Forest buffalo in the water Classic Portfolio Kamba Congo

Forest buffalo in the water, Classic Portfolio, Kamba, Congo

Best time to visit the Republic of Congo

A month-by-month guide of when to visit the Republic of Congo

The Republic of Congo offers a year-round blend of adventure, wildlife and breath-taking landscapes.

The Republic of Congo offers a year-round blend of adventure, wildlife encounters, and breath-taking landscapes, making it an excellent destination for travellers seeking unique experiences. Due to its equatorial and tropical climate, the best time to visit largely depends on your preferences for weather, wildlife activity, and crowd levels.

The peak travel season runs from June to September, during the dry season in the centre and south. This period offers warm, sunny weather, ideal for gorilla trekking, wildlife safaris, and exploring the Congo's national parks, such as Odzala-Kokua National Park. With trails more accessible and animals gathering around water sources, wildlife spotting becomes easier, making it an unforgettable time for safari enthusiasts. Although the parks are more popular, you’ll still find opportunities to explore without feeling overwhelmed by tourists.

The months of January, February, and December offer warm weather with some rain, providing excellent conditions for trekking and river safaris. These months are particularly attractive to those wanting to experience the Congo's wildlife with fewer crowds, while still enjoying comfortable weather. Birdwatchers will also find these months rewarding, as many migratory species can be spotted.

For those looking to experience the vibrant, green landscapes of the Republic of Congo, the low season from March to May and October to November offers abundant wildlife and fewer visitors. However, be prepared for wetter conditions, especially in the north, where rainfall can be more intense. This period is perfect for travellers seeking a more secluded, off-the-beaten-path adventure, with vibrant scenery and impressive waterfalls that are best viewed during the rainy season.

Throughout the year, special events like local cultural festivals, wildlife migrations, and birdwatching opportunities provide added reasons to explore the Congo's diverse landscapes. This month-by-month guide will help you plan the ultimate journey, highlighting the best times to visit for an unforgettable experience in this magnificent destination.

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Mboko River cruise aerial view Scott Ramsay Classic Portfolio Kamba Congo

January & February

In the north, hot and humid conditions prevail, while the centre-south stays warm with light rain. January kicks off with "Nouveau An" (New Year’s Day) on January 1st, celebrated with family gatherings and rituals. This is an excellent time for gorilla trekking, safaris, and river adventures, as gorillas are easier to spot. February brings “Fête de la Saint Valentine” (Valentine’s Day), with music and dance in urban centres. Brazzaville features traditional music and cultural performances. The dry season in the centre-south offers perfect conditions for exploring national parks, with fewer tourists and exclusive wildlife experiences.

African culture Canva Pro

March & April

The rainy season begins, making the north dense and green, while the centre-south experiences heavier rains. A major celebration during this time is "Fête des Femmes" (International Women’s Day) on March 8th, with women dressed in colourful attire, parading, dancing, and singing. Special events and feasts give travellers a taste of Congolese culture. Birdwatching is excellent with migratory species, and while trekking can be challenging due to muddy trails, the waterfalls in full flow offer stunning photography opportunities.

African grey parrot Canva Pro

May

May brings consistent rains in both the north and south, but it’s an enriching time for fully engaging with local culture. The month begins with "Fête des Travailleurs" (Labor Day) on May 1st, honouring workers with parades, speeches, and cultural activities emphasizing labour rights. The wildlife is generous this month, with species like the endangered western lowland gorilla, African grey parrot, and various duikers actively foraging, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Visitors can also enjoy guided jungle treks, fishing in the overflowing rivers, or exploring local markets.

Young Western Lowland Gorilla on its moms back Classic Portfolio Kamba Congo

June & July

The dry season starts in the centre-south, while the north remains humid. June 30th celebrates the "Fête de l’Indépendance" with parades, music, and dancing across the country. July is ideal for gorilla trekking and river safaris, with lower humidity and easier trails. Coastal regions cool for pleasant beach days, while wildlife viewing in the north remains excellent. June 21st is "Fête de la Musique" (World Music Day), featuring local artists and performances. FESPAM (Pan-African Music Festival) may also take place, showcasing African musical heritage in Brazzaville.

Forest elephant in the light Classic Portfolio Kamba Congo

August

August brings cooler temperatures, making it an ideal month for exploration. The "Fête des Cultures" in Brazzaville, held every two years, celebrates Congolese heritage with music, dance, and crafts, attracting visitors nationwide for a rich cultural experience. Wildlife congregates around water sources, providing excellent safari sightings. It's also a great time to visit Odzala National Park, known for its diverse ecosystems. With a blend of cultural festivities and wildlife adventures, August offers an authentic experience for travellers in the Republic of Congo.

Jungle river in the congo basin Canva Pro Congo

September

September marks the end of the dry season, with the north remaining hot and humid, while the centre-south experiences rising temperatures and occasional rains. "Fête de la Nativité de Marie" (Nativity of Mary) on September 8th is a significant religious observance in various communities. The festival features exciting processions, traditional songs, and local ceremonies honouring Mary. This month is also great for gorilla trekking and river excursions, with fewer tourists around. The slightly rainier conditions rejuvenate the landscapes, offering spectacular scenery for explorers and enhancing the overall experience of the Republic of Congo.

Great blure turaco Canva Pro

October & November:

The rainy season intensifies, especially in the north, with heavy showers in the south. Despite the rain making trails challenging, these months offer exceptional wildlife experiences, including gorilla trekking. October is particularly ideal for birdwatching, with sightings of great blue turacos, green pigeons, and grey parrots. Travelers can immerse themselves in the vibrant colours and sounds of nature while enjoying local festivities, creating a unique and captivating experience.

River views classic portfolio Kamba Congo 2

December

The north sees peak rains, while the south remains wet with some sunshine. Christmas is celebrated nationwide with family gatherings, festive meals, and midnight church services. Towns are adorned with decorations, and traditional dances fill the air, creating a joyful atmosphere. Rising river levels enable exhilarating boat safaris, and the lush rainforests offer stunning photography backdrops. This month blends cultural festivities with wildlife encounters, making it perfect for a holiday rich in Congolese culture and adventure.

Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

July, 2024
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

June, 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

July, 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

June, 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

May, 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

April, 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

March, 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

March, 2024

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