Republic of the Congo

Eco-friendly travel guide to Republic of the Congo advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to travel in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Republic of the Congo, Africa.

City View of Bukavu

Air quality: 3.2 / 5

Bus connections: 3.5 / 5

Train connections: 3.8 / 5

Hitchhiking: 3.0 / 5

National parks: 3.5 / 5

Outdoor activities: 3.2 / 5

Locals' English level: 3.0 / 5

Safety: 3.5 / 5

Accommodation: US$30 - $250

Budget per day: US$45 - $300

Responsible Travel

Upon traveling to a foreign country, there are quite a few obligations and duties which we should confront with an open mindset. As responsible travelers, we should comprehend that our great encounters should not in the slightest bit transform into misuse or setback for the country or country we are visiting. The Republic of the Congo comprises a great landmass in the continent of Africa. As a result, there are numerous kinds of people who have their own opinions and customary beliefs. Being a tourist in today's world comes with its own set of responsibilities and obligations. The change climate of the planet urges us to be more responsible and take accountability for our actions and also study the impact we have on the environment. One must travel in an eco friendly way and ensure that the local citizens or the natural surroundings are not affected. These are some of the most crucial tips that vacationers must follow to travel responsibly.

While exploring different places and the general idea of tourism is great, it is also harmful for the environment because of the way tourists travel today. It is of utmost importance to be a responsible traveller especially when we are at the verge of a climate disaster.

Choosing the right transport method: A major part of your travel experience includes discovering every nook and cranny of the city. While you will have transport options like private cars and taxis at your disposal you need to know that not only do they contribute to more congestion and traffic pollution but also emit harmful gases into the environment. So, choose options like walking, cycling, electronic and public transportation in general.
Trying local food: A huge part of the local culture is the traditional food that is offered at the local traditional restaurants and by street food vendors. Instead of just sticking to international fast food franchises that contribute to so much waste being produced in the world, you should try the local options. Not only will it help the local economy but also will directly help the families whose sole source of earning are these small food businesses.
Do not throw waste: As an eco-friendly traveler, you need to promote sustainable living as much as possible in the city to motivate not only fellow tourists but local people. When you visit any tourists attractions especially city parks, make sure you do not throw any food wrapper and do not just stop at that but if you see any trash, pick it up and throw it in the dustbin. It might look like a very small thing to do but has a huge impact on people watching especially the children present in the park since they learn and mimic the behaviour of other people around them.
Choose a green hotel: Plenty of accommodations are available in the city that provide you with a top-notch experience but instead of choosing them, you can pick green hotels for your stay. They use eco-friendly measures to reduce the pollution and waste of the city. This is one of the great ways to contribute towards the city to keep it safe and clean.
Shop local: In order to support local craftsmen and artisans always shop local. During your trip to the city, you will come across small shops and food stalls in almost every lane of the city. If you want to have an unforgettable experience in the city, then buy goods and handicrafts from these shops. This will not only help you to save a lot of money but you will be supporting a lot of local people who are dependent on their small businesses to earn a livelihood.

Air Quality and Pollution

Although the pollution levels of the Republic of the Congo are generally well-under the risk factor, however, due to the air pollution in the past few years, there has been a considerable growth in hazardous compounds in the atmosphere. The Air Quality Index or the AQI of the Cayman Islands is currently at 57, which is moderately safe but not very pure. The most active pollutant in the atmosphere is PM 2.5. Tourists are advised to shield them from the harsh climatic conditions as much as possible and stay indoors whenever possible.

Respect the Culture

Having a feeling of regard and understanding the unfamiliar norms of the place you are visiting is vital when you travel abroad. As responsible tourists, we should comprehend that individuals are socially unique in all regions of the world. Along these lines, to get the best insight out of a get-away, we need to acknowledge their practices and include them in them however much we can. A responsible tourist comprehends the significance of social variety and regards it. The neighborhood residents of the Republic of the Congo have a dynamic and rich history. In this manner, we should not the slightest bit seek after an activity that will make hurt their suppositions or thoughts. There are various angles to be found out about their way of life and past, and being open-minded towards it will profit our journey.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Here are the top ten places in the Republic of the Congo that you are highly recommended to visit while you have an enjoyable tour. Kinshasa. The capital city of the Democratic Republic of Congo, just as one of the 11 territories, is Kinshasa. It's tumultuous and humming with energy and truly immense and is home to more than ten million inhabitants. Set up by Henry Stanley in the late nineteenth century as a general store, it's presently compared to an African New York City. You can enjoy yourself in a boat ride on the Congo or a BBQ outing on its shores. The Marche des voleurs, or the city market, is brilliant and severe and heaps of fun. There is an incredible road artistry culture here, and on the off chance that you sit in one of the little restaurants off 30 Juin Boulevard, the specialists will come up and show you their pieces available to be purchased. It's an incredible way to converse with local people and unwind.

