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🇨🇬 Republic of the Congo

Often called Congo-Brazzaville, this is one of the best places on Earth to see western lowland gorillas, with the pristine rainforest of Odzala-Kokoua and the Congo River.

Visa required 📅 Best: Jun–Sep (dry) 💵 $140/day avg
🏙️
Capital
Brazzaville
💱
Currency
Central African CFA (XAF)
🗣️
Language
French
📅
Best time
Jun–Sep (dry)
🛂
Visa
Visa required
💵
Avg daily budget
$60 – $600
🛡️
Safety
Use normal caution
✈️
Main airport
Brazzaville (BZV)
Overview

Why travellers love Republic of the Congo

Odzala-Kokoua National Park offers world-class gorilla and forest-elephant encounters, while Brazzaville sits across the river from Kinshasa.

A remote, premium wildlife destination best arranged through specialist lodges.

Where to go

Top places in Republic of the Congo

The destinations worth building your trip around.

Odzala-Kokoua

Odzala-Kokoua

🗓 3 days

Lowland gorillas and rainforest bais.

AdventureIconic
Brazzaville

Brazzaville

🗓 1 day

Riverside capital on the Congo.

CityCulture
Nouabalé-Ndoki

Nouabalé-Ndoki

🗓 2–3 days

Remote, pristine wildlife park.

AdventureNature
Pointe-Noire

Pointe-Noire

🗓 1 day

Coastal city and beaches.

BeachCity
Plan day by day

Republic of the Congo itineraries

Ready-made routes — tap a duration to see the plan.

Route
Odzala-Kokoua → Brazzaville → Nouabalé-Ndoki
Trip length
5 days
Est. budget
$300 – $3,000
1–2

Odzala-Kokoua

Lowland gorillas and rainforest bais.

🗓 2 days✨ Adventure · Iconic
3–4

Brazzaville

Riverside capital on the Congo.

🗓 2 days✨ City · Culture
5

Nouabalé-Ndoki

Remote, pristine wildlife park.

🗓 1 day✨ Adventure · Nature
Route
Odzala-Kokoua → Brazzaville → Nouabalé-Ndoki → Pointe-Noire
Trip length
7 days
Est. budget
$420 – $4,200
1–2

Odzala-Kokoua

Lowland gorillas and rainforest bais.

🗓 2 days✨ Adventure · Iconic
3–4

Brazzaville

Riverside capital on the Congo.

🗓 2 days✨ City · Culture
5–6

Nouabalé-Ndoki

Remote, pristine wildlife park.

🗓 2 days✨ Adventure · Nature
7

Pointe-Noire

Coastal city and beaches.

🗓 1 day✨ Beach · City
Route
Odzala-Kokoua → Brazzaville → Nouabalé-Ndoki → Pointe-Noire
Trip length
10 days
Est. budget
$600 – $6,000
1–3

Odzala-Kokoua

Lowland gorillas and rainforest bais.

🗓 3 days✨ Adventure · Iconic
4–6

Brazzaville

Riverside capital on the Congo.

🗓 3 days✨ City · Culture
7–8

Nouabalé-Ndoki

Remote, pristine wildlife park.

🗓 2 days✨ Adventure · Nature
9–10

Pointe-Noire

Coastal city and beaches.

🗓 2 days✨ Beach · City
✨ Build a custom Republic of the Congo itinerary →
Visa & entry

Republic of the Congo visa requirements

Visa required?
Visa required for most
Allowed stay
Up to 30 days
Visa on arrival
Limited
eVisa
For some
Passport validity
6 months
Visa type
Visa required
⚠️

Visa rules change frequently. A visa is required in advance and a yellow-fever certificate is mandatory. Always verify with the official Republic of the Congo immigration / e-visa website before travelling.

Full Republic of the Congo visa guide →Use the visa checker →
Money

Republic of the Congo budget guide

Budget

$60/day
  • Hostels & guesthouses
  • Local food & markets
  • Public transport
  • Free sights & nature

Luxury

$600+/day
  • 4–5★ hotels & resorts
  • Fine dining
  • Private transfers
  • Premium experiences
Full Republic of the Congo budget guide →
Things to do

Top attractions in Republic of the Congo

🦍

Odzala gorillas

Western lowland gorilla tracking.

🐘

Forest elephants

Gatherings at forest clearings (bais).

🌳

Congo rainforest

Part of the world's second-largest.

🌊

Congo River

Brazzaville's mighty waterfront.

🏖️

Pointe-Noire

Atlantic beaches and gateway.

Blog

Republic of the Congo travel articles

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