Congo: Travelling

Means of Transport Recommended in Town

Recommendation

In Brazzaville, there is no proper public transport network. Getting around the taxi is the easiest way: trips generally cost XAF 1000, but longer trips across town may cost double the price. Prices are often set in advance, and haggling is not required before getting in.
An extensive network of shared minibuses and taxis connects all districts and prices are cheap (ranging from XAF 100 to 150. These means of transport, however, are not particularly safe and comfortable and may take longer than normal taxis due to the many stops they do.

Maps of Urban Networks

Via Michelin (detailed map of Brazzaville)
Via Michelin (detailed map of Pointe-Noire)

Transportation From Airport to City Centre:

Airport	Distance	Taxi	Bus	Train	Car Rental
Maya Maya International Airport (Brazzaville)	5.5 km/3.4 miles	10 min - around XAF 1,000	No	No	Yes
Agostinho-Neto International Airport (Pointe-Noire)	7 km/4.3 miles	20 min- around XAF 1,500	No	No	Yes

Means of Transport Recommended in the Rest of the Country

Recommendation

By plane is the easiest way to travel across the country. Trans Air Congo and Canadian Airways Congo are operating flights between Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire (a one-hour journey). Nevertheless, cancellations and delays are common, and most internal flights are not bookable online.
The most common public transport method in Congo is with bush taxis and buses. Bush taxis tend to be a little faster, but are less comfortable and more crowded.
Trains connect Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire three times a week in each direction (standing XAF 14,300, seat XAF 22,500, sleeper XAF 26,000). It is advisable to purchase tickets at least a day in advance. The ride takes a full day (sometimes more in case of delays) but offers the chance to see beautiful landscapes. Another train route connects Pointe Noire to Mbinda, on the border with Gabon.
Finally, it is also possible to travel in the country by boat (either on motorized or traditional boats). Passenger and VIP ferries operate daily between Brazzaville and Kinshasa every 2 hours between 8am and 3pm. The ride is generally very safe and offers spectacular sceneries.

Airlines

You Can Consult The EU Air Safety List. Look Also at the rating of the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Travelling By Yourself

Recommendation

Driving in the Republic of the Congo is generally safe. The country has a paved road network of around 1,200 km. The road that connects Brazzaville and Pointe Noire is in very good conditions, same as the one between Pointe Noire and Cabinda. However, it is recommendable to drive around in a SUV, especially during the rainy season, when roads can be in worse conditions (and sometimes impassable due to heavy rains).
Several car rental agencies are available in Brazzaville and Pointe Noire, though renting a car can be really expensive (between USD 150 to 300 per day), same as for petrol. Driving is on the right side of the road, and an international driving license is required. Check points are frequent.
If hiring a driver, please note that most people only speak French. English, Chinese or German guides can be procured for USD 50 to 100/day, while French guides can be cheaper.

Road Maps

Detailed road map of Congo
Ezilon - Congo road network

Find an Itinerary

Via Michelin - Congo

Different Forms of Tourism

Historical

Tourists can visit the Congo Tank Graveyard, an hidden spot outside Brazzaville where hundreds of rusting old tanks from the great war of Africa over the Congo can be found.
The Brazza memorial, in memory of the Italian-French explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, who founded the settlement that became Brazzaville, can be visited in the capiltal, next to the Corniche.

Cultural

The most important museum of the country is the National Museum of Congo, located in Brazzaville. Other museums include the Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza museum and the Musée du Cercle Africain (in Pointe-Noire).

Nature

The Republic of the Congo can offer stunning landscapes and a variety of flora and fauna. The Odzala National Park is populated by lowland gorillas, monkeys and even elephants, and tourists can enjoy long hikings among the nature. Other major parks include the Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park (in the north of the country), the Conkouati-Douli National Park (in the far west, with the widest biodiversity), and the Louana National Park.

Religious

The Sainte-Anne-du-Congo cathedral in Brazzaville is among the main monuments of the country's capital, together with the Sacred Heart cathedral, which is the oldest existing cathedral in central Africa (dated 1892).

Thermal

In the capital Brazzaville tourists can enjoy several Spa resorts.

Beach

The southern area of Pointe-Noire is known as the wild coast ("côte sauvage"), and it is where the most popular beaches are located.

Winter Sports

The climate of the Republic of the Congo is not suitable for winter sports.

Outdoor Activities

Thirty minutes north of Pointe-Noire, close to the village of Diosso, visitors can find the Diosso Gorge. With its pink, yellow and orange colours, it offers a remarkable scenery and it is a good location for hiking.
In Brazzaville, visitors can enjoy the powerful rapids of the Congo River. In all of the national parks visitors can enjoy wonderful hikes (with several levels of difficulty).
Surf lovers can enjoy the waves of the coast next to Pointe-Noire (Pointe Kunda, Cote Sauvage, M’Vassa).

Shopping

Local jewelry, masks, paintings, and other artwork can be bought at the artisan mart near the BDEAC (Banque Developpement pour les Etats de l'Afrique Centrale). The Poto-Poto market is also famous, offering paintings and crafted wooden masks, while the villages of Makana and M'Pila are renowned for pottery.

Tourism Organisations

Ministry for Tourism and Environment

Health and Safety

Health Precautions

There are no specific vaccination requirements to enter the Republic of the Congo (except for vaccine against yellow fever which is required for travellers 9 months of age or older). Nevertheless, WHO and foreign ministries of various countries recommend the following vaccines before entering the country: Hepatitis A, Malaria, Typhoid, Hepatitis B and Rabies, and Measles.

For Further Information on Sanitary Conditions

CDC - Health Information for Travelers to Congo

For Further Information on Safety Conditions

U.S. Department of State - Congo Travel Information
Government of Canada - Congo Travel Advice
OSAC - Congo Crime and Safety Report

Time Difference and Climate

Time and Time Difference

It is %T:%M %A In Brazzaville (GMT+1)

Summer Time Period

There are no daylight saving time clock changes in the Republic of the Congo