Brazzaville

Brazzaville is accessible through Air France on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from Paris. Interair operates flights from Johannesburg on Mondays and Thursdays.

Brazzaville is also accessible by Ethiopian Airlines’ four weekly flights from Addis Ababa; Addis Ababa also offers connecting flights to a number of other international destinations, including Dubai. From Casablanca, Royal Air Maroc runs three direct flights every week. Kenya Airways runs three weekly flights from Nairobi to Brazzaville. If you are a Sky Team member, you may go to Nairobi on a KLM or Air France aircraft and then connect to Brazzaville.

There are also several flights to other African major cities, including Kinshasa.

Brazzaville is connected by rail to Dolisie and the beach city of Pointe-Noire. Although a new “express” train dubbed La Gazelle was inaugurated in 2012, the trip still takes a grueling 15 hours. The train does, however, have air conditioning, a bar car, and electrical outlets. Additionally, there are slower services that are typically not suggested for visitors.

Surprisingly, there is no bridge between Brazzaville and Kinshasa. If you prefer to bring your automobile over, you may pay an additional fee and board the boat. According to reports, the automobile will need “disinfection” at the Congo-DR Congo border crossing.

You may use local green cabs, even if they are in disrepair. As you would anyplace else, approach taxis with caution – Refuse to board any vehicle that already has two or more persons in it. A single journey inside town costs XAF 1,000. (USD 2).

MARKET / SUPERMARKET

RESTAURANTS

ENTERTAINMENT

CLOTHES / SHOES

TRANSPORTATION

• Basilique Sainte-Anne of the Congo. Built in 1949 by Roger Erell, this is one of the world’s most stunning contemporary churches.
• Palais du Peuple. In 1901, a lovely colonial palace was erected; it is now the presidential residence.
• Cathédrale Sacré-Coeur. Mr. Augouard built this Catholic church, which gives views of downtown regions such as Poto Poto and Centreville, as well as Kinshasa, the DRC capital across the river.
• Markets of Moungali, Poto-Poto, Bacongo.
• Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Memorial. A brand new marble structure dedicated to his family. Adjacent to the site of the old US Embassy.
• Le Palais des Congrès, Avenue Des Armees (Across from the new Ministry of Foreign Affairs). The Congresses’ Palace.
• L’Ecole de Peinture de Poto Poto – Poto Poto Painting School
• Les Rapides in Djoué

If you like outdoor activities, pack any necessary equipment, such as picnic snacks, golf clubs, and athletic clothes. Every piece of equipment accessible locally is prohibitively pricey. Additionally, photographic equipment and facilities are accessible at twice the price in the United States. The following clubs/hotels accept membership fees:

• Tennis Club (Close to roundabout going to Maya Maya Airport). The facility has ten illuminated clay courts, a squash court, a swimming pool, and a huge bar. Balls are provided for free. This club is situated on a dirt road near to the National Stadium’s access route.
• Brazzaville Golf Club, +242 528 3643, +242 663 7127. The club maintains a well-kept nine-hole course (which may be converted into an 18-hole course with the creative use of tees) with sand greens. It is located on the grounds of the WHO regional offices, about 20 minutes south of Brazzaville, and has a breathtaking view of the Congo River and rapids.
• Laico Maya-Maya Brazzaville Hotel. Monthly memberships are available for usage of the tennis courts and pool.
• Olympic Palace Hotel. Monthly memberships are available for usage of the tennis court and pool. Olympic’s monthly prices are much more than those at the Laico Maya-Maya Brazzaville Hotel.
• Poto Poto’s market is fantastic. This is the quarter of West Africa.
• The Bakongo district is ideal for strolling; at night, there are several plastic-chaired bars and street food vendors to select from.

Mami Wata (amazing pizzas in the afternoon, fantastic view of Kinshasa and the Congo river) or Nenuphar (great steaks). There are relatively few dining options for Muslims in the city, such as La Mandarine, one of the city’s Lebanese restaurants. There are a few restaurants and cafés on Avenue Foch where you may grab supper, a snack, or a cup of coffee. However, Halal cuisine is available at all Lebanese eateries.

Brazzaville is home to some excellent eateries. Any taxi driver may transport you to one of these more pleasant locations (5000-15000 CFA). The majority of establishments are closed on Sundays. Expect to pay a premium for beer here (1000 to 2000 CFA).