Lola Ya Bonobo: Lola Ya Bonobo is a wildlife sanctuary for stranded bonobos and possibly the most famous vacation destinations in the Kinshasa region. The bonobos have pursued shrub meat, and when a mother is slaughtered, the children are regularly taken and sold on the underground market as pets. The sanctuary attempts to recuperate whatever number could reasonably be expected so they can experience their lives in security. One of the four extraordinary primates, bonobos, have been generally confined until the twentieth century. The haven covers 30 hectares of timberland, and you can visit the few taking cares of stations that the staff uses to help track the gorillas. The protected area likewise acknowledges volunteers.

Kahuzi Biega National Park: Named after the 3,000+ meter Mt. Kahuzi and the 2,700+ meter Mt. Biega this stupendous public park is situated in the South Kivu Province and stretches from the Congo River bowl to Bukavu. Kahuzi and Biega have wiped out volcanoes that presently manage the cost of some inconceivable climbing. It was made in 1970 to secure the Eastern Lowland Gorillas and only ten years after the fact was assigned a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gorilla poaching has been an issue for quite a long time, yet devoted instruction exertion is progressing because of the recreation center position. Today, the gorillas are as yet imperiled, yet their satisfaction has improved, and conditions are improving yearly. You'll discover the unbelievable organic variety in the recreation center like endemic plants, elephants, chimps, genet, pronghorn, and serval.

Nyiragongo Volcano: The horizon of Goma in the DRC is overwhelmed by Nyiragongo. This unimaginable, 3,000+ meter well of lava last emitted in 2011, obliterating up to 15% of the encompassing area and leaving more than 120,000 destitute. Emitting multiple times over the most recent 130 years, Nyiragongo is situated at the intersection where the African structural plate is breaking. The scene around Goma is striking, with dark cemented magma so vast that the spot appears as though an over-the-ground coal mineshaft. There is a functioning magma lake inside the hole, which can once in a while be visited. The territory has recuperated pleasantly from the last impact, and you'll discover a lot of new shops and markets to find.

Virunga National Park: Situated along the boundaries of Rwanda and Uganda, Virunga National Park is an assigned UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the country's most established Public Park, it is likewise the most naturally diverse and contains an extremely high number and variety of wildlife. You'll discover magma fields, savannahs, woodlands, valleys, active volcanoes, overwhelms, and even ice sheet tops in the Ruwenzori Mountains. Generally, 25% of jeopardized mountain gorillas call the recreation center home, and Virunga is the only park to have three of the four extraordinary primates in a single spot. The OkapiOkapi, a rare species that appears as though a combination of a giraffe and a zebra, likewise make the recreation center their home. You can spot hippos, lions, elephants, and various uncommon and intriguing birds. The recreation center has three certain zones, all worth a visit: The Ruwenzori Mountains, Lake Edward territory, and the Mikeno well of lava region.

Lake Kivu: Supposedly following the DRC and Rwanda line, Lake Kivu is the 6th biggest lake in Africa. One of a progression of freshwater lakes around there, Lake Kivu offers stunning grand drives between the towns that dab her shores. From Cyangugu to Gisenyi, the tenderly winding street bears the cost of stunning vistas as you comfortable advance. Huge loads of banana and eucalyptus trees line the road, and local people will interrupt and wave as you cruise by. Gisenyi is the largish town that was previously a pioneer seashore resort thus has some pleasant old manors and great spots to stop for a sundowner's mixed drink.

Garamba National Park: This public park is loaded up with ceaseless fields and savannahs. Also, these are loaded up with elephants, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, and white rhinos. Garamba National Park is an assigned UNESCO World Heritage Site and a stunning haven for a few jeopardized animal groups. It's uncommon to see such countless various arrangements of giant, well-evolving creatures having the same space, and that visits the recreation center a flat-out must.

