Weather & climate

Rep. of Congo has a tropical climate resulting in a hot and humid environment. There are typically two seasons in the Congo, wet season lasts from March to June and rainy season throughout the rest of the year. In the Central areas where Odzala National park is located, the climate tends to be remarkably dryer during June to August in comparison to other parts of the country. March and April tend to be the hottest months with temperatures reaching the mid thirties.

Passports & visas

Similar to the DRC, Australian passport holders require a visa to enter the Republic of Congo which is obtained prior to arrival with the assistance of your ground handler, who will provide a letter of invitation. For more information, please contact us. You will also need a current passport with two blank pages and six months’ validity from the date you return home, and a return ticket.

Health

Consult your GP or a travel doctor at least six weeks before you travel. You may be required or recommended to get vaccinations for yellow fever, measles, typhoid and hepatitis A & B, among others. A certificate of vaccination for yellow fever is required for anyone entering the Republic of Congo, so please carry your certificate with you and present to immigration. Malaria is present in the Republic of Congo so malaria prophylactics are recommended.

Getting there

The Republic of Congo has one international airport, Maya-Maya Airport, located in the capital of Brazzaville. From here you can connect to safari destination by light aircraft flight. Depending on your arrival time, you may require a night in Brazzaville.

Getting around

All of our Republic of Congo itineraries involve a light aircraft flight between Brazzaville and Odzala-Kokoua National Park, followed by guided 4×4 vehicle road transfers and guided walking safaris between camps. Keep in mind road conditions can slow you down.

Currency & language

The local currency is the Congolese Franc (XAF), made up of 100 centimes. When is comes to cash, Franc, Euro, and US dollars are widely accepted. Visa cards are usually accepted in hotels, however cash is the preferred method of payment. American Express, Diners Club and Mastercard have limited use. There is one bank in Brazzaville that has an ATM, so we advised that you purchase you currency prior to arrival.

French is the official language, and Kitbula and Lingala (both Bantu dialects) are classified as national languages. There are up to 40 other Bantu dialects spoken throughout the country.