Congo is the country in Western Africa, which is practically unknown to the majority of European tourists. The main reasons for that include the climate of the country and the ongoing for many years armed conflicts on the political and ethnic grounds. The latter have practically reduced to zero the flow of tourists to Congo.

The capital of the country is Brazzaville, located on the west bank of the Malebo-Poole Lake, formed by the arms of the Congo River. The city’s main attractions include the beautiful Basilica of St. Anne, the Temple Mosque, the presidential palace and the beautiful Municipal Gardens. The capital of Congo, Brazzaville, is very rich in such attractions.

The Temple Mosque is located in the heart of Brazzaville. Small shops in Brazzaville, markets, and crafts center sell the items of folk arts and crafts. For example, in Poto Poto one can buy a lot of local paintings and carved wooden masks and figures. In the capital there are two large markets, but the most popular is Mungali. Avenue Foch is full of street vendors, but original pottery is better to be bought in the villages of Makana and M'Pila not far from Brazzaville.

Despite the fighting, a number of attractions of Congo could interest tourists, such as the Basilica of St. Anne, the most interesting architectural object of the capital. The church was built in the 1940-s as a symbol of Fighting France. The length of the church is 85 meters, and it was constructed of local materials, such as bamboo. The interior was created by the best artists of the nation. The church is illuminated by the calm penetrating light, coming through the windows in the roof.

To the south of the capital, there is a cascade of waterfalls on the Congo River, including Livingstone Falls, Congo Rapids and Lufulakari. Diverse and beautiful places for water sports can be found on the rivers of the Congo, Djouй and Kuilu. In peaceful times, they were always popular with foreign tourists. They also liked to visit many French fortresses of the 19th century, along with the coast and the national parks of the country.

The main coastal city is Pointe-Noire, known for its lively evening market, the Zoo, the Museum of George Brousseau and the majestic Cathedral of Notre Dame.

Tourism is being developed very quickly in Congo, and very soon the industry will be really profitable, becoming a promising sector of the state economy. The main attraction of the country is the river Congo. Its strength and power exceeds one’s imagination. The monuments of history, the museums and churches are among the most favorite sights in the cities.

The flora and fauna of Congo are rich and varied. This is due to the fact that the Republic of Congo is located in a beautiful climate zone, contributing to the rapid growth of vegetation. The protection of natural resources, among other things, is the responsibility of the state. The east and the south-east of the country is a jungle, a larger part of which has never been trodden by the white people. The far north is a savanna. And the Congo is associated with evergreen coniferous forests, bamboo and acacia, alpine meadows. The air is clean here and filled with the aromas of herbs and flowers. These are banana, olive and coconut palms, rubber trees, and mahogany.

Congo used to welcome many tourists engaged in water sports during the peaceful life. The river of the country is perfect for fans of the waves. However, long-term ethnic conflicts have led to the fact that almost no travelers come here today. The attractions of Congo are not popular among tourists not only because of the difficult political situation, but also because of the hot and dry climate.

Looking for a travel agency in Congo? Review the list of best rated Congo travel agents at Tripcook.com. To organize a nice tour you may also refer to the list of local tour operators in Congo.