The Republic of the Congo, also known as Congo-Brazzaville, is in Central Africa and must be distinguished from its large and notorious eastern neighbour, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, also known as Congo-Kinshasa. The Republic of the Congo is bordered by Gabon, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola.
Its sparse population lives more in the southwestern part of the country, while the tropical rainforest areas more north is almost uninhabited. Thus, 85% of the total population lives in either Brazzaville or Pointe-Noire, or in the small villages next to the 534 km railway between the two cities.
Only the Congo River separates the capital Brazzaville from Kinshasa, the capital of neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Pointe Noire is a port city on the coast and as Brazzaville, not the normal touristy destination with monuments or other sights but may be interesting destinations for those looking for a real adventure.
The current political situation is stable but tense and could deteriorate quickly. There have been some demonstrations before, where foreign reporters were assaulted by riot police and had their equipment destroyed, but otherwise it should be safe to walk the streets.
Congolese authorities occasionally carry out security operations against rebel militias in certain regions in southeast Congo. Criminals often commit crimes and acts of banditry like kidnapping for ransom and attacks on transportation vehicles are common, particularly on the roads between Brazzaville–Kinkala–Mindouli and Mayama–Mindouli.
With criminal gangs and armed militias rampant in the Central African Republic (CAR) and a very porous CAR-Congo border, the risk on the Congolese side is higher. Travel in the border area of northern Congo along the Ubangi River is also not advised, due to ongoing insecurity in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It is not advised to travel to areas within 50 kilometres of the border with the Central African Republic due to uncertainties there, leading to high levels of crime and a large presence of displaced people.
Non-essential travel to the Pool area should also be avoided due to possible armed banditry and rebel activity. Due to violent crime and ongoing insecurity in some of the Republic of the Congo’s neighbouring countries, increased caution should be taken even elsewhere in the country.
Violent civil unrest resulting in armed conflict between security forces and rebel forces has occurred in the Republic of the Congo in the past. Although the political and security situation has improved lately and is generally calm, it remains tense and could deteriorate quickly.
Visitors should always avoid demonstrations, political rallies or large public gatherings with potential to turn violent and monitor the media and other local sources for information about potential risks.
Petty street crime targeting foreigners is rare in Brazzaville, but occasional opportunistic crimes like muggings and pick pocketing are always possible, especially at night and near the ports in Pointe Noire and Brazzaville.
Although Brazzaville is one of Africa’s safer cities, it is still recommended to leave valuable items at home. Tourists dare to walk around at night there, providing they stay observant, but more violent crime such as armed robbery and assault may be an issue in rural areas.
Street crime such as mugging and bag snatching also occurs, particularly in Brazzaville and Pointe Noire. Foreigners may be perceived wealthy and targeted by these opportunistic perpetrators.
Any travelling at night, alone or to isolated areas are not recommended and some beaches in Pointe Noire should not be frequented. Thieves are active along many beaches, hence only visit busy beaches.
Getting around can be done by hired car but may be an expensive exercise with petrol also expensive. Almost all drivers speak solely French, but English, Chinese or German guides can be procured at a higher price.
Taxis are another option, being fairly priced, as well as shared minibuses that go just about everywhere. Passengers must be extremely patient, tolerant, and time rich though, and they also aren’t necessarily safe, comfortable or even roadworthy! Hire only government-authorised green and white taxis in Brazzaville and blue and white taxis in Pointe-Noire and since they are not metered, negotiate fare before departing.
Road conditions and road safety throughout the country are mostly poor and accidents common. Drivers may be extremely aggressive and often drive at excessive speeds although most roads are poorly lit. Pedestrians, cyclists and animals on the roads are common hazards.
Most rural roads are little more than dirt tracks, making driving conditions absolutely hazardous during the rainy season. Try to travel during the day and in a convoy of at least two four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Gas stations are a novelty in rural areas and no roadside assistance available, hence carry a cellular telephone, maps, spare tyres, first aid kit and ample supplies of food, water and gas when going into such areas.
Travelling by rail throughout the Republic of the Congo and by road in the Pool area are not recommended, since armed criminal gangs operate and have robbed travelers there in the past. Even between Brazzaville and Pointe Noire travel by air is recommend, due to the possibility of attacks on vehicles, incidents of harassment and intimidation, and arrests along the route.
