A stunning area to go on safari - but perhaps not one for the first time African traveller, the Republic of Congo offers some amazing wildlife viewing. Access to track the only habituated lowland gorillas, wild chimpanzees, forest bais full of elephants and a variety of other endemic forest fauna and flora makes this a must-see destination for the exploratory traveller.
Culturally, the Congolese have rich traditions that remain important in their modern day world and a real sense of character and charm owing to their French colonial heritage. French is also the national language, but there is a strong sense of African identity that coexists alongside this, no more evident than in the capital city of Brazzaville, where the hustle and bustle of market life prevails, children play in the streets and the balmy nights provide an atmospheric African setting. The city is set along the banks of a riverfront where traders busily go about their business and canoes float past lazily.
Only a privileged few have had the honour of visiting areas such as Mbeli Bai, where safaris are run on fixed departure dates with specialist leaders and local guides.