Next Stop: Congo-Brazzaville!
Born and raised in Congo-Brazzaville, I have always seen this city as a paradise. In fact, I have never lived anywhere else than my country. For me, Congo-- especially Brazzaville-- is my happy place. Peace, joy, and love are present everywhere. I know that most African countries are known for their difficulties and unstable political systems. However, I want to display another vision of Africa, from my point of view. African is not only war, poverty, or famine. In my opinion, Africa is the most amazing continent on Earth.
Located in Central Africa, Congo-Brazzaville is home to around 5.126 million people. This small country-- around 342,000 sq km--is a member of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC). Still, you may ask, 'why travel there and not elsewhere?' Congo-Brazzaville is famous for its culture, and is widely renowned for its fashion scene. Every time you talk about Congo-Brazzaville to someone, they always refer to "La Sapologie." Fashion, however, is not the only reason why Brazzaville is an exciting place to visit. Throughout this little guide, I will help you to get there and discover "Brazza La Verte."
Image Credit: Shutterstock/Tuomas Lehtinen
Like most African countries, getting to Brazzaville is pretty simple: apply for a visa and buy your plane ticket! Visa application is as easy as hello; every step is outlined on the website of the Congolese Embassy. After obtaining your visa, check out these airlines that operate in Congo-Brazzaville: Air France, Royal Air Maroc, Ethiopian Airlines, and Kenya Airways.
II. Where to stay?
After taking care of the visa and ticket, you need to reserve a place to stay. Check out hotels like Pefaco Hotel, Laico, and more. If you don't want to stay in a hotel, there are some other options available. In Brazzaville, you can book a short-term apartment rental. Either Airbnb or ELBO are the places to be! At the heart of the city, Elbo Suits boasts a fantastic view of Kinshasa, a luxurious swimming pool, and an excellent restaurant serving Congolese specialties and international delicacies.
A Congolese preparation of Makoso. Image Credit: Shutterstock/Photolecious
Brazzaville is city who lives in the night! You obviously can have fun during the day, but the night ambiance is something special. Brazza has around 50 clubs; however, the best clubs are located in the city center. Back home, my favorite place is The Palacio Club. This club is the place to be! From Thursday to Sunday, the club is on fire! Every young Congolese in 'vogue' will be there. Enjoy the fanciest champagne, while listening to DJ Mig-One's best playlist! Every weekend this club is crowded by the Congolese "jeunesse dorée."
If you don't like loud places, you can have fun elsewhere. Brazzaville welcomes interesting places where you can have fun without dancing or drinking. One of my favorite places to have fun is Ile Faignond, on the coast of Brazzaville. In the middle of the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo, this 'no man's land' has turned into a little paradise, and it's the perfect spot to chill. There, you can forget about your problems and relax on the Congo River.
Image Credit: Shutterstock/Pressmaster
VI. Pointe-Noire
If you have already seen everything in the political capital, Pointe-Noire is your next destination! At 45 minutes from Brazzaville by plane, Pointe-Noire is the economic capital of the Republic of Congo. This city is well known for the beauty of the beach, and the lovely seaside restaurants. An excellent trip to Congo-Brazzaville is incomplete without a tour of Pointe-Noire!
Going to Brazzaville is a good way to visit Central Africa. The Republic of Congo shares a border with fabulous countries: Gabon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and more. Brazzaville is your bridge to visit Africa!
