Congo

Congo: general info for travelers

There are two countries known as Congo: the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Here are brief descriptions of both: Republic of Congo: The Republic of Congo is a country located in central Africa. Its capital is Brazzaville and its official language is French. The country has a population of approximately 5 million people and covers an area of 342,000 square kilometers. The Republic of Congo is known for its rainforests, wildlife, and cultural diversity.
Democratic Republic of Congo: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a country located in central Africa. Its capital is Kinshasa and its official language is French. The DRC is the second-largest country on the African continent and is known for its vast natural resources, including copper, cobalt, diamonds, and gold. However, the country has also faced political instability and conflict in recent years.

In this webpage you can find destinations, links and detailed information to organize the perfect holiday in this country full of places to visit. We answer questions such as what to see and what to do, when to go and how to move. We recommend travel itineraries and we provide a list of destinations, each with a link to the dedicated page full of detailed info. So here is everything there is to know for a trip in Congo, including gastronomy, safety and events, with a short summary of history and culture.

Congo: places to visit

Sure, here are some of the main places to visit in Congo and a brief description of each: 1. Virunga National Park - This park is home to the endangered mountain gorillas and is also known for its active volcanoes and diverse wildlife.
2. Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary - This sanctuary houses orphaned bonobos and provides a safe environment for them to live and thrive.
3. Kinshasa - This bustling city is the capital of Congo and offers visitors a vibrant atmosphere, with plenty of cultural and historical sites to explore.
4. Kisantu Botanical Gardens - This well-established botanical garden boasts an impressive collection of exotic plants and trees, and is a peaceful spot for a leisurely stroll.
5. Les Chutes de la Loufoulakari - Also known as the Loufoulakari Falls, this stunning waterfall is located in the heart of the Congo Basin and is a must-see for nature enthusiasts.
6. Livingstone Falls - These cascading waterfalls are located along the Congo River and offer visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
7. Garamba National Park - This park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and lions.
8. Zongo Falls - Located in the northern part of the country, these impressive falls are a popular spot for hiking and swimming, and offer visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of Congo.
These are just a few of the many incredible places to visit in Congo - there is truly something for everyone in this fascinating country!
There is more to see and do in Congo: further down you can find other info and, in particular, a list of every interesting destination, each with its own webpage containing specific info about attractions to visit, events and more.

Congo: when to go on holiday

We listed some places to see in Congo, but it's also important to visit them in the right season.
Congo has a tropical climate with two wet seasons (April to May and October to November) and two dry seasons (December to March and June to September). The best time to visit Congo is during the dry seasons when the weather is pleasant, and the roads are more accessible. So, the best months to visit are between December and March and between June and September. During these months, you can enjoy outdoor activities and explore the country's natural beauty without worrying about the rain. However, be aware that temperatures may be higher and humidity levels can be uncomfortable during the dry seasons.

Congo: activities and what to do

Congo is a country rich in natural beauty and offers a range of activities for tourists looking for adventure and fun. Below are some popular activities and sports to do while on holiday in Congo: 1. Gorilla trekking: Congo is home to the endangered mountain gorillas. Tourists can embark on a trek to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
2. Wildlife safari: Congo has several national parks where tourists can take a safari to see various wildlife such as elephants, lions, hippos, and giraffes.
3. Water sports: Congo has several rivers and lakes where tourists can enjoy water sports such as kayaking, fishing, and swimming.
4. Hiking and trekking: The Congo rainforest is a great destination for hiking and trekking. Tourists can embark on guided hikes to explore the diverse flora and fauna.
5. Cultural tours: Congo has a rich cultural heritage that includes traditional music and dance, crafts, and food. Tourists can visit local villages to learn about the Congolese culture.
6. Mountaineering: Congo is home to several mountains, including Mount Nyiragongo, which offers a challenging but rewarding climbing experience.
7. Bird watching: Congo has over 1,000 bird species, making it a great destination for bird watching enthusiasts.
Overall, Congo has a lot to offer for tourists seeking adventure, wildlife, and cultural experiences.

