The Republic of the Congo is a country located in Central Africa and it is commonly referred to as Congo-Brazzaville in order to distinguish it from its giant eastern neighbor, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (also called Congo-Kinshasa).
The Republic of Congo shares its borders with Gabon, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola (the exclave of Cabinda).
What is interesting about this country is that its sparse population is mostly concentrated in the southwestern part of the country, while the entirety of about 80% of the country is actually a vast tropical jungle that is completely uninhabited.
Bearing this in mind, Congo is actually one of the most urbanized countries in Africa, given the fact that about 85% of its total population lives in Brazzaville, it’s capital and largest city, Pointe-Noire, or one of the small cities along the railway connecting these two cities.
Since there is about 80% of the entire country that is covered in nothing by nature, namely the dense Congo Rainforest, many tourists rush here to enjoy touring the river and rapids somewhere between the picturesque riverside villages, restaurants, hotels and the country’s capital Brazzaville.
Tourist agencies take tourists to explore the breathtaking nature of the Republic of the Congo in arranged motorized and traditional boats and this experience is as unique as it is mesmerizing.
Warnings & Dangers in Republic of the Congo
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
The Republic of the Congo is, for the most part, a safe country to visit, though it's not without its dangers. You should be vigilant and take all possible precaution measures in order to minimize the risk of getting stolen from.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Transportation roads within the capital are relatively stable and the public transport is, overall, safe, though remain vigilant for pickpockets. The rainy season that lasts from September to December and from February to May makes any non-primary roads outside of the capital basically unusable.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
There is a threat of petty crime. Pickpockets are an everyday occurrence, especially on the beaches, so you should be extremely careful when handling your valuables and never carry your money in a purse or a pocket. Never carry all your money in the same place, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
There are some natural threats in the Republic of the Congo, such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, flooding, and droughts. There is also extreme weather and climate variability due to rainy seasons that last from September to December and from February to May.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
Violent crime is not that common in the Republic of Congo, but you should still remain vigilant at all times. If you stay alert and tend to remain unnoticeable with your dress code and mannerisms, you should be just fine.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
There haven't been any recent terrorist attacks in the Republic of Congo's recent history, but they shouldn't be ruled out. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
As in most countries, scams are very likely for tourists visiting. You should double-check every change, and negotiate everything in advance. Beware of people posing as officials and trying to extort money from you, and always ask for a badge, though it's not that common. Never accept drinks from strange people.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
You should bear in mind that women traveling alone might experience greater verbal harassment. If you are a female visiting the Republic of Congo alone, be sure to avoid remote streets, both during day and night, and do not flash your belongings or handle money in public. Stay out of the streets at night and be vigilant for any possible dangers at all times.
So... How Safe Is Republic of the Congo Really?
The Republic of Congo is safe to visit.
It is a developing country in Africa and it’s actually one of the safest on this continent.
Petty crime targeting foreigners isn’t that common, though it happens and you should keep in mind that the beaches are where petty crime is often committed.
Tourists are recommended to not carry their valuables when visiting the beaches.
The Embassy of the Republic of Congo even recommends avoiding all beaches completely at night, since this is a popular pickpockets’ destination and evenings are perfect for such crimes.
When it comes to Brazzaville, crime is common on its streets, and many tourists have been targeted, though the situation is still not as dangerous as in many other African countries.
Tourists may become targets depending on the way they dress, behave or speak.
There have even been reports of violent crime in Brazzaville.
Bear in mind that women travelers in this country may experience unwanted attention or even verbal harassment.
They are also greater targets for petty theft since they are perceived as not being able to defend themselves.
How Does Republic of the Congo Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Republic of the Congo | 54 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Iceland | 95 |
| Ireland | 83 |
| Serbia | 77 |
| Belgium | 70 |
| Austria | 92 |
| Croatia | 83 |
| Italy | 77 |
Useful Information
Visas
Many countries do need a visa in order to enter the Republic of the Congo. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past your visit to the Republic of Congo. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Currency
Central Africa CFA Franc is the official currency in the Republic of Congo. Bear in mind that banks willing to exchange money are rare outside Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, but there are businesses owned by Lebanese and West Africans that usually change money.
Weather
The weather in the Republic of Congo is usually hot and humid in the river basin and cool and dry in the southern highlands where most of the population is concentrated, with a cold, alpine climate in the Rwenzori Mountains.
Airports
Maya–Maya Airport is the international airport serving Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of the Congo.
Travel Insurance
Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to the Republic of Congo, since it covers not only the costs medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
Republic of the Congo Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 31 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 29 | 28 | 29 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 |
| Low °C | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 20 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 22 | 22 |
| High °F | 88 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 84 | 82 | 84 | 88 | 88 | 88 | 86 |
| Low °F | 72 | 72 | 72 | 72 | 72 | 68 | 66 | 68 | 70 | 72 | 72 | 72 |
Not a good place for women
I went with a group here 5 years ago for work. Among out group was one woman and she did get harassed. Mostly verbal harassment and faces made at her but one stranger actually grabbed her on her butt when we were passing a crowded area. She felt violated. I can’t imagine what it was like for her. She quit when we got back. I wouldn’t feel safe as a woman going here or bringing my girlfriend/wife or daughter here.