How to Find Cheap Hotels in Brazzaville, Congo

Get ready for the fun city of Brazzaville. Located on the Congo River, this capital city is the largest in the Republic of the Congo. Home to most of the country's population, Brazzaville is a bustling city with tons to see and do.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Visa
• Computer with Internet access

Choose Your Lodging in Brazzaville, Congo

1. Call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation at 011 ([phone] to book accommodations in the Congo.
2. Consider a house swap. A local may be interested in staying in your town, so get in touch with a business that can set up the house swapping.
3. Check out the cheap accommodations in the city center of Brazzaville. Many of the hotels have been refurbished and offer great rooms at around $100 per night.
4. Consider staying in a different area to find a cheap rate on accommodations. Kinshasa, across the river, offers inn rooms for only $60 per night.
5. Consider camping out. This cheap option is possible if you do your research. Just make sure you are protected and not breaking any laws.
6. Book your accommodations close to the airport or the business district. Many of the hotels in these areas offer cheap prices and are safe and well maintained.

Organize Transportation in Brazzaville, Congo

7. Do not judge by appearance. Many of the local taxis are in poor shape but are safe and can get you anywhere for a cheap $2 fare.
8. Enjoy a ride on the Congo-Ocean Railway. This local transportation can take you all around the Congo.
9. Ride a ferry to Kinshasa or Bangui. Just don't plan on crossing the river rapids—the dangerous waters make coast-to-coast transport inconceivable.

Know Your Destination

10. Brush up on your French—the official language of the Congo. A couple of key phrases will help you get around.
11. Plan for the exchange rate to get the most out of your money. Trade in your dollars for the CFA franc BEAC (XAF).
12. Plan your trip to Brazzaville within June through September if you want the best weather. October through May can be rainy with tragic floods.

Visit Brazzaville Sights

13. Enjoy a tour of the Musee National du Congo (National Museum of Congo). This lovely museum offers an interesting collection of art and artifacts significant to the Congo.
14. Try some new food at Brazzaville's marketplace. Such unfamiliar items as caterpillars, bats and guinea pigs are sold for consumption.

Tips & Warnings

• Check with the health department before traveling and take the necessary precautions to stay safe.
• Congo does not maintain a booking Web site in English.
• Phone numbers include the United States international prefix "011." When calling internationally outside the United States, check which international dialing prefix to use. All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.