Best 9 things to do in the Republic of Congo

Last updated October 5th, 2023.

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The Republic of Congo curls inland around Gabon in central Africa. It stretches from the Atlantic city of Pointe-Noire to the very heart of the continent. Historically dominated by tropical rainforest, it should not be confused with its largest neighbour – the Democratic Republic of Congo. For this reason, it is sometimes called Congo-Brazzaville after its capital, as opposed to Congo-Kinshasa. Largely overlooked as a tourist destination, this lack of international travellers makes Congo-Brazzaville one of the most authentic central African nations to visit. Here is my pick of the best 9 things to do in the Republic of Congo!

1. Discover the man behind the name

While Congo-Kinshasa quickly removed European influence on independence from Belgium (Leopoldville became Kinshasa), the Republic of Congo didn’t follow suit.

Like many former French colonies, Congo-Brazzaville remains close to its former ruler. Brazzaville, its capital, is named after Italian-born Frenchman Savorgnan de Brazza.

Generally considered one of the better European explorers, he continues to be held in high regard. This is because he is known to have worked with the indigenous populations when founding the French Congo.

Of course, from the view of the twenty-first century he is far from a saint, and was still responsible for convincing local chieftains to give up their ancestral lands in exchange for very little other than some trade goods and the protection of the tricolour.

This high esteem led to the building of an impressive marble mausoleum in the city that bears de Brazza’s name in 2005. That date is significant as it marked 100 years since the explorer’s death.

In fact, the mausoleum’s completion involved reinterring de Brazza’s body and some of his family from where he had lain in Paris.

Slightly eerie at first, the round structure is a great escape from the hubbub of Brazzaville’s surrounding streets and nearby Scottish-themed bar. It also contains information of de Brazza’s explorations (largely in French) that had me fascinated.

2. Relax on the banks of the Congo

Although de Brazza’s mausoleum is impressive, the sight that truly dominates the capital is the mighty River Congo. Africa’s second-longest river (after the Nile), the Congo flows past Brazzaville’s southern neighbourhoods.

While it can be a bit of a schlep for those without their own transport, one of the best places to take in the river in all its bubbling glory is at Les Rapides.

Conveniently located close to some of the city’s top hotels, Les Rapides form from shallows at this point on the river’s course. The river’s flow is forced over rocks still used for laundry by some residents of the city.

It’s as attractive a place as any in the city to sit back and enjoy a sweaty beer. At the same time, you’ll be able to contemplate the tower blocks of Kinshasa on the opposite bank.

This makes Brazzaville and Kinshasa the closest capital cities to each other anywhere in the world (excluding Rome and the Vatican City).

A taxi will cost somewhere in the region of CFA 2000 (£2.50 / $3.50) one way from the city centre. That’s if you’re bargaining skills are up to scratch, otherwise budget a little more.

3. Ride the rails on the Congo-Ocean railway

Like many of Africa’s colonial-era railways, the Congo-Ocean railway (or chemin de fer Congo-Océan) was built to take raw materials to the coast for shipment abroad.

It was seen as necessary in French Congo because a succession of rapids – much worse than Les Rapides – made it impossible to navigate the Congo to the Atlantic Ocean. It was inaugurated two years before the country’s first hospital, in 1934.

On the opposite side of the river, the Belgian authorities committed to a similar enterprise, between Kinshasa and Matadi, for exactly the same reason 30 years before.

Falling into a state close to total disrepair in the late twentieth century, the line between Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire has undergone a partial regeneration with new passenger carriages.

This makes the 300-mile (500 km) 15-hour journey much more comfortable. Used primarily by locals, the train soon takes on the air of a town on the move.

Thankfully though, there are just nine intermediate stations. For me, Dolisie is perhaps the most interesting.

If you don’t think you can handle the standard trains, departing roughly every two days, I’ve got good news.

There is now also a luxury service, called La Gazelle, making the same journey with power sockets, air conditioning, and a restaurant car.

Before booking, just be sure to check out the latest on the ninja rebels that occupy the area between the two cities.

Fighting between the group and government forces occurs sporadically. In the past, the rebels have attacked the railway, forcing passengers to take to the air instead.

4. Visit Pointe-Noire’s African Circle Museum

More than the terminus of the Congo-Ocean railway, Pointe-Noire is a bustling port city with a good number of reasons to visit.

For anyone interested in the region’s culture, these include a visit to the African Circle Museum. Incredibly, this is Pointe-Noire’s first museum.

It’s location in a former courthouse on Lumumba roundabout (Rond Point Lumumba) is itself symbolic and deliberately chosen.

During colonial times, the roundabout marked the spot beyond which black African’s were not permitted. It was reserved instead for the white French elite.