Congo: few words on history and culture

Congo has a rich history and culture dating back thousands of years. The region of modern-day Congo was inhabited by various ethnic groups, including the Bantu peoples, Luba and Kongo kingdoms, and the Teke and Pygmy peoples.
In the 19th century, the Congo Free State was established as a personal possession of King Leopold II of Belgium and the land was exploited for its natural resources, leading to brutal atrocities against the local population.
After gaining independence in 1960, Congo has faced a tumultuous political climate, including a series of coups, conflicts, and periods of instability.
Despite this, Congo's rich culture continues to thrive. The country is home to a diverse array of music, dance, and art forms, including the Congolese rumba and soukous genres, traditional dances such as the Ngoma and Likembe, and visual artists like Chéri Samba and Pierre Bodo.
Additionally, traditional beliefs and customs such as ancestor worship and initiation rites are still widely practiced in many areas of Congo.

Congo: how to move around on holiday

Congo is a large country, so your means of transportation will depend on which part of Congo you plan to visit.
For international travelers, air travel is the most common means of transportation for reaching Congo. The country has several international airports, including N’Djamena International Airport in Chad, Bangui M’Poko International Airport in the Central African Republic, and Brazzaville Maya-Maya International Airport in Congo.
If you plan to move around within Congo, there are several options, including: 1. Domestic Flights: Domestic flights are available in Congo and offer a quicker means of travel between cities compared to road transportation.
2. Buses: Buses are widely available in Congo and a cost-effective means of transportation. They are often crowded, though, and may not be as comfortable as other means of transportation.
3. Taxis: Taxis and moto-taxis are widely available in Congo and offer you the convenience of door-to-door transportation. They can be more expensive than buses, but they are a quicker means of travel.
4. Private Cars: If you prefer comfort and flexibility, renting a car or hiring a private driver may be the best option for you. Private cars offer more privacy, comfort, and are a quicker means of transportation compared to buses. It's important to note that Congo has some infrastructure challenges such as poor road conditions, so it's important to be prepared. To hire a car to visit Congo, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Congo: typical gastronomy

It is better to visit Congo with a full stomach:D
Sure, here are some of the typical foods of the Democratic Republic of Congo and a brief description of each: 1. Fufu: This is a staple food made from cassava flour. It has a dough-like consistency and is often served with soup, stew, or sauce.
2. Mtori: This is a traditional dish made from green bananas and meat, typically beef or goat. It's often served as a main course or as a snack.
3. Ugali: Similar to Fufu, Ugali is a type of porridge made from maize flour. It's a common food in many African countries, including Congo, and is often served with stew, vegetables, or meat.
4. Saka-saka: This is a dish made from cassava leaves and often served with fish or meat. It's a popular dish in Congo and other West African countries.
5. Chikwanga: This is a simple, steamed bread made from cassava flour. It's a common snack food in Congo and other African countries.
6. Kwanga: This is another type of bread made from cassava flour, but it's fermented before being cooked. It's often served as a side dish or as a snack.
7. Pondu: Also known as "cassava leaves," this dish is made from boiling and pounding cassava leaves and is often served with fish, meat, or rice.
These are just a few examples of the many delicious and nutritious foods you can find in Congo!

Congo: costs for tourists and how to save on holiday

It depends on the type of traveler you are and the activities you plan to do. Congo can be an expensive country for tourists due to high transportation costs, accommodation, and some activities. However, during the low tourist season, you may get better deals. Additionally, there are less expensive options for accommodation, food, and transportation if you plan and research before your trip. To manage costs, you can try to find group tours or negotiate prices with vendors.

Congo: where to find accodation

There are various options for accommodation in Congo, ranging from hotels to guesthouses and lodges. Some of the well-known hotel chains with properties in Congo include Kempinski, Radisson Blu, and Pullman. You can also search for guesthouses and lodges online through travel websites like Booking.com or Airbnb.
If you're traveling on a budget, you may want to consider staying at a backpacker hostel or a budget hotel. There are also some eco-lodges and campsites available in Congo, which offer a more rustic experience.
It's important to research the safety and amenities of different accommodation options before booking. Consider factors like location, reviews, and services provided, as well as any additional fees or taxes you may need to pay.
You can check hotel prices in Congo here:
Booking.com