Salonga National Park: Salonga is both the DRC and Africa's most extensive tropical rainforest. In this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you'll track down a few yet highly endangered animal groups, including the Congo peacock, bantam chimpanzees, backwoods elephants, and the crocodile. The recreation center hushes up detached, and you should take a boat to arrive at it. This crucial environment is enormous to such an extent that it assumes a significant part in the environmental guideline for the whole country.

Okapi Wildlife Reserve: This UNESCO World Heritage Reserve is interesting for the massive assortment of primates and extraordinary birds that call it home. There are unfathomably openings for traveling to some significantly more great cascades inside the hold. The scene along the Epulu and the Ituri waterways is staggering. Likewise calling the save home are the dwarf traveler clans of the Efe and Mbuti trackers. It's a beautiful spot to see the jeopardized OkapiOkapi, which is considered one of the most populated regions in the Republic of the Congo.

Maiko: In a nation of massive landmass that includes several public parks, Maiko is the DRC's most unavailable public park. Likewise, it is the only park where you'll track down every one of the three of the country's endemic species: the OkapiOkapi, the Congo peafowl, and the Grauer gorilla. Also, remember chimpanzees, elephants, panthers, and bongos. Although it's not notable or very much visited, the timberland addresses a significant carbon sink, and its future assurance is around the world essential to tending to environmental change. Inside Maiko's lines are the Simba Mai individuals, who escaped here in the 1960s looking for a sort of political haven. Today, the public authority is attempting to resettle approximately 700 occupants to secure the woods.

Kahuzi-Biega National Park

Explore

The Republic of the Congo is a great place to rejoice yourself with the true essence of nature and amidst all-natural surroundings. As a result, there are several city parks and National Parks in this region, which are known to preserve the natural flora and fauna of the nation. You are suggested to spend some time in the mentioned parks with your family and have a blast amidst nature.

City Parks

There are city parks that are pretty popular in the Republic of the Congo.

N'ele Natural Park
Le Parc Naturel de la N’sele
Lola ya Bonobo

N'ele Natural Park

National Parks

These are the National Parks that are widely popular all over Africa.

Odzala-Kokoua National Park
Ogooué-Leketi National Park
Dzanga-Ndoki National Park

Odzala-Kokoua National Park

Beaches

If you are looking to swim in the ocean, you are highly recommended to visit these beaches.

Picasso beach
Safari Beach
Bikeko beach

Landmarks

These are some of the most renowned landmarks in the Republic of the Congo, and you are highly recommended not to miss these sites on your visit to this country. Make sure to include these sites in your list to remember to check them out once you are in the Republic of the Congo.

Kisantu Catholic Cathedral: The Kisantu Catholic Cathedral is just a dazzling structure and, without question, quite possibly the most lovely that you will probably experience in the country. This tremendous milestone is proportional and just colossal. If you happen to find yourself fortunate enough to be permitted inside, you will discover complex brickwork framing many expanded designs on the dividers. These blocks started from a noteworthy block plant once situated inside the close by Kisantu Botanical Gardens. It is said that this specific spot was picked to assemble the church building since the teachers supported the environment and setting, away from the estuary and its mosquitoes.

Congo River: The Congo River is the second-longest river in Africa, the longest being the River Nile in Egypt. Framing the limit south of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Congo River streams onto Stanley Falls and the present-day city of Kisangani before traveling west and eventually into the Atlantic Ocean. The waterway and the encompassing rainforest were put on the map by the undertakings of Livingstone and Stanley. This region additionally showed up in Joseph Conrad's book, 'Heart of Darkness. A few pieces of the stream are blocked because of their rapids and waterfalls - Livingstone Falls is maybe the most popular of these.

Lake Tanganyika: Lake Tanganyika is presumed to be the second-biggest freshwater lake on the planet, regarding and extensive surface water territory. Still generally distant, the lake and the encompassing environment remain very pristine. The lake is notable for its wide assortment of fish. Around 350 species are thought to live inside its profound water climate, including a wealth of splendidly hued African Tanganyikan cichlids. Ships cross Lake Tanganyika among Kigoma and Bujumbura. Guests can likewise appreciate water exercises, including swimming and swimming.

