Best Time To Visit Republic of Congo

Best Time To Visit

When to go

The climate is tropical, with relatively heavy rainfall, high humidity and fairly high temperatures. Odzala-Kokoau National Park is just to the north of the equator and its ‘dry’ seasons are from June to August and from November to February. The rainy seasons are from March to May and again from September to October. Then, humidity increases and tropical rainstorms are interspersed with sustained periods of clear blue skies and sunshine. Average annual rainfall is above 1,500mm.

Temperatures generally vary between 30 - 34 ºC by day and 18 -22 ºC at night.

Getting there

Air France operates regular flights to Brazzaville via Paris and Ethiopian Airlines flies to Brazzaville via Addis Ababa.

Getting around

Transfers between Brazzaville and Odzala Kokoua National Park are achieved using charter flights. In the extremely rare event of a technical issue with the charter aircraft, guests will be transferred by 4-wheel drive. 

Time Zone

GMT+1 hour

Visas

Visitors require a visa, evidence of yellow fever vaccination and proof of hotel/lodge reservation are required.

Health

The Republic of Congo is a malarial area and the necessary precautions should be taken. A yellow fever certificate will be requested on entry. Always consult your doctor at least six weeks before travel and refer to this useful NHS website for details of recommended vaccinations for the Republic of Congo.

Vaccinations for gorilla viewing: a medical requirements form has to be completed by your doctor, to confirm you are free from measles, polio, tuberculosis and in good health.

Given the nature of activities on our trips in this destination, a reasonable level of fitness is a requirement. (There is a lot of walking – on average 4 – 5 hours per day, including river walks where you may be waist-deep in water at times).

Currency

You can use US dollars here but only in large denominations ($20 and upwards).