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Republic of Congo
The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office advise against all travel to Boko, Kindamba, Kinkala, Mayama and Mindouli districts of the Pool region, the Mouyondzi district of Bouenza region and all areas within 50km of the Central African Republic. Click here for more information.
A land of steamy jungles hiding half the world's lowland gorillas, masses of forest elephants, and hooting, swinging troops of chimpanzees, the Republic of Congo is on the cusp of becoming one of the finest ecotourism destinations in Africa.
Boasting three excellent and little-visited national parks where everything from luxurious safaris to bush camping is possible, the main attraction to this alluring slice of West Africa is the unbridled natural beauty. However, Congo-Brazzaville (as it's often called to distinguish it from the Democratic Republic of Congo, south of the Congo River) also enjoys a pleasantly laid-back capital city in Brazzaville, some decent beaches on its Atlantic coastline.
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Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Republic of Congo.
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La Corniche
This wonderful modernised embankment is a great place for a stroll, and affords fantastic views over the Congo River to Kinshasa, looming in the distance. La Corniche ends at the massive Pont du 15 août 1960, a brand-new, Chinese-built, cable-stayed bridge connecting central Brazzaville to the presidential palace. The bridge is lit up at night and looks spectacular.
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Les Rapides
These wide and powerful rapids on the Congo River can be viewed on the outskirts of Brazzaville. Most people observe the rapids from the nearby bar Site Touristique Les Rapides, but the best viewing is at the other end, down the sandy track after the bridge. A taxi from the city centre costs CFA2000, or you can take a minibus to Pont Djoué from next to Institut Français du Congo.
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Basilique Sainte-Anne
This modernist 1949 building was the crowning achievement of French architect Roger Erell, who was known for fusing Western architectural ideas with local building techniques. It's easily one of the city's most striking buildings, with its dazzling green roof and carved copper doors – try to come by around 5pm for mass, when the nave is a sea of beautifully dressed locals.
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Brazza Memorial
The body of Italian-French explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, who founded the settlement that became Brazzaville, was returned to Congo in 2006 and is interred in this gleaming memorial. Outside there's a statue of the man himself surveying his creation.
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Marché Total
Brazza's biggest market, in the neighbourhood of Bacongo, Marché Total sells everything from technological wonders and caterpillars to monkeys and Congolese fabrics.
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Hôtel de Ville
Brazzaville's modernist city hall has an enviable location just by the Congo River, and anyone who has spent time in France will notice the unmistakable official font of the French government in evidence here.
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Marché Poto-Poto
This sprawling and chaotic market in the heart of one of Brazza's busiest residential neighbourhoods is a good place to wander and see locals food shopping.
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Palais du Peuple
Heavily guarded and best not approached or photographed, this is the residence of Congo's long-term president, Denis Sassou N'Guesso.
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Marché Touristique
Sift through all the tat at Brazzaville's tourist market and you'll find some decent weavings and woodcarvings.