Republic of Congo: Places to visit that aren’t Pointe Noire
The Republic of Congo is a country filled with riches and scenic views. Lying on the equator, it provides consistent sunny weather all year round and opportunity for adventure. However if you are looking for that perfect Instagram shot you may be inclined to visit Pointe Noire. Being a port city, it has the advantages of providing beaches and resorts for tourists to relax on. Now there is more than one way to visit Congo and enjoy all it has to offer. The Republic of Congo is on the edge of becoming a major eco-tourist destinations in Africa; boasting half the world’s lowland gorillas, forest elephants and much more. Join us as we outline some of Congo’s hidden gems:
Parc National Conkouati-Douli
Go here for: coastal exploration, turtle nesting, great ape conservation sites
National Park of Conkouati-Douli was launched in 1999 (recognised by UNESCO) and is the most biodiverse park in the Republic of Congo. It rests along the border of Gabon and Congo and covers over 500,00 hectares of land with the river Noumbi running through it. Because the park is an active area of conservation it is divided into three zones, only one of which is open to tourists. But there is still so much available to see in this zone. December to February is the best time to visit the beaches of the Parc National Conkouati-Douli where one can watch sea turtles nest as well as watch dolphins swim. Further into the rainforest, the park houses forest elephants, gorillas and chimpanzees which can all be seen living in their natural habitat. These attractions are best seen during June to December.
2. Ouesso
Go here for: economic tourism, pygmy population, national parks
Ouesso is a town in the Republic of Congo lying on the Sangha River. It is the third biggest town in the country after the capital Brazzaville, and beach town Pointe Noire. Ouesso’s main attraction is its economic opportunities, often being referred to as an eco-tourist spot. Ouesso boasts a great equatorial forest full of natural resources such as coffee, cocoa and palm oil. One can enjoy the fruit of all these natural restaurants in many of the town’s restaurants (such as Restaurant Le Nzalangoye) that offer fresh fish and vegetables. The town of Ouesso is highly focused on economic development, with many major corporations settling offices here. Therefore this town may not be for those looking for a picture perfect holiday. The population of Ouesso is very young, with a significant pygmy population living nearby.
3. Brazzaville
Go here for: nightlife, ambiance, education
Now this option may seem obvious as Brazzaville is the capital city of the Republic of Congo. But this bustling city can often be overlooked for its more “scenic” neighbor, Pointe Noire. Brazzaville offers something for every kind of tourist. Whether you’re looking to relax by the water or get down and dirty with nature, Brazzaville will most certainly provide all your needs. Brazzaville holds the advantage of providing urban city life in a tropical environment. The city provides an array of culinary experiences from Chinese (Restaurant Mandarin) to French and local. Tourists can walk across La Corniche which provides wonderful views of the historic Congo River and neighboring city, Kinshasa. At the end of the night one can unwind at a karaoke bar or dance the night away in a local club. For those who prefer to have their fun in the daytime, Brazzaville holds some beautiful and educational sights such as the Basilique Sainte-Anne-du-Congo de Brazzaville, Institution Francais du Congo and the National Museum of Congo.
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