If travelling by road, be assertive at the many checkpoints since certain officials may target foreigners in order to extract bribes. Travellers should remain in their vehicle and only produce requested documents through a raised window. Rather carry a colour photocopy of passports and visas at all time too, for when asked for proof of identity.
The railway from Brazzaville to Pointe Noire could provide a spectacular full-day ride, but as of 2018 the line is damaged in the Pool region and trains from Pointe Noire only until Loutete. Another rail goes from Pointe Noire to Mbinda on the Gabon border, but Brazzaville is currently not served by trains.
The official language used in the Republic of the Congo is French, with main indigenous languages Kituba and Lingala. While racial tension and discrimination may occur, travellers should keep to themselves to stay out of trouble.
Generally, the drinks selection in the Republic of the Congo is good and safe, as is the general selection of food. There are several great restaurants in Brazzaville and Ponte Noire. It is safer to drink bottled water, which is available in various local and imported brands and sold in 1.5 litre plastic bottles.
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers’ diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food. Diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis and typhoid can be contracted if you don’t practice safe food and water precautions. The golden rule is to boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Cholera is a risk in parts of the Republic of the Congo, although most travellers are usually at a low risk. To protect against cholera, however, travellers should practice extra safe food and water precautions.
Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.
The Republic of the Congo is definitely not the safest destination for a family holiday, including children. If children are accompanying a group however, consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably six weeks before you travel and make sure that their routine vaccines are up to date as per the territory, regardless of the final travel destination. These include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.
Congolese law doesn’t prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex, but homosexuality, is not socially tolerated therefore LGBTQ2 travellers should carefully consider their behaviour in public as well as the risks of travelling to or through the Republic of Congo.
Photography of public buildings and military facilities is prohibited and may result in detention. Never take any picture if you are in doubt whether it would be permitted.
Travellers in the Republic of the Congo should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.
Avoid displaying signs of affluence and avoid travelling alone after dark.
Ensure that all personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are always securely stowed away.
Local police resources are limited and response times to emergency calls usually slow and help in cases of robbery very limited.
Monitor local media for any information on demonstrations, areas of crime and possible unrest. Avoid travelling by bus because of overcrowding, poor vehicle maintenance and potential onboard theft.
Don’t be dependent on electricity, since power outages may occur frequently.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe, and offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.
Arts and crafts are subject to an export tax and it is illegal to export items of historical significance, such as wood pieces, sculptures and paintings.
The presence of malaria is very high and effective preventative medication should be taken when a visit is planned. See a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic at least six weeks before you travel for antimalarial medication.
It remains the best practice to protect yourself from mosquito bites by covering up, using insect repellent and staying in enclosed air-conditioned accommodations as far as possible.
Medical care throughout the country is substandard and hospitals lack equipment, medical supplies and medications, as well as well-trained physicians, nurses and support staff.
There is a Netcare clinic in Brazzaville, a franchise from South Africa, that is clean, with facilities like an ambulance, emergency room, basic radiography, pharmacy and a laboratory with microscopy, haematology, and basic chemists.
Due to AIDS, Congolese generally have a lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates. Visitors should use common sense and should abstain from casual sex and definitely not have unprotected sex.
Before visiting the Republic of the Congo, consider getting vaccinated against some diseases and be very assertive as to prevent food and water-borne diseases.
It is mandatory for visitors to have a yellow fever vaccination certificate once they arrive in the country. You can be asked to show this certificate at any given time while travelling around the country, so it is a good idea to keep a certified copy with you at all times.
Other recommended vaccinations include that against typhoid and hepatitis A, as well as routine vaccinations such as against polio, diphtheria and tetanus.
Certain insects carry and spread diseases like African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, dengue fever, leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis, malaria, onchocerciasis, Rift Valley fever, West Nile virus and yellow fever.
Since the beginning of 2020 visitors to any country should be aware of and help to avoid the spreading of the coronavirus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses found in both animals and humans. Some infect people and are known to cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
Enjoy a safe holiday in the Republic of the Congo with a reputable tour operator.
MoAfrika Tours is a leading tour operator in South Africa that offers an outstanding selection of tours to the Republic of the Congo. We have a close association with the most reputable tour operators in the Republic of the Congo that make safety a priority.