The Government of the Republic of Congo has placed tourism at the heart of its development endeavors. Congo’s natural and simplistic beauty, rich forests, diverse wildlife and rapidly growing infrastructures have made it a rising destination for tourism. The National Office of Tourism in the Republic of Congo handles tourism related questions and is dedicated to making your trip to the Republic of Congo unforgettable.
NATIONAL PARKS & RESERVES
- Ndoki-Nouabalé National Park
This Park is the country’s best-staffed park and is home to gorillas, elephants, antelopes, different species of plants and more than 300 birds’ species. Unfortunately, the virgin rain forest is not fully navigable. Tourism authorities require that a guide accompany tourists for walking and boat tours. Most visitors arrive to the park via airplane.
- Lesio-Louna Lefini Gorilla Reserve
In this beautiful gorilla reserve, the tourist will fall in love with the different wild chimpanzees and gorillas. The Lesio-Louna Gorilla Reserve allows for a closer encounter with primate and is only a short drive from Brazzaville.
- Northern Congo Trekking
Although driving alone on this route is not recommended, the northern Congo trekking is an exceptional journey that will take you to the roots of Congolese traditional lifestyle in rural areas. Hiring a guide in Owando, Oyo or Ouesso who can lead you through the rain forest hike, fishing trips, and hunting journeys will certainly enrich one’s discovery of Congo’s wildlife habitat. The trip also involves visiting different pygmy villages.
BRAZZAVILLE
- Brazzaville’s Waterfalls
Loufoulakari and Bela Falls are beautiful waterfalls located not far from Brazzaville. They are famous for being the most impressive waterfalls of country and offer a very beautiful view of the Congolese rain forest.
- Markets of Poto-Poto, Moungali and Bacongo
Perhaps one of the famous markets and administrative divisions, these markets attract many tourists who can bargain with local merchants for handicrafts, sculptures, jewelries, food and clothing. Poto-Poto which is the home of many West-African immigrants is known for its popular bar scene, youth activism and its painting school which was established in 1951.
- Saint Ann Basilica in Brazzaville
A sophisticated and serene place of worship, the basilica is home to Catholic worship. It was built in 1949 and designed by Roger Erell, a famous French architect. Considered as one of the most respected monuments in the country, the basilica epitomizes the strong presence of spirituality in Congolese culture.
- Painting School of Poto Poto
Situated in the center of Brazzaville, the Painting School of Poto Poto owns its notoriety for being one of the first African painting schools that aims to represent and express Congolese arts.
- Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Mausoleum
Since 2006, the Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza mausoleum has been one of the most visited touristic attractions for those interested in understanding the history of the Republic of Congo. The mausoleum is home to the remains of Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, the Italian-French explorer after whose name the city of Brazzaville was named and who was known for his easy manners, physical charm, cultural sensitivity and pacific approach towards the Congolese population. The memorial embarks its visitor on an adventure to every stage of Savorgnan de Brazza’s exploration of Congo through pictures, artifacts, paintings and sculptures.
- National Museum of Congo
Founded in 1965, the museum features historical indigenous artifacts such as masks, statues, money and knives from different regions of the country.
- Charles de Gaulle House
The historic home was home to General Charles de Gaulle ( Leader of the France free forces during World War II) when Brazzaville was the capital of " Free France" in the 1940's.
- Marien Ngouabi University
Famously known as one of the most prestigious educational centers of the Republic of Congo, the university is home to the knowledge of the Congolese intellect.
- Gallery Museum of the Congo Basin
Located on the Denis Sassou Nguesso boulevard, the museum serves as a sanctuary for the traditional culture of Congo. The museum features anthropological research, and rare precious objects or artifacts from a variety of indigeneous tribes. Recently, the museum has attracted media attention for the Kiebe-Kiebe dance exhibition which unveils an ancestral and sacred rite practised by the Mbochi, Kouyou and Teke tribe.
- Mbudi Park
Located along the Congo stream, this park allows for beautiful, romantic, and meditative long walks.
- Plateau Ville
Located in the heart of downtown Brazzaville, Plateau ville serves as a center of commercial exchange where by tourists can bargain for paintings, African clothing, handicrafts, sculptures and posters.
- Brazzaville Golf Club
The club offers an adequate and sophisticated golf land for its visitors while offering a splendid view of Congo's beautiful rivers, waterfalls and forests.
- World Health Organization
Serving as Africa's WHO regional headquarter, the organization offers its visitors a wide array of information on health issues pertaining to Africa.
- Temple Mosque
As a distinct site of muslim worship, the mosque exudes islamic architecture while establishing itself as key participant in Congo's interfaith society.
- Congo Arts Gallery
For over three years, the Congo Arts Gallery has hosted exhibitions centered on renowned Congolese painters, sculptors and writers. Each exhibition conveys a specific political, social, economic and cultural theme that will lead the visitor to understand the dynamics of contemporary Congolese society.
For more information on Brazzaville, visit the official website of the city of Brazzaville: www.brazzaville.cg
POINTE-NOIRE
- Beaches of Pointe Noire
Pointe-Noire is the economical capital of the Republic of Congo. The city’s deepwater seaport and offshore oil reserves have turned it into a center of entertainment, business opportunities, fashion and cultural exchange. Oil companies such as Total, Murphy Oil, Chevron and Shell have become embedded in Pointe Noire’s foreign investment portfolio. The beautiful beaches attract many tourists who rent boats, diving equipment and Jet Ski equipment to journey through the unforgettable waters of Pointe Noire. Some of the most beautiful beaches include the beaches of the Malonda Lodge and the Twiga Hotel.