Congo - Kalahari Safari

The Republic of Congo (also known as simply ‘Congo’) is often confused with its larger and more notorious neighbour on the other side of the Congo River, the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, travellers adventurous enough to venture into the smaller, more peaceful and lesser known Republic of Congo, are rewarded with magnificent scenery complete with lush rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls, hidden lagoons, and towering volcanic mountains. The remaining wilderness areas contain a profusion of fascinating wildlife including over half of the world's lowland gorilla population, some of the finest herds of forest elephants, troops of chimpanzees and a host of other primates. The Congo’s dense forests are also home to several indigenous tribes, which have managed to retain their traditional way of life, almost entirely uninfluenced by Western civilization. Must-see attractions include the Parc National d'Odzala and nearby Parc National Nouabalé-Ndoki, two of the most pristine rainforest reserves on the African continent.

Now with a modern new international airport in Brazzaville, entry is as comfortable and welcoming.

Citizens of most countries require a visa for entry to Republic of Congo. Upon booking you need to supply a copy of your passport so that the Congo Conservation Company can secure the invitation letter which you will need to make application.

Please consult your nearest embassy/consular branch:

www.ambacongo-us.org

Currency

CFA (Communauté Financière Africaine) Franc (XAF) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of XAF10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of XAF250, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1.

Congo is part of the French Monetary Area. Only currency issued by the Banque des États de l'Afrique Centrale (Bank of Central African States) is valid; currency issued by the Banque des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest (Bank of West African States) is not. The CFA Franc is tied to the Euro. However, US Dollars are the preferred currency.

The import and export of local currency is prohibited, except between countries of the Central African group. The import of foreign currency is unrestricted, although amounts over US$235 must be declared on arrival. Export of foreign currency is restricted to the amount imported.

Banking

Banking hours: Monday-Friday 06h30-13h00 (counters close at 11h30).

Diners Club and MasterCard have limited use. Hotels in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire accept major credit or debit cards, although most prefer cash. ATMs are hard to come by but one bank in Brazzaville has an ATM.

Travellers cheques are sometimes accepted in larger cities but to avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Euros or Pounds Sterling.

ECAir (www.flyecair.com) and Trans Air Congo (www.flytransaircongo.com) operate flights between Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire.

Both local and international car hire companies are represented in Brazzaville. An International Driving Permit is required. Roads are mostly earth tracks, sandy in dry season and impassable in the wet, suitable for 4-wheel drive vehicles only. There are around 1,200km (750 miles) of paved roads. Poorly marked army checkpoints, often manned by undisciplined soldiers, exist throughout the country.

Brazzaville has a minibus and taxi service. Taxis are also available in Pointe-Noire and Loubomo. Taxi fares have a flat rate and fares should be agreed beforehand.

'La Gazelle' train connects Brazzaville with Pointe-Noire on the Congo-Ocean Railway (journey time - 14 to 16 hours). Carriages are modern and comfortable.

Inland steamers ply from Brazzaville up the Congo and Ubangi. Rivers are vital to internal transport.

Republic of Congo has a wide range of health challenges similar to other developing African countries. Yellow Fever vaccination is required for entry to the country and one should consider anti-malaria precautions. The camps are in remote regions which is good for limiting exposure to many of the diseases mentioned, but also challenging should health challenges arise, so best to be prepared.

For more detail on the health side of travel to Republic of Congo, we recommned this website - https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/clinician/none/congo

Republic of Congo is considered a safe destination. The capital Brazzaville and other larger towns will require standard awareness needed in big cities to avoid mugging, pickpockets and simple scams. The far border regions with DRC and CAR do present problems from potential insurgency.

Overall the wildlife camps are well -located and safety concerns are all wildlife related. Taking proper medical precautions is important. Paying attention to your guides' instructions whilst out in the field in the presence of elephants, buffalo, gorillas and other wildlife is imperative for your safety.

All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is unpasteurised and should be boiled. Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised. Avoid dairy products which are likely to have been made from unboiled milk. Only eat well cooked meat and fish. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled.

Congolese cuisine incorporates French, Asian and Arabic influences into more starchy, traditional African fare. Local-style restaurants usually serve chicken, fish and goat dishes accompanied by some variation of a cassava or maize-based staple.

