Republic of the Congo：Known As One of Africa’s Finest Ecotourism Destinations

Republic of the Congo is an incredible country in central-western Africa, well-worth a sightseeing visit. Republic of the Congo is best-known for diverse society, long history and Congolese Rumba music. In this article we will tell you the top 10 sights to visit on a sightseeing excursion to Republic of the Congo.

1. Basilique St. Anne (Brazzaville)

Photo byfr.wikipedia.org

Basilique St. Anne is an architecturally interesting basilica in the heart of Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. The basilica was designed by architect Roger Erell and was constructed in the 1940s. The features tourists will want to pay attention to while sightseeing the basilica include the unusual shape of the basilica, its copper, bas-relief doors and the green glazed-tile roof. Although entrance to the basilica is free, it is expected visitors make a donation for the upkeep of the building, so take some change with you on the sightseeing visit.

2. National Museum of Congo (Brazzaville)

Photo byStephane Mignon

The National Museum of Congo, also sometimes referred to as the Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Memorial, is a small museum and memorial located in Brazzaville in the Republic of the Congo. The museum opened in 1965 and is named after an Italian-French colonial officer Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza, whose tomb is located in the lower level of the National Museum of Congo. The city of Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, is also named after this officer. The National Museum of Congo houses collections of historic artifacts of Congo and Congolese art pieces. Admission to the National Museum of Congo is free.

3. Cote Sauvage (Pointe Noire)

Cote Sauvage is a popular beach in Pointe Noir in the Republic of the Congo. Many people go surfing at Cote Sauvage, Republic of the Congo. There are restaurants serving seafood and local Congo fish dishes at Cote Sauvage. The best time to visit Cote Sauvage is during the day when it is light, as the beach is not lightened up at night. The beach is more frequented in the afternoons, so if you look to relax mornings are better for your sightseeing, while for a tourist looking to people-watch afternoons are better. It is advisable tourist take extra care if going into the ocean at Cote Sauvage, as there are rip currents here.

4. Gorges of Diosso (Pointe Noire)

Gorges of Diosso are magnificent, red-stone, natural gorges located near to Pointe Noire in the Republic of the Congo. Gorges of Diosso are a bit reminiscent of the Grand Canyon in the United States. Gorges of Diosso are recommended sightseeing spot as they are an excellent place to go for a hike and soak up Republic of the Congo’s natural beauty. The air in the Gorges of Diosso is very fresh and there’s a forest surrounding the rocky outcrops. After sightseeing visitors can enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many local restaurants in the village of Diosso, Republic of the Congo.

5. Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur de Brazzaville (Brazzaville)

Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur de Brazzaville is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. The cathedral was constructed in 1892 and has since been renovated several times. Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur de Brazzaville is worth sightseeing and was even visited by Pope John Paul II on his trip to the Republic of the Congo. Cathédrale du Sacré-Cœur de Brazzaville is in active use, with religious events taking place through the week and masses being given every Sunday. Sightseeing tourists are welcome to visit the cathedral during their stay in the Republic of the Congo.

6. Nouabale-Ndoki National Park

Nouabale-Ndoki National Park is located in the north of Republic of the Congo, on the border with Central African Republic. Nouabale-Ndoki National Park is a wild place full of animals such as bongos, chimpanzees, forest buffaloes, forest elephants, leopards, sitatungas, western lowland gorillas and Red River hogs. Sightseeing visitors are recommended to take a boat trip on the serene waterways of the Nouabale-Ndoki National Park, Republic of the Congo. From the comfort of the boat they will be able to enjoy sightseeing the wild animals. Another popular activity is to go on a guided gorilla tracking trek. Sightseeing tourists can also elect to spend a night at the WCS station at Bomassa and Mondika Research Center, in Nouabale-Ndoki National Park, the Republic of the Congo.

7. Odzala National Park

Odzala National Park is located in the Western Cuvette department of the Republic of the Congo. The Odzala National Park, Republic of the Congo was established in 1935. It is famous for providing habitats for the forest elephants and western lowland gorillas. Forest buffalo and spotted hyenas also live in large numbers in the Odzala National Park. The Odzala National Park is a natural gem of Republic of the Congo and a highly recommended sightseeing destination. The best time to visit Odzala National Park, Republic of the Congo is from June to September and from December to February when the weather is the driest.

8. Réserve de Lesio Louna (Brazzaville)

Réserve de Lesio Louna is a hidden-away gorilla reserve located on a small island in the middle of the jungle. Although the journey to the Réserve de Lesio Louna from Brazzaville is long it is worth it, as sightseeing tourists will be able to see wild gorillas up close. While sightseeing Réserve de Lesio Louna, on their holiday to the Republic of the Congo, visitors often elect to go on a boat tour on the river Louna and Lefini. Such sightseeing boat tours give a chance to observe wild hippos. A visit to Réserve de Lesio Louna is bound to give ample opportunities to take great photos of the Republic of the Congo’s flora and fauna.

9. Loufoulakari Falls

Loufoulakari Falls are imposing waterfalls on the Loufoulakari river before it enters the bigger Congo River. The falls are bound to impress sightseeing visitors with their sheer size and power. The journey to see the falls is also attractive for nature-seeking sightseers are the road winds through a grand forest. Loufoulakari Falls are also a popular tourist destination due to their proximity to Brazzaville, the capital and biggest city of Republic of the Congo. The waterfalls swell in size during the rainy season between March and May and October and November.

10. Grand Mosque (Brazzaville)

The Grand Mosque of Brazzaville, also known as the Temple Mosque, is an architecturally pretty, green and white mosque in the Republic of the Congo’s capital. Although non-Muslims are not allowed inside the mosque it is still worth a visit, as it can be seen from outside. The mosque has great stained-glass windows, towering minarets and a richly decorated facade. Sightseeing visitors can also enjoy a small market just outside of the mosque. There is also a second mosque nearby, that can also be enjoyed by those sightseeing from outside.

◎ Closing

Republic of the Congo is an off-the-beaten-track sightseeing destination that is worth a visit. On a sightseeing trip to Republic of the Congo you will be able to enjoy extraordinary national parks, splendid and impressive waterfalls, striking and high gorges and some remarkable basilicas and museums. A sightseeing trip to Republic of the Congo is sure to give you unforgettable experiences and memories.