Brazzaville

Overview

The capital city of Brazzaville is situated on the west side of Malebo Pool on the River Congo. It is a nice city, pretty laid back, with nice markets (especially Oluendze and Moungalito) to stroll around on and lively bars to have ad drink.

Sights to see include the beautiful Basilique St Anne, the colourful suburb of Poto Poto, the Temple Mosque, the markets at Oltreruendze and Moungali, the National Museum, the Municipal Gardens and the house constructed for de Gaulle when Brazzaville was the capital of Free France.

There is also a beautiful golf course at the Cité du Djoué.

History

Brazzaville was a relatively well-developed and thriving city before the civil war began in 1997. Although there is still some fighting in the rural areas, it is a safe city to visit, but the infrastructure has been run down. Many new restaurants and hotels are being built--especially by Lebanese immigrants--and it can be a pleasant stopover to Pointe Noire or visits to the Congolese rain forests.