While no such ban exists today, the roundabout still acts as a meeting point for the various groups which today make up the city.

Supported by UNESCO, the modern, brightly-lit and well-laid-out museum has a mesmerising selection of artefacts. These include some excellent examples of masks from the Loango kingdom and other pre-colonial items.

5. Take a dip in the Atlantic waves

Unknown to me when I first visited the country, Congo has some very impressive coastline. Large expanses of clean sand lined with palms meet the Atlantic at several points.

The best are well known locally, and include Plage Mondaine beach on the northern outskirts of Pointe-Noire, and Plage Djéno about ten kilometres further south.

Both beaches tend to be at their busiest on the weekends. This has the advantage of adding atmosphere to the sands, and attracts those looking to sell food and drink.

The rest of the time, you’re not likely to encounter a great many people. This can be off-putting to some. It also means you’re better taking anything you might want for the day with you, from shade to refreshments.

Then it’s just a matter of taking a dip (look out for signs of rip currents), messing about on the sands themselves, or soaking up the scene from the shade of a palm. After all, that’s what travel in Africa is all about!

6. Explore the Congo rainforest

At the opposite end of the country lies Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park. Protecting an area of pristine rainforest with almost no human habitation, it has rightly been included as part of the Sangha Trination UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Run by charity the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) on behalf of the Congolese government, this 1,500 square mile (4,000 square km) park has an extraordinary array of life.

For one thing, there are somewhere in the region of 1,000 different plant species, and 300 types of bird.

But the park is also one of few places in Africa where it’s possible to come face to face with western lowland gorilla and forest elephant.

What’s more, there’s a healthy population of bongo, one of Africa’s rarest antelopes. The US National Geographic Society estimates that the park may have the greatest concentration of species of anywhere in Africa. It can boast 16 primate species, 400 mammals, and around 1,000 birds.

The Bayaka people have also been heavily consulted, ensuring there is a place for both people and wildlife in this part of northern Congo-Brazzaville.

7. Take in the panoramas of Lac Bleu

Lac Bleu certainly isn’t the largest of lakes in the Republic of Congo. But it is one of the most evocative for anyone looking to commune with nature.

Situated with Lesio-Louna Wildlife Reserve, it lies within reach of Brazzaville. Founded in 1999, the area is another where it’s possible to witness gorillas in the wild in the country.

Lac Bleu (Blue Lake) itself can be reached via a pleasant 1.5-hour trek (or short 4×4 ride). Wrapped by mature forest, the lake’s clear waters are perfect for cooling off in.

Local legend has it that the lake is a mirror that fell from the heavens, and it’s hard to disagree that there’s something heavenly about it even today.

Add to that the chance to seek out gorilla or watch orphaned youngsters in the reserve nursery, and it’s no wonder Lac Bleu has made it onto my list of the best 9 things to do in the Republic of Congo!

8. Admire the rock formations of Diosso Gorge

Legend also occupies much of the mythic history of Diosso Gorge. That’s because the Loango believe the gorge to be the home of a female spirit called Mboma, who takes the earthly form of a snake.

In the country’s far south, the gorge consists of an escarpment of bare rock contrasting with the rich green of the coastal forest.

Narrow ridges of weathered pink rock run out from the escarpment like fingers, rising up to 50 metres (170 feet) before disappearing into the surrounding undergrowth.

The gorge is most easily reached from the town of Diosso. The former capital of the Loango Kingdom, sights within the town itself include the royal mausoleum, and the Ma-Loango Regional Museum.

The latter displays objects relating to the ethnography and history of the Loango. It occupies a humble royal palace that once belonged to Ma Moe Loango Poaty III, who ruled between 1931 and 1975.

9. Do your bit for chimpanzee conservation

Chimps are facing a tough time in the wild, with habitat loss and hunting all contributing to a reduction in their numbers.

Given that it’s believed the word chimpanzee stems from Congo’s Tshiluba or Vili word for ‘ape’, there can be no more fitting place to watch these exquisite animals as they should be than Tchimpounga Chimp Rehabilitation Centre.

The centre provides a home for individuals that have been orphaned, seized as pets, or rescued from the bush meat trade.

Roughly 150 chimps currently reside at Tchimpounga, which has a fine position along the banks of the River Kouilou.

Once they can care for themselves, chimps are transferred to one of three river islands. This allows them independence and freedom, but also protection.

Best 9 things to do in the Republic of Congo

While often overshadowed by its neighbours, the Republic of Congo has some brilliant attractions. Among them are experiences riding the rails between Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, and good chances to see gorilla, forest elephant, and chimpanzee. I think I’ve covered the top destinations in the country, but if you can think of anywhere better, please do let me know in the comments below!