The major urban areas have a number of French-style bakeries and patisseries, many of which are run by Lebanese immigrants. Indian and Chinese restaurants are also not uncommon. However, often the best food and atmosphere is to be found at a simple open-air roadside grill.

In Pointe Noire, the Atlantic provides some excellent seafood, while Congo’s bountiful rivers and their freshwater fish are the main source of protein for many Congolese in the hinterland.

Adding a 10% tip on hotel and restaurant bills is customary.

The Republic of Congo has an equatorial climate with short rains from October to December and long rains between mid January and mid May. The main dry season is from June to October. Visiting in the 'drier' season is often chosen for comfort reasons, but note that skies tend to be overcast and smoky from bushfires which can make for challenging photography. For those happy to brave the rains, the rewards of sunshine and blue skies are there.

Practical lightweight cottons and linens are recommended with a light raincoat or umbrella in the rainy season. There is plenty of opportunity to walk in the water as you explore the rainforest, so a good idea is to come with a pair of boots or sneakers that you are happy to leave behind at the end!

In the Republic of Congo there are two associated plug types, types C and E. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins, and plug type E is the plug which has two round pins and a hole for the socket’s male earthing pin. The Republic of Congo operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. If your appliance isn’t compatible with 230V electrical output, a voltage converter will be necessary.

The forest camps run on solar and provide power 24hr per day.

The Republic of Congo is a very welcoming and safe country to visit, but tourism is in general very undeveloped. There are various connections to Brazzaville from South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia and France which make for relatively easy flight access.

One of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth, South Africa, fondly known by locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', boasts 11 official languages, and its inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of cultures. Discover the gourmet restaurants, impressive art scene, vibrant nightlife, and beautiful beaches of Cape Town. Enjoy a local braai (barbecue) in the Soweto township, browse the bustling Indian markets in Durban, or sample some of the world's finest wines at the myriad wine estates dotting the Cape Winelands. Some historical attractions to explore include the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town. Above all else, its untamed wilderness is astonishing: wildlife roams freely across massive unfenced game reserves such as the world-famous Kruger National Park.

Visas are not required to enter South Africa for travellers from MOST countries if their intended stay is for 90 days or less.

Visitors to South Africa must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date, together with onward travel documents, proof of accommodation and sufficient funds for the duration of your stay. In addition, each country you may be visiting generally requires at least 2 consecutive/side by side blank pages on entry for both visas and stamps. Should your itinerary include more than one country, excluding the country of departure and return, please ensure that you have a sufficient number of blank visa pages (not endorsement pages) in your passport. Should there be insufficient blank pages in your passport then entry into or exit from a country could be denied.

NB: As of 01 June 2015, all passengers under 18 years of age will need to present an unabridged birth certificate as well as a valid passport when entering, departing or transiting South Africa. Abbreviated versions or baptismal certificates are not accepted. This requirement applies to minors of all nationalities – whether traveling unaccompanied, with both parents, with one parent or with a guardian/s or another adult/s. A sworn translation (certified/authenticated) in English should accompany all documentation that is in a language other than English.

Any applicable visas and/or relevant documentation are your responsibility. You must also be in possession of outward travel documents and have sufficient funds for the duration of your stay. Further visa information is available on the following website www.home-affairs.gov.za (small word of caution that we are not responsible for the content)

Currency

The currency is the Rand, which is divided into 100 cents. There are R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10 notes. Coins come in R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c.

Banking

Banks are found in most towns, and are generally open from 09h00 to 15h30 on weekdays and 08h30 to 11h00 on Saturdays (Closed Sundays and Public Holidays). Most of them offer foreign exchange services - with cash, bank & credit cards as well as travellers cheques. You can also obtain cash from automatic teller machines (ATMs). Several international banks have branches in the main city centres. Always advise your bank that you are travelling outside of the country as they might block your purchases if they are not informed.

Travelling around South Africa is relatively easy by air, road and rail.

Principal air routes are serviced by SAA and British Airways, operated by Comair. There are 2 low-cost carriers on main routes, namely Kulula.com and Mango.

Facilitating travel around South Africa are 10 airports managed by the Airports Company South Africa (Acsa). In addition, there are some 90 regional airports, including the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport in Nelspruit and the Skukuza Airport, offering access to the Kruger National Park.

