Gocongorilla | Republic of Congo

Republic of the Congo, also known as Brazzaville-Congo, is a Central African country with a rich history. Once inhabited by various Bantu tribes, the region became a French colony in the late 19th century.

About Congo

The Republic of Congo gained independence from France in 1960, with Brazzaville as its capital. In the following decades, the country experienced political instability and civil wars. The Cold War led to support from various foreign powers, exacerbating the conflicts.

The recent history of Congo has been marked by political tensions and economic challenges, but the country is striving for stability and development. With its abundant resources and cultural diversity, the Republic of Congo looks forward to a brighter future. The friendly people and breathtaking landscapes make the Republic of Congo an emerging destination for adventurers and culture enthusiasts, and entry into the country is now safe. The team from Kamba and we ensure a seamless experience for our guests. From hassle-free entry, top-tier international-standard hotel accommodation to a smooth flight into Odzala-Kokoua National Park from Maya-Maya Airport the following day, your journey is our priority.

The Capital, Brazzaville, bienvenue!

Welcome to Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo

Welcome

The first stop on your adventure! A fascinating city that stretches along the mighty Congo River opposite Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo)

and is the only instance in the world of two national capitals facing each other like this. Brazzaville has a very relaxed, safe feel, which makes it the perfect city to explore.

Before you go

Markets

Before or after your Congo Basin discovery, spend time in the city and take a city tour with Kamba to experience some of Brazzaville's vibrant culture for yourself. City tours include time at Poto Poto Market (especially the fabric section), the views across the Congo River to Kinshasa, enjoying cakes and pastries in one of the wonderful French-style patisseries, and a trip to pay respects to Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, who rests under a gleaming dome made of marble from his native Italy. Spend an extra day or two to explore it for yourself.

Key Landmarks

Unique

Key landmarks include the distinctive green-roofed St. Anne’s Basilica, the 30-storey Nabemba Tower, and the Charles de Gaulle House on the banks of the river. Other fun things to look out for are the mobile ice cream sellers on their bikes and Congo’s answer to the Nespresso machine: hand-pushed trolleys promising café fort (strong coffee).

The Predominate colours of the city are green and white with additional colour provided by the green red and gold diagonal stripes of the national flag.

Les Sapeurs

Fashion

Legendary figures in Congolese street culture, the sappers (members of the Société des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Élégantes) are Congo’s dandies: men, women, and children whose sophisticated eccentricity of dress is a byword for style in the city. The movement began as an act of resistance by claiming ownership of what were originally colonial styles of dress.

The sappers are concentrated into impoverished Bacongo district of the city where their shape tailoring and bright colours are welcome relief from the trials of daily life. They are now reaching out to a global audience of fashionistas through recent appearances in music videos and a beer commercial.

How to get to Odzala

International Flights to Brazzaville Maya-Maya

International flights to Brazzaville Maya-Maya must be booked and paid for independently.
All other transportation, including transfers from Maya-Maya to Odzala-Kokua National Park, is included in the package price.
All shuttle bus transfers to and from Maya-Maya, as well as the transfer flights to Odzala-Kokua National Park, are included in the package price.

Flight Connections from Europe

The most common option is direct flights from Paris (Charles de Gaulle) to Brazzaville.

Flight Connections via Other European Cities:

Occasionally, there are flights from other European cities to the Republic of Congo.
Availability and routes may vary depending on the airline and season. It is advisable to check specific airlines and their schedules for the most accurate information.

Ethiopian Airlines Connection via Addis Abeba

Ethiopian Airlines offers connections from Europe through Addis Ababa to Brazzaville.
This can be a convenient option when no direct flights are available, and it provides a more cost-effective alternative.

The Republic of

Congo