Congo: number of tourists and safety

It is always interesting to know how many travelers visit a country, both to understand if it is tourist-friendly and safe and to see if in certain periods it may be too crowded.
According to the World Bank, Congo received approximately 291,000 tourists in 2018. However, it is important to note that tourism infrastructure in Congo is not as developed as in other countries and visitor numbers can be limited. There are no specific periods of the year that are considered crowded in Congo. However, it is best to avoid traveling during the heavy rainy season, which lasts from October to May, as road access can be difficult in some areas.
Congo, or the Democratic Republic of Congo, has certain regions that are considered safe for tourism, while others are not recommended due to safety concerns. The security situation in Congo can change rapidly due to the ongoing conflict and violence in some areas.
The Virunga National Park, with its gorilla trekking, is a popular tourist destination in Congo and is considered safe. However, areas in the eastern part of the country, specifically North Kivu and Ituri provinces, are currently experiencing conflict and high levels of violence, and it is not recommended for tourists to travel there. Additionally, travelers should avoid the border regions with the Central African Republic, South Sudan, and Uganda due to ongoing conflicts and instability. It is recommended to always check the travel advisories and consult with local authorities or trusted travel agencies before planning a trip to Congo.
It is always recommended to read updated info about safety in Congo on the official website of your Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Congo: events for tourists

The Republic of Congo has several interesting events for tourists throughout the year. Some of the main events include: 1. Brazzaville Carnival - This event is usually held in December and features colorful parades, music, and street performances.
2. Mbochi Festival - This festival is held in July and celebrates the culture and traditions of the Mbochi people through traditional dance and music performances.
3. Congo Fashion Week - This showcase for Congolese fashion designers happens annually in March, in the capital city of Brazzaville.
4. National Day - Celebrated on August 15, this day marks Congo's independence from France in 1960 and features parades, fireworks, and cultural activities.
5. International Jazz Festival in Pointe-Noire - Usually happening in August or September, this festival brings together jazz musicians from around the world for a week of performances and workshops.
These are only a few examples, and there are many other events that tourists can enjoy in Congo throughout the year.

Congo: a 2-week travel itinerary

We listed the places to see in Congo, here's a possible suggestion on how to visit them.
Certainly, here is a two-week itinerary for a typical tourist in Congo: Day 1-2: Kinshasa - Start your trip in Congo's bustling capital city of Kinshasa. Take a stroll in the city's artistic area of Kinsuka, explore the National Museum of Congo, and enjoy some Congolese cuisine.
Day 3-4: Lubumbashi - Fly to Lubumbashi, Congo's second largest city. Take a guided tour of the city's botanic gardens, visit the Lubumbashi zoological garden and enjoy some Congolese music in the city's music venues.
Day 5-6: Congo River - Travel to Bas-Congo Province to begin a riverboat adventure up the Congo River. The Congo River Journey offers spectacular views of the colorful hills surrounding the river and stops off to meet locals along the river.
Day 7-8: Kisangani - Fly to Kisangani, also known as the "Gateway to the Congo Rainforest." Take a boat tour of the Congo River, visit the Wagenia Falls and trek through the surrounding rainforest. You can also visit the Bonobo sanctuary which houses rare chimpanzees.
Day 9-11: Virunga National Park - Travel to Virunga National Park. Spend a few days exploring the stunning natural beauty of the park, including hiking to see the stunning Nyiragongo volcano and seeking out mountain gorillas for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Day 12-14: Goma - Return to Goma and enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife, visit the local market, and try some local dishes.
This itinerary is packed with adventure and will give you a taste of Congo's unique culture and stunning natural landscapes. Enjoy your trip!

