The Republic of the Congo, in the west-central part of Africa, is not to be confused with its neighbor—the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its history is one of riches, plunder, strength, and pain. Through all of that, Congo has remained a beautiful and unique place worth visiting.

The Congo River that flows through this country is its main travel route, an aquatic highway of sorts. Its capital, Brazzaville, is one of the few cities that are developing. The Republic of the Congo got complete political independence on August 15th, 1960. The country and its people were left to figure out the workings of politics by themselves.

Much of the land, therefore, is either stuck in time or has gone back in time. Hence, its culture and people are among the top factors that make Congo a great travel destination. Its vast rainforest is also home to unique animals and is another reason to visit the Republic of the Congo. As you are preparing for your trip to the Republic of the Congo, be sure to buy travel insurance or travel medical insurance for any unforeseen illnesses, accidents, or injuries that could occur.

Things to Do for Travelers in the Republic of the Congo

The Republic of the Congo has everything you can ask for. From amazing parks to beautiful museums, there are many things in this country worth seeing. Here are the top 5 places that you can visit.

• Conkouati-Douli National Park:

As a UNESCO-recognized national park, the Conkouati-Douli National Park is worth a visit. This park was made to increase community outreach and help locals understand the importance of preserving the unique biodiversity they live with.

Biological research and tourism development are other activities that the park partakes in. The park is home to elephants, buffalo, chimpanzees, mandrill, gorillas, leopards, sitatunga, and other animals. They also care for certain endangered species of turtle and dolphins.

The threats to wildlife in Africa and the Congo are plenty. Parks like these and the education that they provide are good reminders of why we must coexist with the wildlife around us. You will enjoy your visit here.

• The Congo Basin Gallery Museum:

Founded in 2008, this museum is an art lovers’ paradise. However, even if you aren’t one, the beauty and history behind each piece of artwork will surely captivate you. You will find things like masks, lances, coins, and clothing all belonging to a bygone era, leaving you with a sense of awe.

The Gallery that contains the artworks will give you further insights into the rich culture and traditions of the Congolese people. Paintings of famous artists such as Remy Mongo Etsion, Bill Kouelany, Rhode Bath, Sylvestre Mangouanza, and Marcel Gotene are all featured here.

You will surely have an enthralling experience at this state-of-the-art museum.

• Brazzaville:

Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of the Congo, is one of the most beautiful places to visit. The buildings in Brazzaville speak volumes about a bygone era. This French capital still has a certain flair to it that needs to be seen to be believed.

Buildings like the Basilique Sainte-Anne and the Palais du Peuple give visitors an idea of what life must have been like. Apart from the architecture, Brazzaville is a bustling city with vibrant market places; the energy will easily rub off on you.

The people are another reason to explore Brazzaville. Seeing the culture and experiencing it personally is always an experience worth living.

• Okapi Wildlife Reserve:

Have you heard of the Okapi? It is an animal indigenous to the Ituri Forest of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This may be a detour but is surely worth visiting. The Okapi is known as the forest giraffe but is also called the zebra giraffe. If you’re wondering why, then you’ll need to see it to believe it. If you’ve seen it, then you are fortunate.

It is estimated that only 15,000 of the Okapi remain in the wild. The Okapi Wildlife Reserve was started as a conservation project to protect the home of the Okapi. Their mission is to conserve the biodiversity in the best possible way.

This reserve is home to the nomadic pygmy Mbuti and the Efe hunters. It also has over 1,500 types of plants and animal life.

• Lesio Louna Reserve:

This center was established on December 28, 1983, in Brazzaville. This facility was developed specifically to cater to the needs of orphaned gorillas. Due to the atrocities committed on these gorillas, many lost their lives and have become endangered. The goal of this reserve is to re-introduce such orphaned gorillas back into the wild.

The continuous efforts of the rangers, the vets, and other responsible individuals have helped increase their number in the wild. Apart from gorillas, the reserve is also home to various types of fauna and flora. Taking the time out to visit the Lesio Louna Reserve is definitely worth it.

Travel Risks for International Travelers in the Republic of the Congo

The best way to explore the Republic of the Congo while being safe is to be aware of the risks and be prepared. Here are some risks you must know about when you plan to travel to Congo.

• While safety risks and crimes are not very common, it is important to stay vigilant.
• Avoid political demonstrations.
• Keep the details of the U.S. embassy or consulate available at hand for any legal action or help that you may need.
• Maintaining caution at public gatherings is highly recommended, even in areas frequented by foreigners.
• It is best for you get vaccinated for common ailments before travel. Also, you cannot enter the Republic of the Congo without a WHO card with a yellow fever vaccine. So, make sure you get that done.

Republic of the Congo Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs

The risks mentioned are clear indicators of why Republic of the Congo travel medical insurance is so important. The financial security it can provide will help you focus on other aspects of safety.

Do I need travel medical insurance for the Republic of the Congo?

Health insurance is a requirement when you travel to Congo. The requirement of travel medical insurance cannot be stressed enough, as Congo is a high-risk territory and medical treatment charges are high.

Why buy travel medical insurance for the Republic of the Congo?

Many times, unexpected events have caught travelers off guard. Injuries due to the terrain, health risks due to unfamiliar food, dangerous animals, and unfortunately, risks from armed robbers are some of the reasons why travel medical insurance is so important.

Many of these injuries will require medical treatment, which will require more money than you would like to spare. Hence, you should buy Republic of the Congo travel medical insurance for financial security and mental peace.

Republic of the Congo Trip Cancellation for International Travelers - FAQs

Trip cancellations can be sudden and unplanned. They can happen either from your side or from the side of your service provider. How do you cope with the financial loss? Republic of the Congo trip cancellation insurance is what you need. You can get reimbursed for any prepaid, non-refundable expenses you put down if you have to cancel for a reason included in your policy.

Why buy trip cancellation insurance for the Republic of the Congo?

Trip cancellations can prove to have a significant impact on your pocket. Trip planning usually involves more than just paying for airfare; it involves paying for accommodation, transport, tours, and more.

When such things are non-refundable, the monetary impact is even greater. So, you must buy travel insurance as a safeguard against the monetary impact of trip cancellations. Again, you are eligible for the benefits if the reason for cancellation is listed in your policy’s certificate wording.

What is covered under trip cancellation insurance for the Republic of the Congo?

Trip cancellation insurance usually covers all aspects of your trip. However, the details of what exact coverage you get depend on the plan you select.

You will need to read the fine print of the insurance plan before finalizing it. Once you understand what is involved, you can then opt for the plan that works best for you.

Before you travel to the Republic of the Congo - Do This

Here are three things you might want to add to your checklist before leaving for the Republic of the Congo.

• Make sure you are carrying all your documents, and keep them in a safe place.
• Risks will be a part of your journey. Ensure you have taken all the needed precautions. Read about the areas you will be going to. Do your research, get your insurance. Being prepared is the best course to take.
• Be sure to purchase Republic of the Congo travel insurance. When choosing a plan, make a list of all the possible areas you need coverage for. Choose a plan that matches your needs, and once you’ve bought the insurance, then you should head out.

DISCLAIMER: The information within this article is intended as a broad summary of benefits and services and is meant for informational purposes only. The information does not describe all scenarios, coverages or exclusions of any insurance plan. The benefits and services of an insurance plan are subject to change. This is not your policy/certificate of insurance. If there is any discrepancy between the information in this article and the language of your policy/certificate wording, the language of the policy/certificate wording will prevail.