West Africa Expedition Republic of Congo to Principe

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.

Currency 
Local currency: Central African CFA franc 
Symbol: FCFA 
ISO code: XAF 
Subunit: Centime (1/100 of a Franc) 
Banknotes: 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000 francs 
Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 500 francs 

Banking 
Card Transactions: Limited outside major cities 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: No 
Diner’s club: No 

Banking Hours: Weekdays: 08:00 – 15:30 
Public Holidays: Closed 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: ECAir, Air France 
International Airports: Maya-Maya Airport 
Domestic Airports: Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire 

Road: 
Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes, mainly in urban areas 
Gravel roads: Yes, common in rural areas 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Limited 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 
Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: No 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, but wash thoroughly 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes, ensure it is thoroughly cooked 
Street food: Yes, but select well-established vendors 

Local cuisine: 
The cuisine of the Republic of Congo is rich with flavors and includes dishes like Moambe chicken, a popular chicken dish cooked in palm nut sauce, and Saka Saka (cassava leaves with fish or meat). Plantains and manioc also form the staples of the local diet. 

Drinks: 
Palm wine and local beers are popular drinks. 

Tipping: Customary, around 5-10% in restaurants and for services. 

Annual rainfall: Varies, generally around 1200 mm 
Average temperature: 25°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 30°C 
Average lows: 22°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 27°C 
Average lows: 19°C 

Best time to visit: 
The best time to visit the Republic of Congo is during the dry season from June to August, when the weather is cooler and drier, ideal for wildlife viewing and exploring national parks. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes, during the rainy season 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet cafes: Yes, in major cities 
Accommodation options: Yes, with varying connectivity 
Restaurants: Yes, in major cities 
Cafes: Yes, in major cities 
Shopping malls: Yes, in major cities 
Public parks: No 
Libraries: Yes, in major cities 

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.

Currency:  
Local currency: CFA franc 
Symbol: CFA 
ISO code: CMR 
Central bank: Bank of Central African States 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: CFA 10 000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500 
Coins: CFA250, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2, 1 

Banking: 
Card Transactions: some 
ATMs: Some 
Mastercard: sometimes 
Visa: sometimes 
American Express: Sometimes 
Diner’s club: Sometimes 
 
Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 08h00 -17h00 
Weekends:  
Public Holidays: No 
Foreign exchange services: Yes/No

Air: 
Main airlines: Camair-Co 
International Airports: Yaoundé Nsimalen International Airport, Douala International Airport 
 
Road: 
Tar roads: Some 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Cameroonian license needed asap (you may use your national license when you first arrive) 
Car hire available: Yes, expensive 
Taxis: Some. Choose shared taxis carefully as can be dangerous  
Uber available: No 
 
Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: No 
Local city bus networks: No 
 
Rail: 
Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: No 
 
Water: 
Ferries: No 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: No 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: No 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes if well cooked 
Street food: No 
 
Local cuisine:  Set at the crossroads of the north, west, and centre of Africa, Cameroon’s influences are varied and present a wonderful diversity of flavours. Top choices of traditional dishes to try include: Bananemalaxé or topsy bananas (made with unripe bananas, crayfish, ginger, garlic, onions, peanuts, palm oil, tomatoes, salt and bouillon cubes) and Mbongo (a black meat stew including alligator pepper and a nutty spice called ‘njansa’).  

Drinks:  Bil-bil (homemade millet, sorghum or corn beer), palm wine, and Afofo (a firewater distilled from palm sap).  

Tipping: 10% 

Annual rainfall: On the coast: 250 - 400 cm. Inland: 150 - 250 cm. 
Average temperature: 31°C 
 
Summer: 
Average in highs: 30°C 
Average in lows: 20°C 
 
Winter: 
Average in highs: 27°C 
Average in lows: 19°C 
 
Best time to visit: The drier, cooler months between November and February make them the best time to visit. Travellers should be aware that during this time a wind known as the Harmattan often blows and clouds of dust.  

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes/No 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes/No 
 
Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No  
 
General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet cafes: Some in Yaoundé 
Accommodation options: Sometimes  
Restaurants: Sometimes  
Cafes: No 
Shopping malls: No 
Public parks: No 
Libraries: Sometimes  

Plug Type: C/E 
Voltage (V): 220 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 
 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

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.