Congo: all destinations

Here is a comprehensive list of all destinations to visit in Congo described in this website, in alphabetical order: by clicking on a link you get to the specific page with all the detailed information about a destination, with every info to organize your trip!
- Aketi is a small town located in the northeastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is the capital of the Bas-Uele Province and serves as a hub for trade and transportation in the regio... CONTINUE here for a trip to Aketi
- Bafwasende is a town located in the northeastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It is situated in the province of Haut-Uele, near the border with South Sudan and Uganda. The town ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Bafwasende
- Basankusu is a town located in the northern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is situated on the Congo River, and is the capital of the remote Mai-Ndombe province. The town has a popula... CONTINUE here for a trip to Basankusu
- Beni is a city located in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is situated approximately 220 km north of the provincial capital, Goma, and has a population of over 230,000 pe... CONTINUE here for a trip to Beni
- Boma is a port town located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the banks of the Congo River. It is the capital of the Kongo Central province and has a population of approximately 600,000 peop... CONTINUE here for a trip to Boma
- Brazzaville is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Congo, located in the central-western part of the African continent. The city is situated on the banks of the Congo River, and serves as ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Brazzaville
- Bukavu is a city located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, adjacent to Lake Kivu. It is the capital of the South Kivu province and has a population of approximately 1.2 mill... CONTINUE here for a trip to Bukavu
- Bumba is a city located in the northwestern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, specifically in the province of Mongala. It is situated on the east bank of the Congo River and is a major transpo... CONTINUE here for a trip to Bumba
- Bunia is a city in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is located in the northeastern part of the country and is the capital of the Ituri province. Bunia has a population of... CONTINUE here for a trip to Bunia
- Businga is a small town located in the northwestern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is situated in the province of Sud-Ubangi, near the border with the Central African Republic. The t... CONTINUE here for a trip to Businga
- Buta is a town located in the northern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It serves as the capital of the Bas-Uele province and has a population of about 60,000 people. The town is situated... CONTINUE here for a trip to Buta
- Butembo is a city located in the North Kivu province of the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. It has an estimated population of around 670,000 people and is the economic hub of the region. The... CONTINUE here for a trip to Butembo
- Dolisie is a city located in the southwestern part of the Republic of Congo, in the department of Niari. It is the third largest city in the country and is situated approximately 320 kilometers from t... CONTINUE here for a trip to Dolisie
- El Congo is a municipality located in the department of Santa Ana, in the western part of El Salvador. It has an area of 33.06 square kilometers and a population of approximately 12,000 people. The to... CONTINUE here for a trip to El Congo
- Gamboma is a city located in the Republic of Congo, in the department of Plateaux. It is the capital of the Plateaux region and has a population of approximately 60,000 people. Gamboma is known for it... CONTINUE here for a trip to Gamboma
- Gbadolite is a town located in the northwestern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It was formerly the hometown of the late dictator Mobutu Sese Seko and was once known as "the Versailles o... CONTINUE here for a trip to Gbadolite
- Gemena is a city located in the northwestern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is situated on the eastern banks of the Ubangi River near the border with the Central African Republic. Th... CONTINUE here for a trip to Gemena
- Goma is a city located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, near the border with Rwanda. It is situated on the shore of Lake Kivu, one of Africa's Great Lakes. The city has a p... CONTINUE here for a trip to Goma
- Impfondo is a town and capital of the Likouala Region in the Republic of Congo. It is located in the northern part of the country and is known for its natural beauty, including the nearby Bateke Plate... CONTINUE here for a trip to Impfondo
- Ingende is a town located in the northern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is situated on the eastern bank of the Congo River, and is the capital of the Ingende territory in the provin... CONTINUE here for a trip to Ingende
- Isiro is a city located in the north-eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is the capital of Haut-Uele province and has a population of approximately 130,000 people. The city is sit... CONTINUE here for a trip to Isiro
- Kalemie is a town located in the southeastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is the capital of Tanganyika Province and is situated on the western shore of Lake Tanganyika. Kalemie ha... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kalemie
- Kalima is a town located in the Maniema province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is situated on the eastern bank of the Lualaba River, near the border with the province of South Kivu. The ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kalima
- Kananga is a city located in the Kasai-Central province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It has a population of approximately 1.2 million people. The city serves as a regional center for trade... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kananga
- Kasangulu is a town located in the province of Kongo Central in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is situated about 100 kilometers west of Kinshasa, the capital city of the country. Kasangulu i... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kasangulu
- Kasongo is a town located in the Maniema province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is situated on the banks of the Lualaba River and is known for its diverse array of natural resources, inc... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kasongo
- Kenge is a city located in the Kwango Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is the capital of the Kwango Province and it has an estimated population of around 41,000 people. Kenge is known ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kenge
