Odzala Rainforest 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 
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 

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.

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. 

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!

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 

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.