Currency:  
Local currency: CFA Franc 
Symbol: CFA or XAF 
ISO code: GAB 
Central bank: Bank of Central African States  
Subunit: Cents 
Banknotes: CFA 10 000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500 
Coins: 500, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 1 

Banking: 
Card Transactions: 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Sometimes 
Visa: Sometimes 
American Express: Sometimes 
Diner’s club: Sometimes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: Mondays – Fridays 07h30 – 11h30 and 14h30 – 16h30  
Weekends: No 
Public Holidays: No 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: Gabon Airlines  
International Airports: Libreville Leon M'ba International Airport 

Road:
Tar roads: Few
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes, along with international insurance  
Car hire available: Yes, although expensive
Taxis: Some
Uber available: Sometimes  

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Some, as well as minibus taxis (rideshare). Bus tours are available 
Local city bus networks: No 
 
Rail: 
Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: Yes 
 
Water: 
Ferries: No 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: No 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: No 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes if well cooked 
Street food: No 
 
Local cuisine: The cuisine in Gabon is characterised by French influences, tribal traditions and plenty of hot chillis. Top dishes include baked bananas (made with orange juice, breadcrumbs and egg, and served as a dessert or side dish), and Nyembwe chicken (the national dish, a stew with tomatoes, onions, chilli, okra and palm butter).  

Tipping: 10 - 15% 

Annual rainfall: 1500 mm to 3500 mm 
Average temperature: 26 - 32°C 

Summer: 

Average Highs: 29°C 

Average Lows: 22°C 

Winter: 

Average Highs: 28°C 

Average Lows: 21°C 

Best time to visit: Visiting between the months of May and September – the dry season – will allow travellers a larger chance to spot wildlife, less rain, and fewer insects. Mammals are most easily spotted in September, while July brings prolific birdlife. Those visiting in the rainy season will have the chance to spot turtles laying eggs on the beach. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes 
 
Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 
 
General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet cafes: Yes, especially in Libreville 
Accommodation options: Yes 
Restaurants: Yes 
Cafes: Sometimes  
Shopping malls: Sometimes  
Public parks: No 
Libraries: Sometimes  

These remote islands lie approximately 200 kilometres off the west coast of Gabon, in the Gulf of Guinea and offer rugged beauty and isolation. The islands form Africa's second smallest nation and are comprised of two exquisite archipelagos surrounding two main islands. In the small island nation of Sao Tome and Príncipe, there is a popular expression ‘leve leve’ which loosely translates to 'take it easy’, which perfectly encapsulates the relaxed laidback atmosphere that permeates this unspoilt little piece of paradise. The extraordinarily diverse local fauna and flora range from the world's smallest ibis to the world’s largest sunbird. The landscape is equally as varied, with mountains blanketed in lush tropical forests and pristine golden-sand beaches which, despite their remarkable beauty, see surprisingly few visitors.

Currency 
Local currency: São Tomé and Príncipe Dobra 
Symbol: Db 
ISO code: STN 
Subunit: Cêntimo (1/100 of a Dobra) 
Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 dobros 
Coins: 10, 20, 50 cêntimos; 1, 2 dobros 

Banking 
Card Transactions: Limited acceptance 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: No 
Diner’s club: No 

Banking Hours: Weekdays: 08:00 – 12:00, 14:00 – 16:00 
Public Holidays: Closed 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 
Main airlines: STP Airways 
International Airports: São Tomé International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Príncipe Airport 

Road: 
Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes, primarily in urban areas 
Gravel roads: Yes, common in rural areas 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: No 

Bus: 
Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Limited 

Rail: 
Railway system: No 
Subway System: No 

Water: 
Ferries: Yes, between São Tomé and Príncipe 
Water taxis: Limited 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 
Can you drink the tap water: No 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, wash thoroughly 
Ice: No 
Meat: Yes, ensure it is fully cooked 
Street food: Yes, choose well-established vendors 

Local cuisine: 
São Tomé and Príncipe's cuisine features a rich mix of tropical ingredients, prominently using fish, bananas, and coconut. Calulu de peixe (fish stew with vegetables), and arroz doce (sweet rice pudding) are local staples. The influence of Portuguese cuisine is also significant. 

Drinks: 
Sweet palm wine and various local fruit juices are popular. 

Tipping:Generally, not expected but appreciated, especially in tourist areas, around 5-10%. 

Annual rainfall: Up to 3000 mm in the northern mountains 
Average temperature: 26°C 

Summer: 
Average highs: 30°C 
Average lows: 22°C 

Winter: 
Average highs: 28°C 
Average lows: 20°C 

Best time to visit: 
The optimal time to visit São Tomé and Príncipe is during the dry season from June to September. This period offers cooler temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the islands. 

Spring and Summer 
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No 

General 
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes, especially during the rainy season 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: No 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses, and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Internet cafes: Limited 
Accommodation options: Yes, mainly in larger hotels 
Restaurants: Yes, in major areas 
Cafes: Yes, in main towns 
Shopping malls: No 
Public parks: Yes 
Libraries: Yes