• Le Jardin (French) offers soft bread, delectable t-bones, an inviting outside atmosphere, and sometimes live music. This is a first-rate establishment.
• Etoiles de Jade (Moroccan: excellent tagine, vegetarian options, not always everything on the menu)
• Mami Wata (Continental) is located directly on the Congo River and offers a $30 Sunday night buffet that includes pizza, fish, spaghetti, and salad.
• Chef David (There are a number in town.) This is the greatest pizza in town, and it is conveniently located near City Center.) They also provide take-out.
• L’orchidee (French) is located one block north of the roudabout in front of the Finance Ministry. Excellent lobster.
• La Mandarine (Lebanese: gelato! the town’s greatest patisserie. Additionally, a fantastic brunch spot)
• Noura I and II (Lebanese) Hotel de Ville are located there. The restaurant is well-known for its chicken shwarma.
• Hassan Burger (Lebanese), Avenue E.P. Lumumba, Hotel de Ville District. Between the offices of FESPAM and the Belgian Embassy. Phone: 81 2334 or 666 2004.
• Les Bougainvillers Av. de l’amitie Centre Ville
• Pizzeria Royale aka River Bar, is located on the corniche next to the Brazza Mausoleum. Excellent pizza, reasonable beverages, and a spectacular view of the Congo river.
• Le Renouveau is situated on the corner of Pharmacie Mavre, just across from the roundabout. Serves regional quick food and grilled specialties. Inside, there is a well-stocked little bar.
• La Pyramide (Lebanese) is a restaurant situated around six blocks west of Park N Shop. Tabouli is fantastic!
• Le Bambino (Congolese and French cuisine) is located next to Exotic Palace.
• Pizzeria Centrale is located across from Le Renouveau and adjacent to the Pharmacie Mavre roundabout. Additionally, it serves grilled food. Make sure to arrive a little late (after 20:00) otherwise you may have to wait a little while for your pizza.
• L’Sympathique (French) Opposite Pharmacie Mavre. Lunch and supper are both reasonably priced.
• Le Missala is a fine dining establishment situated in the Olympic Palace. Italian cef serves a cosmopolitan cuisine with panache. Expensive, ornate, and outstanding.

In the downtown area, street food is mostly restricted to beignets and manioc. At random, egg sandwiches and avocado and salami sandwiches are discovered. At night, meat on a stick is served.

Brazzaville is a very costly city, with everything costing about four times as much as it does in Dubai or elsewhere. For instance, if you want to purchase a can of Pepsi Cola, which costs around 1 UAE Dihram in Dubai, you will pay XAF 750 (Central African CFA Franc), which is equal to 5 UAE dirhams. Likewise, with other items. Therefore, if you want to visit, carry your typical daily-use items with you.

A MASSIVE market is located near the Cathedral, where one can get good African clothing and brightly colored fabrics – an excursion in and of itself.

Currently, Brazzaville has two main grocery shops, as well as a few convenience stores that sell many of the same items. The following is a directory of supermarkets and convenience stores: Casino (formerly Score) is the second biggest supermarket chain, with a new Park N Shop location just launched. Everything is exorbitantly expensive here, however if you want frozen pizzas, Téléphone: 81 03 35. Parking & Shopping (close to the Mpila roundabout and Tower Nambemba). 548 2936 Ste. Regal Téléphone: (located close to Park N Shop, on the same street as Tower Nambemba). 527 5260

With enough patience, customers can often locate the majority of the brands to which they are used.

The big supermarkets and a few minor outlets have a nice assortment of imported fruits and vegetables, although the costs are quite high. Local markets across town provide a diverse assortment of fresh and local fruits. The following is a list of American and expatriate-frequented local markets:

• Marché De La Plaine (located around the corner from Casino supermarket). You’ll find a decent assortment of locally grown fruits and veggies here. Prepare to haggle for lower pricing.
• Marché Du Plateau (located close to BDEAC, across from Nenuphar restaurant). While you may get some local fruits and veggies here, the Marché de la Plaine has a larger assortment. As is customary, negotiation is necessary.
• Total Market (located in Bacongo). This is a huge neighborhood market where you can get a wide selection of fruits and vegetables, as well as regional foods at reasonable costs. Due to the fact that all prices are set and clearly marked on items, there is no need for negotiation.
• Marché de Poto Poto (in Poto Poto). This is the town’s West African section.