Kisangani. Once in the past, Stanleyville, Kisangani is the third biggest city in the DRC and lies totally inside the tropical timberland. The city's new name starts from the close by Boyoma Waterfalls and signifies "the city on the island." Kisangani has extraordinary shopping and excellent nearby cafés. It's additionally known for its striking engineering and shockingly makes a mainstream show objective. Make sure to look at the numerous historical centers, professional flowerbeds, and zoos. The Rasaire of Notre-Dame Cathedral in the Central market is especially interesting to guests. You can see a great assortment of East African and Congolese archaeological ancient rarities at the University of Kisangani.

Mayombe Mountains: Spread more than 2000 sq. km, and this locale is the southern-western piece of the tropical rainforest in the Congo Basin. It falls into three nations of Africa, particularly Angola, the Republic of Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is still to be a secured territory and destined to be made into a biosphere hold.

Kisantu Catholic Cathedral

Museums

There are numerous museums in the Republic of Congo that speak very highly of the nation's rich history and cultural heritage. Here you will find a lot of artifacts and information about the recent and old history of Congo. You should most definitely visit some museums while enjoying your tour in the Republic of Congo.

National Museum of DRC: The National Museum of DRC is a gallery for the social history of the various ethnic gatherings in the past. It is also a means that verifies the ages of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the capital Kinshasa. It was formally opened by delegates of DR Congo and the Republic of Korea in June 2019, supplanting the previous National Museum in Kinshasa. The development of the National Museum of DRC, which required 21 million USD, was supported by the Korean Agency for Cooperation (KOICA). The structure was worked after a development time of 33 months in participation between specialists of DR Congo and the Republic of Korea under present-day viewpoints that are locally accessible development materials, utilization of sun oriented energy, and characteristic airflow with just fractional utilization of cooling, and so on. The addresses of the most considerable social arrangement speculation of South Korea in Central Africa have also been maintained till now. In three public display lobbies of 6,000 m², 12,000 articles can be introduced in their social setting. However, being quite different from the previous personnel, when the chief and logical collaboration had been given to a very long time by Belgian researchers from the Africa Museum in Brussels, Congolese specialists have now been prepared in South Korea. Thus, the Congolese social lawmakers have put their worldwide participation on a more extensive premise than previously.

Musee National du Congo: At Musee National du Congo (National Museum of Congo), you can find out about French-Italian pilgrim Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza. This uncommon colonizer had confidence in haggling with locals as opposed to overpowering them. The rich vault molded development worked from white marble shows a little assortment of pictures and reports revealing insight into the existence of this enlightened man and Brazzaville's organizer. Try not to pass up on an opportunity to stroll around the finished nurseries, delegated with a sculpture of Savorgnan.

National Museum of Kananga. Coordinated into the Institute of National Museums of the Congo (IMNC), the National Museum of Kananga was made in 1957 at the activity of a Belgian, Robert Very, under the Luluabourg Museum of Art and Folklore. Joined to the Lycée de Luluabourg (current Lycée de Kele-Kele) and viewed as an apparatus for documentation, this gallery had two jobs required to be a guide for people as well as an instructive masterpiece. From that point forward, the historical center has encountered, as different foundations of the Republic, troublesome occasions interspersed by plundering, robbery, and challenges in building up an arrangement to protect existing masterpieces. It is set up that the different plundering of objects of artistry executed somewhere in the range of 1960 and 1972 has enormously exhausted this historical center, which, as per the signs of the old registers, loaded up with more than 4 000 items. The December 2007 stock detailed 658 items kept at the Museum. Furthermore, 615 different things moved and ensured on a temporary premise since 1972 at the Directorate General of the Institute of National Museums of the Congo in Kinshasa. An entertainer of the social and socio-cultural climate of Kananga, the gallery coordinates or takes an interest in a few exercises around there (presentations, workshops, gatherings, and celebrations open to all or coordinated towards instructive foundations. Since 2005, the exhibition hall has distributed the methods for locally available the half-yearly magazine 'Kasaï Culturally,' which turned into its collection of articulation and contact.

