Things to see and do Brazzaville

Why not a citytrip of one day or we, in the other Congo, whose capital is only 15 minutes from Kinshasa? Welcome to Brazza, the twin daughter of the Kin girl of the river, who sits proudly on the other side of Pool Kin. The two'closest'capitals in the world are still quite different, and they are also quite different to take a tour and take a little look. Brazzaville is much more cool and quiet than the hectic Kinshasa… Change of mood. Although the African capital and languages (French and lingala) are similar overall, the French touch in addition. To get there, some steps to make: obtain a visa (+/- easy and fast as appropriate), pay customs taxes and go to Beach Ngobila to take a barge or canoe and carry out the crossing. The ideal is to be accompanied by someone who knows the procedure or better: go through a specialized intermediary to save time and probably end up with the money. City travel agencies can help you with this. But the specialist of the moment is the Hotel Leo in the city centre (opposite the Sozacom building) which offers a complete service with private features. This will avoid the bureaucratic and matabish enlarge. The other popular destination of the neighbouring Congo, but for a minimum of days, is the Black Pointe resort, accessible by plane.

Founded in 1952, the Brazza Zoo was one of the most important in Africa, but the wars of the 1990 s, during which most animals were sacrificed to feed the population, and the growing urbanization of the capital, gradually watered down its land, reduced it to a sad state of mouroir for less than ten animals. Some great apes have long been transferred to quieter areas, such as the famous chimpanzee Grégoire, resident of the zoo from 1997 to 1944, which was transported to the helicopter to the Tchimpounga reserve in the Bay where he sank last quiet days. 

The gallery is located in the home of the art merchant Jacques Bouti, it is not exactly a gallery in the sense of commercial space with its opening hours, etc. It is recommended to call to announce his visit. Jacques Bouti broadcasts the paintings of some of the best contemporary Congolese artists.

The old national museum located next to the Plateau market has been closed for a long time. It housed paintings and sculptures, as well as local crafts (raffia and bark fabrics, fetishes, etc.). We expect his successor, who is expected to be on the side of the Nganga Edouard college, but the funds are missing for construction. This is apparently not a government priority-

This agency offers a dozen circuits on the country's livestock reserves, as well as on the river to Maloukou-Tréchot. It can also organize stays in Kinshasa. Price to bargain.

Like many French tourist towns, Brazzaville also has its own little white train! It's parked in the parking lot of the Mami Wata restaurant, which can organize a private ride to the south of the capital, along the corniche, for groups of 5 or more. It's an original way to discover this part of the capital, while enjoying a breathtaking view of the river, with neighboring Kinshasa as a backdrop.

The imposing sculptures made from recycled materials, including the famous elephant made from tin cans, which take pride of place in the courtyard of this art center run by women artists, immediately fascinate us. This association, founded in 2000, aims to train Bantu and indigenous women in painting and sculpture. The gallery features works by these artists, including paintings by Judith Tonda, the deputy president. A pleasant stopover.

On the initiative of Sandra Plachesi, a French collector living in Congo-Brazzaville for over ten years, this art gallery opened in 2018 in the heart of the capital. It offers a new showcase for artists from Equatorial Africa to disseminate their work and thus make themselves known. Colorful paintings, sculptures and photographs adorn this modern venue over the course of the various exhibition-sales. Particular emphasis is placed on artists from the two Congo regions, who complement each other harmoniously. A beautiful moment of art.

The local agency, based in Pointe-Noire, organizes city tours of the capital so that you don't miss out on any of Brazzaville's must-sees. From Saint-Anne's Basilica to the August 15, 1960 bridge, via Sacré-Coeur Cathedral, you'll discover Brazza with a local guide well-versed in the country's history and culture. During this city tour, you'll be immersed in the typical atmosphere of the capital's emblematic neighborhoods, such as Bacongo and Poto-Poto, with the chance to meet the sapeurs. A pleasant visit.