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

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.