National Museum of Mbandaka: Once in the past, the Equator Museum was established in the late 1950s by representing the Belgian organization positioned in Coquilhatville. It was one of the four public galleries with Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and Kananga. The first assortment gathered around 600 bits of the social and customary legacy of individuals of the region. Shut-in 1980, the works were moved to Kinshasa, and the structure - initially a mail center - was for some time involved by military staff who left it in a broken downstate. It was distinctly in 2012 that the Museum had the option to recuperate its legacy from Kin and resume its entryways. Today, the little room has a couple of conventional instruments, covers, artistry objects, and photographs on time boards. Just as a duplicate of "enforce," these wooden stone coffins saved for extraordinary gourmet specialists—the actual absence of support and improvement. In any case, this is a beginning. Outside, seriously amazing, some rusted automatic weapons of the district's past clashes are put away in the patio. You can likewise respect the excellent pioneer exterior and admire the craftsmanship.

National Museum of Lubumbashi: Previously Muse ́ e. Today it is housed in the structure planned by modeler Claude Strebelle. He went to the Belgian teacher Francis Cabu in 1946, introducing his belongings on his curve. A rich ethnographic assortment has been praised throughout the years, just as in entomology. The gathering is a rich legacy and structures the endless variety of the dream. In 2000, the MLN, which was step by step tombait through implies, was delivered by the Foundation Rachel Forrest and the Asbl Dialogs, which has since introduced an exhibition of contemporary craftsmanship.

Musee National du Congo

Eat

The Republic of the Congo is especially famous for its delicious food habits. Being a foreigner in this country, you are bound to fall in love with the flavors of Congo. There are numerous well-renowned restaurants and eateries in the Republic of the Congo, and here are some of our recommendations.

Restaurant Noura
Hotel Pefaco
Pizzeria au Boulot
Melena restaurants
La Bristol de Brazzaville
La Mandarine
Mami Wata

Drink

Mentioned below are some of the most happening pubs and bars in the Republic of Congo. So, if you are an enthusiastic drinker, you might as well spend some hours in these places.

Kwilu Bar
Spice Lounge Bar
Coco Jambo Bars & Clubs
Saloon Kinshasa
Fiesta Club

Tap-water

The tap water available in the cities of the Congo are not suitable for drinking. However, getting along with most daily tasks is pretty convenient as the water is pure and fresh. However, for drinking purposes, it is recommended to only stick with packaged mineral water bottles.

Activities

There are plenty of adventurous and thrilling activities that one can pursue while being in the country of Congo. However, these are some of the most exciting ones you should not miss experiencing.

Meet the Congo bloodhounds: Those intelligent chaps in the DRC's Virunga National Park accomplish something other than what's expected in their battle against poaching. Renowned for their feeling of smell, the canines are being prepared to 'man trail' in the Democratic Republic of Congo by first hound dog master Dr. Marlene Zahner. They'll be utilized to shield Virunga's jeopardized mountain gorilla from poachers and to help the quest for harmed officers in the rugged landscape. At present, based at the Virunga National Park central command, fortunate visitors can visit the dogs, hear a little about the unbelievable preparing program, and even watch a training sniff.

Visit the orphaned gorillas at Senkwekwe: Right now, the solitary place on the planet focusing on stranded mountain gorilla, the Senkwekwe Mountain Gorilla Centre in the DRC, was underlying 2010 because of gifts from around the world. The site at Rumangabo, Virunga National Park's base camp, was considered excellent with its rich timberland and plenitude of untamed life, and the previously stranded gorilla showed up before long. Today, the phenomenal guardians at the middle take care of gorillas that have been exploited by poachers and creature dealers, approaching the remarkable Gorilla Doctors of the DRC when they need to.

Hike in the Ruwenzori Mountains: If you are not particularly excited about the dynamic volcanoes, what about journeying in the Ruwenzori? Situated on the line of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the most noteworthy pinnacle of the 'Mountains of the Moon' is a bewildering 5109 meters. The reach is home to the lone icy masses on the African mainland. A move to Margherita Peak will take you through whirling fogs and magnificent elevated glades, past strange and wondrous plants and surprisingly woodland elephants and OkapiOkapi. Presently, the recreation center can't supply climbing stuff or nourishment for travelers, so you'll have to come arranged. However, you will be joined by a Virunga officer and nearby watchman.

