Congo

1. See Western Lowland Gorillas in Their Pristine Natural Kingdom

The Congo, specifically the 13,500 square kilometres (5,200 square miles) of undisturbed primary rainforest that is Odzala-Kokoua National Park, is home to a healthy population of western lowland gorillas and one of the best places to visit in Congo.

Gorilla trekking safaris in Congo are unique: you and your guide can walk straight into the forest from camp and start tracking gorillas; sometimes you can find them within an hour. This is different from other gorilla trekking destinations like Rwanda and Uganda, where you must first take a road transfer into the national parks and then hike into the mountains for about two to five hours.

Gorilla safaris in Congo also offer you the opportunity to track these primates for three consecutive days – an activity limited to only one day in the other countries. This allows you to spend more time with the various gorilla families and compare the fascinating differences in personalities and group dynamics.

2. Explore an Extraordinary Tropical Rainforest on Foot

In addition to gorilla trekking safaris in Congo, you can also explore the world's second-largest tropical rainforest on foot in search of shy forest elephant and buffalo, chimpanzees, and over 400 bird species. You can even go on guided walks at night, tracking nocturnal primates like the Central Potto.

Although a guided walk around a baï can get a little wet and muddy, it's one of the few places in Africa where you can safely explore forest streams and marshes on foot. These wetland clearings yield a magnetic attraction for forest elephants by night, as well as provide nutrient-rich water and grazing for other animals like forest buffalo, bongo, and giant flocks of African green pigeon and African grey parrot. Dzanga Baï is a pilgrimage destination for environmental travellers and delivers the finest forest elephant encounters in Africa.

3. Traverse the Congo Basin by Boat & Kayak

Drift silently along the jungle's waterways while exploring the Congo Basin from a different angle. Keep an eye out for forest elephant, antelope, buffalo, and charismatic monkeys going about their daily lives on the riverbanks.

4. Meet the Forest's Native Communities & Tribes

Visit local villages and savour the opportunity to learn more about living in the Congo Basin. Spend time with the Ba'Aka community as they go about their daily tasks and gain insight into how these hunter-gatherers have adapted to their rainforest home. If you are a cultural tourist, these interactions will leave you in awe during your Congo safari.

5. Discover the ‘Little Paris of Africa’

The Congo's capital city, Brazzaville is also known as the ‘Little Paris of Africa’ and has an intriguing French culture, lively fabric markets, and colourful architecture to explore during your vacation in Congo. The city is home to very friendly and welcoming people, who pride themselves on keeping their city in a pristine condition.

1. Brazzaville: Congo's Capital

The Congo’s capital city and flight hub for Central West Africa is clean, organised and friendly. Places in Congo, including the spectacular rainforests, are reached only via charter flight from Brazzaville. The airy, modern airport receives inbound flights from main hubs including Nairobi (Kenya) and Johannesburg (South Africa) –– making it easy to combine a beach vacation with a traditional big game Congo safari. Known as the ‘Little Paris of Africa’, Brazzaville has a strong French culture. It is a delightful city and fun-filled day tours will take you to colourful markets showcasing exquisite local fabric, foods and other goods, as well as to see to historical Congo landmarks and fascinating architecture. While you’re there, there are a ton of hotels in Congo to stay at – each of which promise their own unique experience.

2. Odzala-Kokoua National Park: One of Africa's Oldest National Parks

When compiling your bucket list of Congo points of interest, you simply have to include the breathtaking Odzala-Kokoua National Park. And, if you’re wondering where to see gorillas in Africa, then look no further than right here.

Travelling to the Congo in January & February

January and February form part of the Congo's short dry season and can be extremely humid. Most of the Congo is covered in a thick layer of grey cloud throughout these months, but the drier conditions do bring the gorillas out of the far reaches of the rainforests. This is great time to visit Congo for a gorilla safari.

Visiting the Congo during March & April

March and April form part of the Congo's short rainy season and there is a chance of rain almost every day throughout these months. Despite the rain, these months are generally extremely hot. March and April are the best times to visit if you are looking for a quieter vacation before the peak season, and to take advantage of lower rates on accommodation and gorilla trekking in Congo. Be sure to pack with rainy conditions in mind.

Visiting the Congo from May to July

May is the first month of the long dry season and this is considered the best time to visit Congo for soul-stirring gorilla encounters, in perfect trekking conditions. But you won't just encounter gorillas on Congo tours in this unique part of Africa, you may also see shy forest buffalo and elephant, rare bongo antelope, and even pangolin if you're very lucky.

