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.
Banking and Currency
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.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
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.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
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.
Climate and Weather
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.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Practical lightweight cottons and linens are recommended with a light raincoat or umbrella in the rainy season.
Internet Availability
Internet access is limited but facilities are available at some hotels in the larger cities.
Electricity and Plug Standards
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.