Relax at Tchegera Island: If you have already figured out how to tick off every one of these DRC exercises, then it's time you had some merited R&R. Furthermore, we have quite recently the spot – Tchegera Island. An emerald-green desert garden, simply off the northern shore of Lake Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the solitary indication of human home is the eight tents of Tchegera Island Camp. Book in for an evening or two and meander around the island keeping your eyes stripped for the multi-hued birdlife, swim in the without croc waters, or simply unwind and watch the sparkling stars, lager close by.

Hike to the top of Nyiragongo Volcanoes: The gorillas may be the star fascination in the DRC. However, Nyiragongo Volcano unquestionably comes an exceptionally close second. The dynamic fountain of liquid magma will be the principal thing you see upon appearance in Goma, a blushing shine bubbling bafflingly at its cone-like top. Beginning from the Kibati officer station, right external Goma, you'll move through tangled tropical backwoods and scramble over rocky rocks on the five-hour move before showing up at the magma lake at the top. At the point when dimness falls, watch the liquid fluid air pocket and spray before nodding off in a little outdoors cottage on the pit edge. Well, that is a night that will not be forgotten in a rush!

Accommodation

If you travel to a new country or even a city, looking for a place to spend the night or rest is pretty important. Although there are all kinds of hotels and resorts available in most tourist destinations, choosing the most appropriate one for your purpose is highly recommended. The Republic of the Congo has several major cities that account for some of the most beautiful and lavish hotels in the continent of Africa—as such, finding a suitable living place to stay is quite simple while enjoying your time in Congo. However, tourists and vacationers are often suggested to live in eco-friendly lodgings and housings that do not pollute the environment. There are plenty of well-suiting living places in the Republic of the Congo that use clean energy sources to resource their necessities, and living in one of those is heavily advised.

Green Hotels

The plan behind the rise in the numbers of green hotels is to undo the harm we have done to our immediate surroundings. Green hotels run on a relatively new concept that only uses renewable sources of energy and does not pollute the environment or exhaust natural resources in any manner. Finding green hotels in the Republic of the Congo that run on clean sources of energy such as solar power is very common. You may also find that the water management is pretty well directed in these living places. Thus, having a great room for resting as well as playing a part in nature's well-being is a much-appreciated step that all responsible travelers should practice. Here are some of the green hotels that are famous in the Republic of the Congo:

Green Lodge (Kinshasa)
Pefaco Hotel Maya-Maya Brazzaville
Ledger Plaza Maya

Hostels and Guest Houses

There are far too many guest houses in the Republic of the Congo than there are luxury hotels. These guest houses are great escapes from the hustles and business of city life and give you ample time to be with your friends and family while enjoying a peaceful time with everyone. Moreover, the beautiful, evergreen scenery of the Republic of the Congo is just another very well reflected factor while living in guest houses. Here are some of the most beautiful and comfortable guest houses in the Republic of the Congo that offer great hospitality to their customers:

Guest House Sermpia
Kalz Guest House
Le Guest House
Le Raphia Guest House
Le Vintage Guesthouse

Apartments

If you plan on spending more than just a few days in the Republic of the Congo, then looking for an apartment to rent should probably the best way to get the most out of your stay. Renting an apartment will save you a considerable amount of money and also provide you with utmost comfort at the same time. Moreover, the freedom of living by yourself is just another perk of renting a flat in the Republic of the Congo. Here are some of the most suitable apartments that you can rent while enjoying your stay in the Republic of the Congo.

Galaxy Apartments
Le Mirage de la Funa
Residence LaForge
Kin Oasis Apartments
Acacia Tower Brazzaville

Couchsurfing

Although there are not many active users of this technology in the Republic of the Congo. You can most definitely at least quite a few citizens who are more than interested in welcoming foreign visitors and tourists in their homes to stay for a short duration. This is an excellent way for the local citizens and the foreign tourists to understand the cultures of each other better. Moreover, this also helps the stay of the tourists as they can always turn to their host for assistance whenever necessary. Also, the hosts can prove to be excellent guides for vacationers too. You can know more about this concept by visiting the website www.couchsurfing.com.

Camping

The Republic of the Congo offers a great deal of natural beauty and environmental exposure to anyone who wishes to spend time in this country. Apart from the savannahs and natural forests, there are also many camping sites in this country that offer a great time to the visitors. You can also visit these camping sites while enjoying your stay in the Republic of the Congo.

