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Republic of Congo
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.
National Park
Parc National d'OdzalaOne of the oldest national parks in Africa, the Parc National d’Odzala is Congo's calling card, a massive slice of the Guineo-Congolian rainforest that's…
National Park
Parc National Nouabalé-NdokiA Unesco World Heritage Site since 2012, Nouabalé-Ndoki is home to important populations of forest elephants, western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees and…
National Park
Parc National Conkouati-DouliThe newest of the three national parks in Congo, Conkouati-Douli was inaugurated in 1999 and is the most biodiverse of the country's national parks. The…
Viewpoint
La CornicheThis wonderful modernised embankment is a great place for a stroll, and affords fantastic views over the Congo River to Kinshasa, looming in the distance…
Beach
La Côte SauvagePointe-Noire's best and most popular beaches are located to the south of the city and are known locally as 'the wild coast'. There are lots of stalls…
Viewpoint
Les RapidesThese 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…
Beach
Pointe IndienneThis lovely stretch of sandy beach 19km north of Pointe-Noire is a great place for a day trip out of the city. It's popular with locals at weekends, and…
Gorge
Diosso GorgeHalf an hour north of Pointe-Noire, just outside the dusty village of Diosso, is the remarkable scenery of Diosso Gorge, which tears through the otherwise…
Museum
Musée Ma-LoangoSome way north of Pointe-Noire in the village of Diosso is this rather surprisingly located history museum, which covers the history of Congo and its…
Cathedral
Basilique Sainte-AnneThis modernist 1949 building was the crowning achievement of French architect Roger Erell, who was known for fusing Western architectural ideas with local…
Nature Reserve
Lésio Louna Gorilla ReserveThe Lésio Louna Gorilla Reserve, 140km north of Brazzaville, is a home for orphaned and confiscated gorillas. During a visit you can see the babies in the…
Memorial
Brazza MemorialThe body of Italian-French explorer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, who founded the settlement that became Brazzaville, was returned to Congo in 2006 and is…
Market
Marché TotalBrazza's biggest market, in the neighbourhood of Bacongo, Marché Total sells everything from technological wonders and caterpillars to monkeys and…
Landmark
Hôtel de VilleBrazzaville'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…
Market
Marché Poto-PotoThis 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…
Landmark
Palais du PeupleHeavily guarded and best not approached or photographed, this is the residence of Congo's long-term president, Denis Sassou N'Guesso.
Market
Marché TouristiqueSift through all the tat at Brazzaville's tourist market and you'll find some decent weavings and woodcarvings.
Cathedral
Cathédrale Sacré-CœurBuilt in 1892, this is the oldest surviving cathedral in Central Africa.