12 reasons why you should travel to Congo right now

Where is the Congo Republic? In Africa, The Republic of the Congo stretches along the eponymous Congo River, facing the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Congo capital, Brazzaville, is small and quiet, faces the gigantic Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Apart from the few monuments and museums in the center, the capital is not touristy, which makes it more authentic. However, there is a lot to see in the regions of Congo. The districts of Mungali Bakongo and Poto Poto are particularly lively, as is the gigantic Total market. On weekends, you can go to Faignond Island on the Congo River to relax during your travel to Congo. How safe is it to travel to Congo? This country is quite safe now to travel to. Why travel to Congo? Nature, culture, people, etc. The reasons are many. In this article, you will read about 12 reasons why you should travel to Congo right now, including answers to questions such as where is the Congo Republic, what is its difference from the Democratic Republic of Congo, how safe is it to travel to Congo, what is Congo capital, what is Congo flag, how to spend a good time in Congo, etc.

1. Surf in Pointe-Noire

Some go surfing in Australia or Hawaii; others choose the Congo waves. Surfing is still not a popular sport on the Pointe-Noire side, but it is now possible to learn to surf thanks to Patrick Bikoumou, who set up the La Pyramide surf school there. The best sites for surfing are Pointe Kunda, Cote Sauvage, and M'Vassa (45 minutes from Pointe-Noire). If you are not into surfing, taking a dip or sunbathing on the sandy beaches or sailing under the Congo flag is just as enjoyable to have a good time in Congo.

2. Odzala-Kokoua National Park

Located in the northwest of the Republic of Congo, Odzala-Kokoua National Park is home to the second-largest tropical forest in the world after the Amazon. Gorillas, elephants, monkeys, and many other often endangered species can be seen through this stimulating and wild nature stretching over 13,546 km. It is possible to stay in the park which offers six modern well-equipped lodges as well as a bar and a restaurant all built in the heart of the forest. The recommended times to visit Ozdala are from June to September and December to February.

3. Congo River

Where is the Congo? On the banks of the river of the same name. Congo is the most powerful river in the world after that of the Amazon. It separates the two Congo capital, Kinshasa and Brazzaville. Local agencies offer several types of activities, including crossing between Brazzaville and Kinshasa, excursions, water skiing, sport fishing, and swimming, all in a magical setting. Its waters, swelled by generous tributaries. The Likouala-Herbes, the Likouala-Mossaka, the Alima, the Lefini, and several others with singing names on the Republic of the Congo's sole territory mark with those of the Oubangui, upstream, the border between the two Congos. Of course, you can contemplate the fiery river in Brazzaville, which it separates from the bubbling Kinshasa, but also go up the course or go to admire the Loufoulakari waterfalls or Bela, downstream from Brazzaville.

4. Saint Anne Basilica and National Museum

In the heart of Brazzaville, the Sainte-Anne Basilica has an emerald roof that changes tone during the day, depending on the ambient light. If you are one of the modernist architecture fans, you will be delighted to visit this church designed by French architect Roger Erell in the Congo capital. The National Museum of Congo was founded in 1965. It is the ideal place to learn about the history of the Congo. You will see many historical and traditional objects from different regions. The entrance is free of charge.

5. Total market

Located in Bacongo, in the second arrondissement, the Total market is the largest in Brazzaville. It was inaugurated in July 2015. It is a good address to discover all kinds of local products. The market is divided into different zones depending on the food sold. You can thus navigate better, depending on what you are looking for. The main hall is for sellers of vegetables, meat, and fresh fish; upstairs are spices and other smoked fish.

6. Loufoulakari falls

You should visit these falls to have an interesting time in Congo. No need to go too far from the capital to discover this paradise on earth. The Loufoulakari Falls are 80 km from Brazzaville. Its waterfalls are the result of the convergence of the Loufoulakari river and the Congo River. Visits are possible during the day, and a car is necessary to circulate on the track which will take you to this extraordinary place.

