the opposite bank. Worthwhile sights in the city are the old cathedral St. Firmin, the suburb Poto Poto, the temple mosque, the markets in Ouendze and Moungali and the national museum. The city park is a pleasant place to take a walk.
The districts Ouenze, Talanga, Bakongo should be avoided at night due to high crime rates.
The large coastal town Pointe-Noire, is well known for its wonderful beaches. In Mayomb the countryside is beautiful, and the Lagoon of Gounkouati is also worth a visit.
The Parc National De Odzala, in the north west of the country is difficult to access but presents one of the most interesting natural habitats in the world. The park is famous in particular for chimpanzees, gorillas and forest elephants living in their natural habitat.