An extensive tarred road system makes travelling in South Africa by vehicle convenient and easy. You will find gravel roads in rural areas though. Note:

A valid international driver's licence is required.

We drive on the left hand side of the road.

Wearing seat belts is compulsory and cellphones can only be used ‘hands free'.

Speed limits are generally set at 120km on freeways, 100km on secondary roads and 60km in urban areas.

Toll fees apply on certain national roads.

Petrol stations are widespread.

Most global car hire firms have branches in South Africa

Another means of getting around South Africa are luxury inter-city bus services such as Greyhound and Trans-Lux. Metrobus buses are available for in-city transport. Metered taxis must be ordered by telephone. There is a hop-on-hop-off bus in Cape Town and Johannesburg.

Our rail system includes the long-haul, inexpensive Shosholoza Meyl Metrorail trains. More luxurious options are the Blue Train, Premier Classe and the steam train Rovos Rail. There is also the new Gautrain rapid transit railway system in Gauteng Province which links Johannesburg, Pretoria, Ekhuruleni and OR Tambo International Airport.

South Africa is a wonderful vacation destination, but a happy holiday is a healthy holiday so take note of the following South Africa health information before you set off on your adventures.

Bilharzia in South Africa: This treatable but unpleasant disease (also known as schistosomiasis) is caused by parasites that can be found in fresh waterways in Southern Africa (although not in mountainous regions). Always check with your guide or local tourism information bureau you are staying in a bilharzia risk area before swimming, boating or wading in fresh water. An interesting aside: in certain African and East Asian communities, overcoming schistosomiasis is an important rite of passage. Not something we recommend for today’s holiday maker however.

Drinking Water and Cholera in South Africa: Cholera has been detected in some water in the Limpopo province. Unless there is a sign with information to the contrary, tap water in South Africa is safe for drinking. Drinking from streams and rivers is not recommended unless you are with a registered tour guide who knows the source of the water and can advise you that it is safe for consumption.

The recent cholera outbreaks in parts of South Africa have caused concern for many visitors to the country. Please refer to our Cholera Prevention Tips article on the Portfolio Travel Blog for advice.

H1N1 Virus (Swine flu): The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed cases of H1N1 Influenza (09) in a number of countries throughout the world, including South Africa. For a list of these countries, visit the WHO website. Please take basic precautions of hand washing, sneezing into the crook of your elbow and refraining from touching any parts of your face with un-cleaned hands to help prevent spread any flu virus.

HIV and AIDS: Please be aware that there is, sadly, a high prevalence of HIV in South Africa. Abstinence or safe sex is strongly advised.

Hospitals, Medical Aid and Travel Insurance: While there are state hospitals throughout South Africa, they usually involve a long wait for patients needing medical care. Private hospitals are in line with Western standards in terms of both care and personal attention but the costs can be high. We advise you to take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before embarking on your trip.

Malaria in South Africa: Malaria is prevalent in some remote areas in the far north and east of South Africa, including the Kruger National Park. A 90 kilometre strip running along the border with Mozambique and Zimbabwe has been designated as a malaria risk zone, with some adjoining areas experiencing malaria risk at various times in the year.

If you are not sure whether your travels take you into a malaria-area or not, do contact us with your proposed itinerary and we will let you know. You may also refer to an up to date malaria map. You may then need to take medication to protect you, prior to arriving in these areas.

It is always wise to take precautions in such regions, so in addition to your anti-malaria medication of choice we highly recommend the use of insect repellent creams and lotions, including the more holistic citronella option.

For extensive information about malaria please refer to the WHO's website.

Snakes and snakebites in South Africa: South Africa is home to several species of venomous snakes, although they tend to stay away from people and attack only if startled or provoked. Always keep a lookout on the path ahead and on overhanging branches when out and about in nature. Should you get bitten by any snake, get medical assistance as soon as you are able, and if possible give a good description of the snake to assist the practitioner treating you.

Please refer to the article on snakes and snakebites on the Portfolio Travel Blog for more information.

Sun Protection in South Africa: The African sun can be very harsh, especially for children, the elderly and those with fair skin. Sunscreen, sunblock, sun hats and sunglasses are essential. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration. When possible avoid being outdoors for extended periods of time between 11h00 and 14h00.