Odzala-Kokoua National Park
Parc de la Vallée de la N'Sele

Regions

The Republic of the Congo is one of the major countries in Africa and one of the most renowned tourist destinations in the country. The nation, however, is home to gorillas that reside here on a large scale. Being a large enough country with a rich history, the Republic of the Congo has many crucial and determining regions that have remained one of the many factors to determine the geographical positioning of the country. The Republic of the Congo is covered through the northwest by Cameroon, toward the north by the Central African Republic, toward the east and south by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, toward the southwest by the Angolan exclave of Cabinda, and toward the west by Gabon. South of its boundary with Gabon, the nation has a 100-mile-(160-km-) long coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Along the Atlantic Ocean, a beachfront plain 40 miles (64 km) vast stretches for around 100 miles (160 km) among Gabon and Cabinda. The plain ascents progressively from the ocean toward the east to the Mayombé Massif, a low mountain range that matches the coast. The Mayombé tops are rough and isolated by profound stream gorges. Among these, Mount Berongou ascends to 2,963 feet (903 meters). Towards the east of the Mayombé Massif lies the Niari valley, a 125-mile wide gorge, which genuinely has filled in as a significant entry between the inland levels and the coast. Close to the north, the valley rises step by step to the Chaillu Massif, which arrives at heights of somewhere in the range of 1,600 and 2,300 feet (490 and 700 meters) Gabon line; in the south, the downturn ascends to the Cataractes Plateau. Due past the Niari valley is a group of plateaus around 1,600 feet above sea level, isolated by the profoundly disintegrated valleys of feeders of the Congo River. The Bembe Plateau lies between the Niari valley and the Chaillu Massif, while the Batéké Plateau extends toward the north along the Congo River from Brazzaville Mpouya. The upper east is essential for the western Congo bowl and comprises a substantial 60,000-square-mile plain that inclines toward the east from the west of mountains and levels to the Congo River. Due to the large number of tributary rivers that merge into it, the plain is damp and prone to some annual floods. Around 66% of the nation is covered with coarse-grained soils that contain sand and rock. Lateritic grounds, with a great extent of iron and aluminum sesquioxides, portray low-lying regions. Due to the humid and muggy environment, the natural matter is disintegrated by quick bacterial activity before it can collect into humus; additionally, dirt is washed away by the weighty downpours. In the savannah locales, the rich alluvial soils are undermined with disintegration by the wind just as a downpour.

Cities

Here are the most popular and significant cities in the Republic of the Congo.

Kinshasa - Capital
Bukavu
Goma
Kananga
Kisangani
Kidu
Lubumbashi
Matadi
Mbandaka
Mbuji-Mayi - formerly Bakwanga

Getting There and Moving Around

Being one of the most visited countries in the continent of Africa, the Republic of the Congo is very well set to receive and deport tourists from any part of the world. Knowing the various means of transportation that will lead you to the Republic of the Congo is crucial. Moreover, having deep insight into the most used modes of traveling while being in the nation is also pretty helpful. In this segment, you will come to know about the various ways in which you can travel to the Republic of the Congo and have a well-suited trip in the country. All the popular modes of traveling along with the local rides will also be mentioned here.

Air

Using the airways to reach the Republic of the Congo is probably one of the fastest and efficient ways of traveling. No matter what part of the world you live in, you can always book a flight from a renowned airport in your country and reach the county of Congo in just a few hours. As such, most international tourists and vacationers prefer this mode of travel over any other means. However, you are highly recommended to pre-book your flight tickets as this is a busy country with a considerable amount of tourist traffic.

N'djili Airport, Kinshasa

Bus

Once you are in the Republic of the Congo, you will find buses in abundance. No matter what city of the country you are in, the usage of buses will remain pretty consistent and high in availability. The local citizens of the Republic of the Congo prefer this mode of travel to reach nearby destinations as it not only saves money but also helps the traffic by easing the rush. Being a foreigner in the Republic of the Congo, you are also suggested to use the public means as much as possible. It helps generate revenue and keeps the traffic under sufficient checks. As such, there are lesser traffic jams and people can be punctual and time-efficient.