7. Mami Wata restaurant and Poto-Poto school

This is a very popular restaurant in the capital of Congo. Located by the river, Mami Wata clients can admire Kinshasa and the fishermen leaving or returning from fishing with the boats under the Congo flag. It has a breathtaking panorama to taste tasty local dishes as well as world cuisine. On the other hand, if you are looking for original and unique Congolese art, Poto-Poto school is the place you must go to. The school is both a place of training and an artists' cooperative. Founded by the Frenchman Pierre Lods in 1951, its reputation shines nationally but also outside the country.

8. Kintele Olympic Stadium and Brazzaville Golf Club

Inaugurated in September 2015, this new 60,000-seat stadium hosted the 11th African Games. Located in Brazzaville's northern suburbs, it is part of the sports complex that houses four gymnasiums and an Olympic swimming pool. If you want to experience the Congolese's sporting excitement, do not miss the opportunity to attend a football match in this stadium shaped like a bird's nest. On the other hand, the golf course overlooks Congo's river and offers a surprising view of the river, the falls, and the forest. This 9-hole golf course is a surprising discovery in Brazzaville. To access it, you have to enter through the World Health Organization's office's main door.

9. Poto-Poto Mosque and Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Memorial

Copyright: @nychphotography This is the largest mosque in Central Africa. It is located in the popular district of Poto-Poto, where several immigrants, including Senegalese, settled several decades ago. Impossible to miss its imposing architecture with its four white and green minarets. In the heart of Brazzaville, Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Memorial pays homage to the Franco-Italian explorer, de Brazza, who discovered the city of Brazzaville in 1880. The Memorial houses his remains, images, paintings, and sculptures. It traces the explorer's journey through a gigantic 15m fresco. This Memorial remains one of the most visited places by tourists and admission is free.

10. Congo Forests

More than 60% of the country's territory is covered by forests, which belong to the large primary forest of the Congo Basin. The vegetation is exuberant here! Only a dive in the Amazon rainforest could offer you a comparable experience. But, always be accompanied by a guide, and choose one of the national parks to discover the disproportionate trees whose names alone invite you to travel: okoume, sapelli, sipo, iroko, and wengue. Not to mention the countless varieties of orchids. It is not very easy to go deep into the Congo's primary forest to meet its occupants: gorillas and other primates. On the other hand, one can easily go to visit one of the gorilla sanctuaries, where protected populations are offered to the observation of the visitors. Opt for the Lossi sanctuary, south of Odzala National Park, or, more accessible, for those of Lesio-Luna (north of Brazzaville) and Tchimpounga (north of Pointe-Noire). And do not miss to visit their nursery.

11. Pygmy village

Thanks to local guides, it is possible to cross the forest by canoe, from Impfondo to Ouesso, to visit the Pygmies. You will be able to meet the inhabitants of this tropical forest and to discover their art, their habitat, and their traditions. 

12. A safe destination

How safe is it to travel to Congo? Since the 1990s, which saw the forces of Pascal Lissouba and those of Denis Sassou-Nguesso clash, devastating the Pool region in particular, the Congo has regained calm and started its reconstruction. President of the Republic since October 1997, reelected in 2002 and 2009, Denis Sassou-Nguesso benefited from a favorable economic context, thanks to the revenues from oil exploitation, to pacify and develop the country. In fact, the return to "civil peace" has made it possible to implement a policy of major works in terms of communication infrastructures (roads, ports, airports), public facilities (hospitals, schools, universities, stadiums, etc.). So much so that today, the Congo presents a more modern face, which facilitates tourist discovery. Moreover, the 11th African Games took place in Brazzaville. Apart from Brazzaville's international airports, Pointe-Noire and Ollombo, which have been renovated, the secondary airports of Dolisie, Ouesso, and Impfondo, the country now has modern roads connecting Brazzaville to Pointe-Noire and Ouesso. At the same time, that the railroad allows again to join the two principal cities of the country.