Ticks and tick bite fever in South Africa: Wear long trousers, socks and shoes when hiking or walking through long grass, and apply insect repellent to your arms, legs and neck as an extra precaution against ticks. Tick bite fever presents with a headache and swollen glands about a week after being bitten. See a doctor who will help you with treatment. Not all tick bites will result in tick bite fever.

Yellow Fever Certificate Requirements: As of 1 October 2011, South Africa requires all travellers journeying from yellow fever risk countries (listed here) to show proof of yellow fever vaccination by means of a valid yellow fever certificate.

South Africa has a very high level of crime, including rape and murder. The risk of violent crime to visitors travelling to the main tourist destinations is generally low. The South African authorities give high priority to protecting tourists and tourism police are deployed in several large towns. Most cases of violent crime and murder tend to occur in townships remote and isolated areas. Consult a reliable tour guide if you visit a township.

Crime increases in areas where large crowds gather, so be particularly vigilant if you’re attending sporting or other events that attract large numbers.

Incidents of vehicle hi-jacking and robbery are common, particularly after dark. Keep to main roads and park in well lit areas. Vulnerable areas include, but are not limited to: traffic lights, junctions, and when approaching or pulling out from driveways. Take care at all times and be vigilant of your surroundings when in a stationary vehicle.

There are frequent incidents of car windows being broken and valuables taken while cars are waiting at junctions. Keep valuables out of sight.

Due to thefts at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, you should vacuum-wrap luggage where local regulations permit. Keep all valuables in your carry-on luggage.

Keep large amounts of money, expensive jewellery, cameras and phones out of sight. Don’t change or withdraw large sums of money in busy public areas including foreign exchange facilities or ATMs. Thieves operate at international airports, and bus and railway stations. Keep your valuables safe and baggage with you at all times.

Don’t give personal or financial account information details to anyone. There are international fraud rings operating in South Africa, who may target visitors and charities.

Standards of hygiene in relation to food health and safety in South Africa, are generally high in hotels, restaurants, pubs and nightspots. Tap water in South Africa is safe to drink and cook with when taken from taps in urban areas. Not all tap water in rural areas is safe for consumption, so take precautions if necessary.

It is safe to eat fresh fruit, vegetables and salads, and put ice in your drinks. South Africa's fish, meat and chicken are of excellent quality, so there is no need to limit yourself when enjoying the local cuisine.

Restaurants are subject to South Africa's food safety control legislation, which is implemented by local government. Regulations include certification and regular inspections by health inspectors to ensure hygienic standards are maintained.

Street food is not as common in South Africa as it is in other countries, although vendors selling traditional snacks and meals can be found in city centres and townships. Food safety in such instances cannot always be guaranteed.

South African temperatures, which are measured in centigrade, average at highs of 28°C to average lows of 8°C in the summer months while winter temperatures range from 1°C at night to around 18°C in the day. Average annual rainfall is on the low side at under 500mm a year, making the country somewhat dry. Much of the rain falls in the Western Cape in the winter, differing from the rest of the country, which experiences summer rainfall. On the plus side, the South African climate boasts more than its fair share of sunshine, recording an average of 8.5 hours a day.

Summer

Bring clothes that are cool, light and comfortable because summer temperatures can get well into the 30 - 40 degree Celsius range in some areas.Also bring an umbrella or raincoat during summer as this is when most of the country gets its rain, but don't forget a swimming costume (bathing suit).

Winter

The winters are generally mild, comparing favourably with European summers. But there are days when temperatures dive, especially in high-lying areas such as the Drakensberg, so be prepared with jerseys and jackets. Cape Town gets its rain during the winter season so it’s advisable to bring rain gear along.

General

Always bring a hat, sunglasses and sunblock as the sun can be strong even in the winter months.

Walking shoes are a good idea all year-round, with warm socks in the winter.

If you are doing business in the country, business attire (suit and tie) is generally called for in the corporate sector, but media for example generally dress more casually.

For game viewing, a couple of neutral-toned items will be useful, but there's no need to go overboard. A good pair of walking shoes is also advisable.

For the evening, if you are dining at an upmarket restaurant or seeing a show, smart-casual attire is recommended.

Most accommodation offer Wifi in their business centres, rooms or restaurants. Internet cafes are found in most business areas and shopping malls. In addition, some South African restaurants offer WiFi access.

There are also outlets such as PostNet that offer internet, fax and postage facilities.