Bus in Congo

Train

The Republic of the Congo is a pretty big country in the country of Africa. As such, most of the inter-city traveling purposes are carried out via the trains in this country. The railway lines are pretty effective, and you can travel the various cities of the Republic of the Congo by getting on board with the appropriate train routes. Not to mention that the railway system of the Republic of the Congo is one of the most dependable ones in the world and thus, you can be sure to always be on time and beat the traffic, if there is any. You will find plenty of train rides to your preferred destination, and most of them are known to run on time. This is a great way to reach the faraway cities of the Republic of the Congo in a brief span.

Hitchhiking

Although it is now considered safe to hitchhike in the Republic of the Congo, you are highly recommended to skip this activity if you are a foreign tourist in this country. The Republic of the Congo is not among the countries rated high up in criminal activities, but there are instances of theft and robbery in this region. As such, if you are traveling alone, it is best to avoid taking a ride from a stranger. However, if you are traveling in groups or a company, you can opt for rides, but proper precaution is recommended.

Others

Since the Republic of the Congo does not have many smooth roadways, traveling via roads might become hectic after a point. However, you can always board on ships and steamers that operate over the Congo River. Surprisingly, the Congo River connects to almost all major cities and ports in the Republic of the Congo and makes up for one of the most used travel routes in this country.

Sustainable Shopping

Being a tourist in a foreign country, it is often tough to resist the urge to shop for the local and authentic items found in the region. As such, the Republic of the Congo is a country with a rich cultural heritage. So, there are too many local and small businesses that uphold their customs and manufacture items exclusively found in the Republic of the Congo. It is also considered a dream for every shopping enthusiast who is interested in shopping to acquire expensive artifacts and those who like to take back a souvenir of their journey abroad. Here are some of the best places to shop for gift items and wearables in the Republic of the Congo.

LC Waikiki
Librairie de la Halle
Le Premier Shopping Mall
Symphonie des Arts
Bandombe Galerie

Recycling

Since the Republic of the Congo became a significant tourist attraction, a lot of waste has been recorded due to plastic pollution and other non-degradable items. This led to a need for managing recyclable waste materials to save the environment from pollution. Recycling has now become an integral part of the Republic of the Congo, and all major cities and towns have dedicated disposal means that take care of this process.

Waste

Over the years, the waste management of the Republic of the Congo has significantly improved. This is because the nation has become a prime attraction for tourists from all over the globe. Thus, capitalizing on cleanliness and proper waste disposal is eventually going to profit their country. All the discarded waste from the Republic of the Congo cities is thrown out in the streams, and the surroundings are appropriately clean and fit to sustain.

Work and Study Abroad

Although the working conditions of the Republic of the Congo are not overly attractive, a great many people love it, including a large number of foreign settlers, love it. The climatic conditions of the Republic of the Congo are one such aspect that draws people from all over the world to this place in search of a job so that they can settle here amidst nature's lap. If you desire to work and lead a life in the Republic of the Congo, you can apply for a suitable job designation and prepare for your journey in significantly less time.

Exchange Student

Although the Republic of the Congo is not very well-renowned for the educational interests, the country is overly enthusiastic about letting international students learn about their nation. As a result, several schools and universities regularly account for International Student Exchange programs that allow scholars from all over the world to spend some days in the country and have a deep insight into their customs and social norms. If you are a student who is keen to know more about the Republic of the Congo and other neighboring countries, you can ask your institute for pairing up with a suitable school in the Republic of the Congo.

Au Pair

Unlike most Western Countries, the local citizens of the Republic of the Congo have not gracefully accepted the amenities of Au Pair. As per the country's citizens, it is not customary in the Republic of the Congo to reside with foreign tourists and vacationers in return for a payor other jobs. As a result, finding people who support this practice is very challenging in the Republic of the Congo.

Volunteering

The Republic of the Congo is very supportive of all kinds of volunteering activities. It highly encourages both the local citizens and foreign tourists to share an interest in the nation. If you are looking forward to participating in active social volunteering campaigns that are concerned for the betterment of the Republic of the Congo, you ought to be highly invested and dedicated towards the goal. Several well-renowned organizations support the cause, and you can participate in them by being a full-time member or even a few weeks. Here are the most recognized volunteering campaigns that are run in the Republic of the Congo. Hands at Work. Help Congo.