- Kindu is a city located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is the capital of the Maniema province and is situated on the Lualaba River. The city has a population of approx... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kindu
- Kinkala is a city located in the Republic of the Congo, in the southern part of the country. It is the capital of the Pool Department and the fourth largest city in the country. Kinkala is known for i... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kinkala
- Kinshasa is the capital and largest city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, located in the central-western part of the country along the Congo River. With a population of over 15 million people,... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kinshasa
- Kipushi is a town situated in the Haut-Katanga province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is located near the border with Zambia, about 30 km south of Lubumbashi, the provincial capital. The... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kipushi
- Kisangani is a city located in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the Congo River. It is the capital of the Tshopo province and the third largest city in the country. Kisangani is known... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kisangani
- Kolwezi is a city in the Lualaba province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It's located in the southeastern part of the country, near the border with Zambia. The city is known for its copper and c... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kolwezi
- Likasi is a city in the southeastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is located in the Haut-Katanga province and is roughly 200 kilometers southeast of Lubumbashi, the provincial capi... CONTINUE here for a trip to Likasi
- Loubomo, also known as Dolisie, is a city located in the southwestern region of the Republic of Congo. It is the country's third-largest city and is the capital of the Niari Department. The city is si... CONTINUE here for a trip to Loubomo
- Lubumbashi is a city located in the southern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is the second-largest city in the country and is the capital of the Haut-Katanga Province. The city is kno... CONTINUE here for a trip to Lubumbashi
- Madingou is a small city located in the Republic of Congo. It is the capital of the Bouenza department and is situated in the southwestern part of the country. Madingou has a population of around 20,0... CONTINUE here for a trip to Madingou
- Makoua is a town in the northern part of the Republic of Congo. It has a population of around 14,000 people and is located on the banks of the Ubangi River, which forms the border with the Democratic ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Makoua
- Manono is a town located in the Tanganyika Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is situated on the western shore of Lake Tanganyika and is the center of the Manono Territory. The town ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Manono
- Matadi is a major port city in the southwestern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is located near the Congo River, and serves as a gateway to the country's interior as well as nearby co... CONTINUE here for a trip to Matadi
- Mbandaka is a city located in the northwestern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is the capital of Equateur Province and sits on the banks of the Congo River. The population of Mbandaka... CONTINUE here for a trip to Mbandaka
- Mbanza Congo, also known as São Salvador, is a city and former capital of the Kingdom of Kongo. The city is located in the northern region of Angola and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site due ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Mbanza Congo
- Mbanza-Ngungu is a town located in the southwestern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, roughly 150 kilometers from the capital city of Kinshasa. The town is situated in the Bas-Congo provin... CONTINUE here for a trip to Mbanza-Ngungu
- Mbuji-Mayi is the third largest city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, located in the southeast of the country. It is the capital of Kasai-Oriental province and an important center for the diam... CONTINUE here for a trip to Mbuji-Mayi
- Mossendjo is a town located in the Kouilou department of the Republic of Congo. It is situated in the southwestern part of the country and is bordered by the Kouilou River to the north. Mossendjo is k... CONTINUE here for a trip to Mossendjo
- Mwene-Ditu is a city located in the southeastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is the capital of the province of Lomami and has a population of approximately 150,000 people. The cit... CONTINUE here for a trip to Mwene-Ditu
- Mwenga is a town located in the South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is situated in the eastern part of the country, near the border with Burundi. The area is known for its ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Mwenga
- Mweso is a town located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo, specifically in the North Kivu province. The town is situated at an altitude of about 1,982 meters and has a population... CONTINUE here for a trip to Mweso
- Nkayi is a town located in the western part of the Republic of the Congo. It is the capital of the Bouenza Department and has a population of approximately 26,000 people. The town has several markets ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Nkayi
- Ouesso is a city located in the northern region of the Republic of Congo. It is the capital of the Sangha Department and is situated near the border with Cameroon. The city has a population of a... CONTINUE here for a trip to Ouesso
- Owando is a town located in the northern part of the Republic of Congo. It is the capital of the Cuvette Region and has a population of approximately 23,000 people. The town is situated on the Congo R... CONTINUE here for a trip to Owando
- Pointe-Noire is a coastal city located in the Republic of Congo, in Central Africa. It is the second largest city in the country after the capital, Brazzaville. The city is a major commercial hub, wit... CONTINUE here for a trip to Pointe-Noire
- Sibiti is a town located in the Republic of Congo, in Central Africa. It has a population of approximately 23,000 people and is the capital of the Lékoumou Department in the southern part of the count... CONTINUE here for a trip to Sibiti
- Tshikapa is a city located in the western region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, specifically in the province of Kasai. It is situated on the Kasai River and has a population of approximately... CONTINUE here for a trip to Tshikapa
- Uvira is a town located in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. It is the capital city of the South Kivu Province. The town is known for its dive... CONTINUE here for a trip to Uvira


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