The Republic of the Congo Travel Information

Image © Ngaga Camp / Kamba African Rainforest Expeditions

This remote destination offers a truly authentic wildlife experience in untamed and beautiful ecostyems, including rainforest, savanna and wetlands. Come and discover one of Africa’s last true wildernesses.

Our travel information section aims to provide you with useful information and resources for your safari to the Republic of the Congo.

• Contact us for more information or to discuss your travel plans with one of our dedicated travel consultants.
  • Getting There

    • The Republic of the Congo has one international airport:
      Brazzaville (BZV)

      There are (as yet) no direct flights from UK or US into Brazzaville.

      The following airlines fly from Europe into this destination: Air France / Ethiopian Airlines / KLM /

      You can check your best flight route here

  • Security & General Travel Safety

    • To view the current travel advisory to the Republic of the Congo click here:  UK & USA

      The Republic of the Congo (ROC) is not to be mistaken with The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).  The ROC is a former French Colony with a population of just 5.26 million and is a stable and safe destination to visit.   It’s larger neighbour, the DRC is 200 miles East of Odzala and is more than 6 times the size, with a population of 81.34 million.  This is the Congo you may hear about in unfortunate news reports; however, the DRC’s political instability has no impact on the ROC or on Kamba Africa, whom we work with in this destination.

      Our head office is based in Nairobi and we work with Kamba Africa who are located on the ground in the ROC.  Kamba Africa are the eyes and ears on the ground and can inform our head office in Nairobi of any security situation as it may happen, ensuring that we can act and respond swiftly.

      Other general travel safety advice:

      – In the cities and main tourist areas, be on the alert for handbag snatchers and pick pockets.

      – Do not travel with any precious jewellery items.

      – Make copies of your travel documents and keep these in a safe place – separate from the original documents.

      -Split out cash into separate bundles of small amounts and keep separately.

      – Ensure that luggage can be locked.

      – Always wear sear belts whilst traveling in vehicles and ensure doors are locked.

  • Currency

    • US$ or EUR or Congolese Francs can be used in ROC.

      Ensure to travel with lower denomination notes, as change given from high tender notes may not be easily available.

      When tipping, do so in US$/ EURO or Congolese Francs.

      The lodges will be pre-paid before your safari, with tips needing to be settled upon departure. If you do need to settle something to a bill, please be aware the lodges only cash is accepted.

      Please note most establishments only accept notes dated 2013 or newer, in denominations of $5 or greater, and in good condition.

      In Brazzaville, credit cards are accepted but not Amex, therefore it is advised to have enough US$/EUR in cash to cover any additional costs.

      Always inform your bank that you are travelling outside of the country as they might block any attempt to withdraw cash or use card machines if they have not been informed beforehand.

       

  • Tips & Gratuities

    • Tipping is entirely at your discretion and although it is not a requirement it is customary to tip for good service.  There is not a set amount to tip, so please take the following information as a guideline:

      Tipping Guidelines at Lodges:
      Guides: $20 or €20 per person per day
      Gorilla trackers: $10 or €10 per person per track
      General staff: $15–20 or €15–20 per guest per day
      Gratuities for the general staff are evenly distributed between all team members. As such, we kindly ask not to give individual tips (except for guides and gorilla trackers).
      Tipping boxes are available on your day of departure from each lodge.

      In Brazzaville, ie for a city tour,  the typical gratuity for your guide is around 10% or US$10–20 per person per activity.

  • Health Information

    • Malaria:

      It is advised that visitors take malaria precautions when travelling to the Republic of the Congo.  It is recommended that you contact your Doctor or Travel Health Clinic at least 6-8 weeks prior to travel.

      You can reduce the risk of malaria by using prophylactics (which should be started before arriving in ROC and under your doctor’s guidance) and by following these simple procedures:

      – Wear long sleeves and long trousers to avoid bites from mosquitos, insects and ticks.

      – Apply mosquito repellents on a regular basis to exposed skin.

      – Where possible sleep under a mosquito net.

      – Burn an insect/mosquito repellent candle or coil.

      – Kamba Africa also recommend spraying your clothes with permethrin to prevent mosquito and tick bites; this can be done before departure.

      All travellers should be aware of the signs and symptoms of malaria and should be advised to seek immediate medical attention if these occur either whilst abroad or up to a year after their return. Speak to your Doctor or Travel Health Clinic for more information.

      Vaccinations:

      Yellow Fever – A yellow fever vaccination is required to enter the Republic of the Congo, and you will be asked to show your “yellow card” (certificate of vaccination) upon arrival.

      The recommendations regarding vaccinations & anti-malaria tablets need to be discussed with a professional, therefore it is advised that you contact your Doctor/medical centre/ travel health clinic for up-to-date details, this should ideally be done at least 8 weeks before you travel.

