Book cheap flights to Brazzaville

Like so many cities in the region, Brazzaville boasts relatively consistently warm temperatures throughout the year, rarely dropping below 20˚C even at their coldest, and often hovering around 30˚C. In short, no matter when you visit, you’ll probably have to be prepared to weather out some heat. However, the months of June to September generally stand out as having not only the coolest temperatures (though admittedly not by much), but also the lowest rainfall. It’s the best time to visit weather-wise, especially since the Congo experience is a largely outdoorsy one; but you’ll also have to deal with heavier crowds of tourists and higher accommodation rates. By contrast, November to February, despite temperatures bouncing between 20˚C and 30˚C, boasts the highest levels of rainfall. It’s the time to come if you want to best avoid the crowds and get the best deals on accommodation, but you’d better not forget that raincoat.

South African citizens will require a visa to enter the Republic of Congo. Applicants should make sure their passport will be valid for at least six months, and that they have at least two pages available for stamps. Enquiries can be made online, or at the embassy of the Republic of Congo in South Africa at 960 Arcadia Street in Pretoria.

The closest South African embassy to Brazzaville is located across the river, in the city of Kinshasa. 77 Avenue Ngongo Lutete Gombe Tel: 243-8881-492-8855

The Republic of Congo is a yellow fever zone, and the Centres for Disease Control strongly recommends yellow fever vaccination for anyone planning entry into the country. They also recommend they ensure that all of their routine vaccinations are up to date and that they receive vaccination against Hepatitis A and typhoid, both of which can be spread via contaminated food and water.

Despite its generally quiet nature, incidents of crime, petty and otherwise, have been known to occur in Brazzaville. Visitors are asked to practice common sense in their conduct and not leave their belongings unattended or wander the streets late at night.

Brazzaville boasts an extensive choice of hotels and guesthouses of varying degrees of affordability and luxury, with prices varying everywhere from under 33,000 to over 145,000 CFA Franc.

Like many urban centres in Africa, Brazzaville sports a sizable fleet of minibus taxis (usually painted green and white), which generally stand out as the most widely available and affordable form of transport in the city. More individual taxis are also available.

Those who wish to trek beyond the city and deeper into the Republic of Congo, have access to the Congo-Ocean Railway Line running through the city, as well as a number of privately-owned buses; while those wishing to take a trip over the river to visit Brazzaville’s sister, Kinshasa, may make use of the local ferry service.