June is a dry month in the Congo, the temperature does drop ever so slightly during the winter months, but the humidity remains. This month is one of the best times to go to the Congo for gorilla trekking as the cool weather is perfect for sightings. These conditions are far more comfortable for hiking than in the warmer summer months or rainy seasons.

July is the driest and coolest time of the year and is a perfect example of a tropical winter month.

Travelling to the Congo from August to October

August is peak season in the Congo and falls within the dry season period. It stays relatively cool during this period. Odzala National Park is where to go in Congo during August and is a showstopper destination. The park is in the north-western part of the Congo and is an excellent wildlife viewing destination with 114 mammals and over 400 bird species.

September is the first month of spring in the Congo and even though the start of the long rainy season only begins in October, there is a chance of rainfall during this month.

October is the first month of the long rainy season which drenches the rainforests and the entire country until the end of December. This rainfall can result in monsoons, so it's best to plan your trip accordingly if you are planning on visiting Congo during this time. October is a great month for birdwatching, as regular sightings of grey parrots, green pigeons and great blue Turaco's are common in the forest areas.

Visiting the Congo during November & December

November is a wet month in the Congo, when peak season has ended, and the summer rains are in full swing. It's not generally considered the best time to visit the Congo, unless you are willing to brave the wet weather and muddy hiking conditions in the dense rainforests on a gorilla trek.

December is the first month of summer in the Congo and it can be hot, humid and wet at this time of year. The rains do tend to simmer down towards the end of December, welcoming in the new year with drier conditions.

Money & Spending

The Republic of the Congo uses the Central African Franc (CFA) as its currency but safari travellers are unlikely to encounter it. Brazzaville's international hotels and the country's few wilderness lodges accept US dollars, GB pounds and Euros.

The rates for our recommended accommodation include all meals and drinks (with the exception of premium wines and champagne, and premium liqueurs and spirits) as well as a laundry service (underwear is not washed due to local customs). Any extra payments or gratuities can be settled in the above foreign currencies – in cash – on check-out.

Tipping

Provided the service is good, it is customary to tip lodge staff and guides in the foreign currency of your choice. The amount depends on the staff member's role and the size of your group – enquire with one of our Africa Safari Experts for in-depth tipping guidelines; they’d be happy to share their knowledge with you.

Climate

Average night-time temperature: 16°C (61°F) – 21°C (70°F).

Rainy seasons: October to December (long rains); March to April (short rains)

Refer to “best time to visit Congo” for climate charts and details on when to visit for gorilla trekking and game viewing.

What to Pack

Packing for a warm and humid equatorial climate means plenty of comfortable, light and loose-fitting clothing, sun protection and insect repellent. You will need rain gear as well, advisable even out of Congo's two rainy seasons, and a warm fleece for the occasional cool night. Malaria is a risk all year throughout the country and precautions are strongly advised. Consult a medical professional over what medication to bring.

If you plan to go gorilla trekking, make sure you pack trousers and long-sleeved tops, gaiters or long socks to wear over your trousers and comfortable hiking boots (break them in before your trip).

Flights & Getting Around

For flight schedules, fares and booking terms, check directly with the airline or your chosen travel agent.

Congo's Maya-Maya International Airport is located in the capital Brazzaville and is served by a number of African carriers as well as Air France from Paris. Regular flights to Nairobi mean easy international connections as well as no-fuss East African safari and beach holiday add-ons.

There's little reason to delay once you have arrived in Brazzaville: charter flights will transfer to your safari accommodation. Road transfers to lodges and local drives are in 4X4 vehicles but most game viewing activities are conducted on foot or by boat.

Visa & Passport Requirements

With the exception of citizens from neighbouring countries, all visitors require a visa to enter the Republic of the Congo; visas are not issued at the airport. The 15-day single entry tourist visa is usually sufficient. On arrival, your passport must be valid for six months and you may be asked for proof of your tour, lodge or hotel reservation – a physical copy of your booking confirmation is acceptable. A yellow fever certificate is required by all visitors except infants under a year old.

Start Planning Your Congo Safari

Chat with someone who’s been there. Get in touch with one of our Africa Travel Experts to help tailor-make a trip to the Congo that’s right for you.

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