      COVID-19:

      A COVID Vaccination Certificate is required to apply for a Letter of Invitation to the Republic of the Congo. Guests participating in gorilla tracking will be given a rapid PCR test prior to departing Brazzaville for Mboko airstrip, and an additional rapid test prior to your first track. This is to prevent transmission of the virus to the gorillas.

      Currently, there are no COVID testing requirements to enter the Republic of the Cong

      For more information see the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention

      Gorilla Tracking Requirements:

      Kamba requires a completed medical declaration form from any guest participating in gorilla tracking. This entails a confirmation from a medical practitioner that you are fit and healthy, do not have symptoms of TB, and have had your polio and measles vaccinations to ensure protection for the gorillas. We do not require any certificates as proof, only the declaration form signed by your doctor. We encourage our guests to take the “Gorilla Friendly Pledge,” which helps minimize the risk of disease transmission. Please consult with your doctor regarding any additional immunizations or additional health precautions they recommend.

  • Drinking Water & De-Hydration
    • Drinking Water: 

      Filtered drinking water is provided at Ngaga, Lango & Mboko Lodges in the main lodge areas as well as in your chalet. Water from the taps is safe for showering and brushing teeth, but not suitable for drinking.

      De-Hydration

      Always take a bottle of drinking water in your day bag on any activity or excursions – even if it’s a short one – and take regular, small drinks of water.

      Wear a hat and sunscreen at all times and cover up/take shade from the heat of the sun, especially during the hottest times of the day.

  • Bites & Stings

    • Bugs and small creatures are all a part of being in the wilds of Africa.  It is of course important to take precautions against any opportunity for bites or stings, so being aware is important.

      When walking always wear long trousers and enclosed shoes or walking boots , with thick socks covering the ankles for protection. When walking in long grass, check your legs and clothes for grass ticks – especially in the rainy season, even when you are wearing long trousers.

      Check & shake out shoes and walking boots before putting them on.

      Always look first to see where you are sitting, when picking something up or when putting your hand/foot into something, like a bag or shoe – check first!

      If you think you may have been bitten or stung by something, always inform the Camp Manager & Safari Guide as soon as possible.

  • Internet, Electricity and Plug Standards

    • All of the lodges have EU plug points. The rooms at Ngaga and Lango have extension points with various socket options.

      Please notify the Lodge Manager of any items that require heavy electricity use, such as camera battery chargers. These may need to be specially arranged in order not to crash the solar power systems. Please note that no hair dryers or kettles may be used at any time.

      Internet availability and wifi can be sporadic whilst on safari in ROC.  It is best to think of this trip as an opportunity to take a break from the world of tech and reconnect to nature.  Wi-Fi is available in the common areas at all lodges,  however, the signal strength and speed varies according to weather conditions, as you are connected via satellite. The most reliable signal is at Mboko Lodge.
  • Climate

    • The Congo Basin is a year-round travel destination, where visitors can experience rainy seasons and less rainy seasons.   Rain is an essential part of the ecosystem and visitors need to expect rain during a visit, even in the ‘dry’ season. Because temperatures and rainfall are consistent throughout the year, the large mammals, including Western Lowland Gorillas, Forest Elephants, and Forest Buffalo, do not migrate, offering the opportunity for visitors to observe them throughout the year.

  • Visa & Passport Requirements for Entry

    • Passport – valid for 6 months beyond your arrival date with at least 1 blank page.

      Invitation letter – which will be provided by Kamba.  You will need this in order to obtain your Visa.

      Visa – you will need to obtain your Visa before traveling – recommended to get 4 weeks prior to travel date.
      Links below show Visa information/application for US and UK passport holders.

      ROC Embassy in United States and ROC Embassy in United Kingdom

      Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate

      You will also require the Kamba Indemnity Form to be sent to our reservations team 30 days prior to your arrival date, as well as a Medical Declaration Form before arrival if you are participating in gorilla tracking.

  • Clothing Suggestions

    • Pack lightly for your safari to include:

      – Comfortable, loose fitting cotton clothing in dark green, khaki or brown is recommended. Black, blue, and other dark-colored clothes are not recommended, as they may attract tsetse flies near the water.

      – Quick-drying clothes and water-resistant shoes are essential.

      – Long sleeves and long trousers, shorts and t-shorts with enclosed footware.

      – Jacket or fleece for early mornings and evenings, when it can get chilly.

      – Hat to keep the sun off and protect from sunburn.

      – Swimming costume.

      – Water shoes, booties, or old running shoes (which may be left behind) for river activities.

      – Casual clothes and comfortable shoes for relaxing at the lodges.

      – Small day pack to hold water bottle, binoculars, notebook and pen, sunglasses, flashlight &/or head torch.

      See here for our clothing packing guide

  • Travel Insurance

    • All travellers must have adequate and comprehensive travel health insurance.  Make sure your travel insurance covers all the activities you plan on doing in the Republic of the Congo and covers your full stay in the country and travel to/from.