Set on the banks of the mighty Congo River, overlooking the sprawling metropolis of Kinshasa across the river in the DRC, Brazzaville is a classic central African city and capital of the Republic of Congo. Brazzaville is by far the more appealing of these two neighbouring cities, with a thriving arts scene, great restaurants, vibrant nightlife, a fascinating colonial heritage, and some fabulously friendly locals. Visitors can look forward to relaxing on the city's scenic riverside embankment and exploring several colourful marketplaces, including a lovely candlelit night market. Must-see sights include the insightful national museum, the lush municipal gardens and the house constructed for Joseph Marie de Gaulle when the city served as the capital of Free France. Don't miss the striking Basilica of St Anne, one of the world's most beautiful modern churches.
Covered by endless swathes of pristine and moisture-laden rainforest sluiced by gushing rivers and plunging waterfalls, The Republic of Congo (also known as Congo-Brazzaville) is a prime adventure destination for the intrepid traveller seeking an authentic African escape. The country's lush wilderness known as the Congo Basin is "the planet's second lung", inhabited by western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, forest elephants, buffalo, hippos, extremely rare bongo antelope, and other mammal species. Swim in crystal-clear rivers, kayaking and boating along winding waterways, and tread along forest paths to the soothing sound of monkeys and tropical birds. For a taste of local culture, the capital of Brazzaville is dubbed the 'Little Paris of Africa' and has an intriguing French culture, lively fabric markets, colourful architecture, and the Pierre de Brazzaville monument, one of the city's beautiful cathedrals.
As previously described
As previously described
As previously described
Set on the Gulf of Guinea, Cameroon is an essential central African country of diverse landscapes and wildlife - a microcosm of all that wonderful Africa has to offer in one diverse nation. From the lush tropical rainforests and the remote, idyllic beaches in the south to the vast expanses of desert, lakes and savannah in the north, and the impressive, otherworldly volcanic mountain region in the west, the variety of Cameroon’s landscapes is astounding. Add to this, several excellent game reserves, providing endless opportunities to witness some impressive wildlife, including elephants and lions, and you have one of the most underrated and eclectic nations on the African continent.
As previously described
Located in the Centre Region of the nation of Cameroon, Yaounde serves as this West African country's capital and political centre. Yaounde features a blend of rich and diverse cultures with over 250 indigenous populations as well as many languages and traditions. This bustling cosmopolitan city sprawls out over lush green hills and provides a central base for exploring the surrounding areas, which boast dense rain forests, desert plains, and magnificent mountains. Visitors can look forward to exploring several attractions, including the Yaounde National Museum, housed in the former presidential palace, the 20th-century Notre Dame des Victoires cathedral and the Roman Catholic Basilique Marie-Reine-des-Apotres.
Straddling the equator on the west coast of Africa, this naturally stunning and prosperous sub-Saharan country is a mecca for adventurous nature lovers. With flat river plains and dense rainforests along the Atlantic coast, the Chaillu Mountains in the central highlands, and lush jungles in the eastern region, Gabon's terrain is rugged, wild, and teeming with African animals, including leopards, elephants, chimpanzees, and mountain gorillas. The nation is also idyllically endowed with an 800-kilometre-long stretch of coast dotted with isolated palm-fringed bays, exquisite hidden lagoons, and estuaries brimming with birdlife. With so much to see and do, Gabon has enough charm and diversity to appeal to travellers with a hearty sense of adventure. While its terrain can be challenging to navigate, the reward is certainly worth the effort.
Set along the coast of the Central African country of Gabon, Libreville is the largest city and capital of the nation. This laidback yet vibrant and bustling port city features a palm-lined seafront boulevard dotted with parks and 20-foot Gabonese sculptures overlooking the gleaming coastline. Visitors can look forward to a number of interesting activities including: browsing the Mont-Bouet open-air market offering a wide selection of local goods, visiting the National Museum of Arts displaying local works, or discovering the nearby deserted paradise beaches of Cap Esterias or to Cap Santa Clara. Don’t miss a visit to the Pongara National Park located just outside the capital along the spectacular Komo Estuary. This massive park features over 900 square kilometres of unspoilt nature.
Located just off the west coast of Africa, Príncipe is the smaller island of the two-island nation of Sao Tome and Principe. This lost world features coffee and cocoa plantations, fabulous sandy beaches and exotic jungle blanketing rugged landscapes inhabited by a host of endemic wildlife. This remote volcanic island is also home to various unique birdlife such as the Principe spierops, golden weaver and sunbird. For adventyre seekers and nature lovers alike, there are several activities to look forward to, including excellent snorkelling, diving, bird watching, and fishing. Must-do activities include spotting triggerfish and turtles in the underwater wonderland around Jockey Cap Island; visiting the unspoilt Praia Banana, the most famous beach on Príncipe; and exploring the surrounding islets which form part of the UNESCO designated Island of Príncipe Biosphere Reserve.