In town, there are two excellent butcher shops that offer both domestic and international meats and fish. Additionally, there are a few locations that offer frozen meat and fish.

• Nénu Viande (located on the same street as Exotic Palace, close to Park N Shop). This shop is owned and operated by a French butcher. It offers a diverse assortment of domestic and international meats but a limited selection of seafood. Consult the butcher to determine the arrival date of seafood. Additionally, it boasts an outstanding range of sausages. You may call and make an order for later that day pickup.
• Casino Supermarket (located on the same street as the Brazza mausoleum): This grocery store’s meat area features an excellent assortment of meats and seafood.

Local white and whole wheat bread is of high quality. You may purchase freshly baked bread at the following bakeries:

• La Mie Dorée (located close to La Mandarine)
• La Mandarine, Avenue Foch
• Casino Bakery (inside the supermarket)
• Boulangerie de la Plaine Ex Leon (situated across the street from Score and directly across from the Marché de la Plaine fruit & vegetable market)
• Exotic Palace Ex. La Manne (opposite Pharmacie Mavre, near the roundabout),

Bread is inexpensive and in short supply. On weekdays, the best times to shop are between 9 and 11 a.m.; on weekends, the best times to shop are between 8:30 and 10 a.m. However, “street bread” may be purchased for between 100 and 150 FCFA throughout the day. Additionally, a few supermarket shops provide imported white and whole wheat bread, although these are pricey and sell out fast.

Every corner is lined with little stores (the majority of which are owned by north Africans). Here you’ll find soap, spaghetti, pastries, and other necessities. They are inexpensive.

• Marché du Plateau Craft Market (located across from Nenuphar restaurant, close to BDEAC). Here you’ll discover a variety of crafts, the most of which are made in the surrounding region. Bargaining is necessary.
• Tala Na Miso (located on the same road as the Marché du Plateau craft market). This shop specializes in wood carvings and a little amount of brass work. If you are a regular client, the shop owner will offer you a discount.
• Poto Poto Painting School (located in the Poto Poto area). A superb mix of artwork from regional artists. School is a great area to discover local artwork.
• La Paille et La Poutre (located across from Park N Shop). This business sells lovely crafts, the most of which are imported from South Africa. Extremely high-priced, yet high-quality products.
• Open Air Painting Market (next to the post office). You’ll discover artwork from local artists here. Additionally, copper and wooden sculptures are available. Bargaining is required in this situation.
• Souvenir D’Afrique (a few shops down from Marché du Plateau, on the same road). Local souvenirs and trinkets are available here.

• Ram Dam. This nightclub is situated in Plato, next to the restaurant Nanu Fer. The cover price each person is 5,000 CFA and includes one drink. All beverages, even water, are exorbitantly priced. Music from the region, France, and England. It is open till late.
• Boom Boom Afrique. This lounge is located on the road that leads to the beach as well as the road that leads to Score Supermarket. Plays an interesting combination of French, American, and African music. This is not a dancing club, but a lounge. There is no cover fee.
• Diplomat. Local hangout where you can listen to local musicians, see local dancers, and sing along with locals. A discotheque and dance floor are placed in the rear, accessible through a separate door. Charge for admission.
• 3 D Bar. Across from the Exotic Palace restaurant and next to Pharmacie Mavre, this hotel is located near the roundabout. This bar/lounge is a favorite among Brazzaville’s young and trendy community. This is a lounge bar with seats available at the bar, on the patio, and upstairs in the lounge area. There is no cover fee.
• Château Rouge, Avenue Foch. A new nightclub in the Hotel de Ville neighborhood is situated above the Chinese restaurant Restaur Ant De Ta Paix (located on the same street as La Mandarine and Noura restaurants). The cover price each person is 5,000 CFA and includes one drink.
• Les Rapides is a pub that every taxi driver is familiar with. It affords an excellent view of the river and allows you to run about in it if desired.
• La Maison Blanche (Plateaux) is a small neighborhood club with three floors, excellent street food, and live local music.
• No Stress. Numerous foreigners and expatriates. While the majority of taxi drivers will know how to get there, you may always ask for directions at your hotel’s reception.