|
|
 Republic of Congo Travel Tips |
|
|
| Congo
General Information |
|
Summary: |
|
Capital: Brazzaville
Time Zone: GMT + 1.
Population: 3,633,000 (UN estimate 2002).
Languages: The official language is French. Other major languages are Lingala, Munukutuba and Kikongo. English is spoken very little.
Power: 220 volts AC, 50Hz.
Currency:
CFA Franc (CFAfr) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of CFAfr10,000, 5000, 2000, 1000 and 500. Coins are in denominations of CFAfr250, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1. Congo is part of the French Monetary Area. Only currency issued by the Banque des États de l’Afrique Centrale (Bank of Central African States) is valid; currency issued by the Banque des États de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (Bank of West African States) is not. The CFA Franc is tied to the Euro.
|
|
Climate: Equatorial climate with short rains from October to December and long rains between mid-January and mid-May. The main dry season is from June to September.
Required clothing
Practical lightweight cottons and linens with a light raincoat or umbrella in the rainy season. |
Public Holidays
Jan 1 2005: New Year’s Day.
Mar 8: Congolese Women’s Day.
May 1: Labor Day.
Jun 10: Commemoration of the National Sovereign Conference.
Aug 15: National Day.
Dec 25: Christmas.
Jan 1 2006: New Year’s Day.
Mar 8: Congolese Women’s Day.
May 1: Labor Day.
Jun 10: Commemoration of the National Sovereign Conference.
Aug 15: National Day.
Dec 25: Christmas.
|
|
Congo
Destinations |
|
The capital city of Brazzaville is situated on the west side of Malebo Pool on the River Congo. Sights to see include the beautiful Basilique Sainte Anne, the colorful suburb of Poto Poto, the Temple Mosque, the markets at Oluendze and Moungali, the National Museum, the Municipal Gardens and the house constructed for de Gaulle when Brazzaville was the capital of Free France. There is a golf course at the Cité du Djoué. The first church in Congo was built in 1882 by a French priest and is located in Linzolo, 30km (19 miles) from the capital. The city is also home to the regional seat of the World Health Organization and a good market. 150km (90 miles) north of the capital is the historic village of M’Bé, the capital of King Makoko. Also in this region is Lac Bleu with good fishing available and the Valley of Butterflies.
To the south of Brazzaville are the Congo Rapids (9km/6 miles away by tarred road), the Loufoulakari Falls and the Trou de Dieu, above which there is a panoramic view of the surrounding countryside. The main town on the coast is Pointe-Noire (with its lively evening market), and there are several good beaches close by in the region known as the Côte Sauvage. Around 20km (12 miles) from the city are the villages of Loango and Diosso. Loango was the main embarkation port for slaves and it is estimated that more than 2 million people were transported from here. The Gorges of Diosso, spectacular cliffs formed by the erosion of the sea and the wind, are worth visiting.
The landscape in the north of the country is distinguished by huge tracts of virgin forest with an abundance of wildlife. The forest is also home to several indigenous tribes who have maintained their traditional way of life.
|
|
Congo
Tips |
|
Social Conventions
Normal courtesies should be observed when visiting people’s homes. Gifts are acceptable as a token of thanks, especially if invited for a meal. Dress should be casual, and informal wear is acceptable in most places. Mini-skirts and shorts should not be worn in most public places, however. Artistic carving, both traditional and modern dance, as well as folk songs, play an important part in Congolese culture, which is strongly based on tradition. There are large numbers of foreigners resident in Congo, working as technical assistants, businesspeople and traders. Photography: It is forbidden to photograph public buildings.
Tipping
Normally 10 per cent in hotels and restaurants. Porters and taxi drivers do not expect tips.
Internal Travel:
Air
The national airline, Lina Congo (GC),operates regular services from Brazzaville to Pointe-Noire, with stops in Loubomo and Ouesso. Private charters are available.
Departure tax
CFAfr 3400 on internal flights.
River
Inland steamers ply from Brazzaville up the Congo and Ubangi. Rivers are vital to internal transport.
Rail
Congo-Océan railway company operates services between Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire (travel time – up to three days). Known as the ‘Peace Train’, this service endured a long suspension due to civil war, and still incurs occasional disruptions. Services between Mbinda and Pointe Noire are also due to resume soon. Advance booking is recommended. Children under five years travel free. Half-fare is charged for children aged five to nine.
Road
Roads are mostly earth tracks, sandy in dry season and impassable in the wet, suitable for 4-wheel drive vehicles only. There are 1207km (750 miles) of paved roads. Traffic drives on the right. Poorly marked army checkpoints, often manned by undisciplined soldiers, exist throughout the country. Travel at night on unfamiliar roads can be dangerous and should be avoided. Car hire: There are several car hire firms represented in Brazzaville, lists of which can be obtained from main hotels. Documentation: An International Driving Permit is required.
Urban
Brazzaville has a minibus and taxi service. Taxis are also available in Pointe-Noire and Loubomo. Taxi fares have a flat rate and fares should be agreed beforehand.
|
|
SouthTravels.com
Copyright
© Southtravels.com. All Rights Reserved.
|
