What to see in Republic of the Congo: 10 must-sees

Watch lowland gorillas and chimpanzees from the tracking platforms of Odzala-Kokoua National Park while forest elephants cross the saline clearings known as bais. Walk trails beneath the canopy, sleep in camps along the Lekoli River, and listen for condors and turacos at dawn. From Ouésso, local guides organize walks with trackers who know every habituated primate group. The park, one of the oldest in Africa, shelters swamps, marshes, and a primary forest that has barely changed.

Discover the pristine rainforest of Nouabalé-Ndoki, near Ouésso, walking canopy trails where gorillas, chimpanzees, and elephants roam freely. Camp along the Nouabalé River, go hiking and birdwatching, and learn about the conservation of forests that harbor biodiversity hard to find elsewhere in the Congo.

Follow the dirt trails between 20-meter-high sandstone walls, a few kilometers from Pointe-Noire, where the wind has carved arches and towers of reddish hues that change with the evening light. From the top of the canyon you'll see the Atlantic in the distance, and if you ask the local guides you'll learn why these gorges are still considered sacred by the communities of the area. Take the chance to observe the vegetation colonizing the crevices and the birds soaring over the abyss.

Look out over the rapids of the Pool Malebo in Brazzaville, where the Congo River winds its way between granite islands and the water crashes forcefully before continuing its course. Navigate between the rocks, watch fishermen work in their pirogues as they do every morning, and camp on the banks as evening falls. Follow the nearby trails to spot birds and discover the riverside vegetation that grows alongside the geological formations. This stretch of river, considered the heart of the Congo, shows you the direct relationship between its inhabitants and the current.

Stop in front of Sainte-Anne Cathedral, then head into the Central Market, where fabric and spice stalls set the rhythm of Brazzaville. Continue along the Coconut Promenade to the National Museum and the Congress Palace, and look out from the waterfront: across the Congo River, Kinshasa comes into view—the only capital in the world visible from another. Amid colonial buildings, local neighborhoods, and Congolese music, the city blends tradition and modernity at an unhurried pace. End the day with a plate of saka-saka as the river takes on the colors of sunset.

Explore the Sangha River by pirogue from Ouésso and watch elephants, lowland gorillas, and hippos bathing on the banks at sunset. Share days of hunting and gathering with the BaAka communities, camp on the shore among giant trees, and journey through a forest spanning three countries: Cameroon, Congo, and the Central African Republic jointly protect this area. Since 2012, UNESCO has recognized it as a World Heritage Site for its untouched forests and exceptional wildlife.

Walk through the old port where African slaves were shipped to the Americas. Visit the ruins of the fort and the underground cells, and reflect on how this port was the center of the darkest trade in history. Experience a tradition where culture, art, and customs create a living legacy passed down from generation to generation. Take part, learn, and feel the connection with history.