Brazzaville

Brazzaville is the capital of the Republic of Congo.

Nabemba-mod - Brazzaville city

Brazzaville Halal Travel Guide

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.

Travel to Brazzaville

Fly to Brazzaville

Maya-Maya Airport IATA Flight Code: BZV -4.2517, 15.253031 - Maya-Maya Airport - Aeroport maya-maya - Brazzaville can be visited from Paris by Air France on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. There are Flights from Johannesburg by South African Airways on Mondays and Thursdays. Brazzaville can also be reached through Ethiopian Airlines from Addis Ababa four times a week; Addis Ababa has connecting Flights to numerous other international destinations, including Dubai. Royal Air Maroc operates three direct connecting flights a week from Casablanca. Kenya Airways operates Flights to Brazzaville three times a week from Nairobi. If you are a Sky Team associate, you can catch a KLM-Airline or Air France flight to Nairobi and connect to Brazzaville from there. There are also many Flights to other smaller capital city's in Africa, including neighbouring Kinshasa.

By ferry

You can also travel to Brazzaville from Kinshasa via boat, but it is recommended to fly directly into Brazzaville if your intent is to visit the Republic of Congo.

Travel by train to Brazzaville

Rail services link Brazzaville with Dolisie and the seaside city of Pointe-Noire. The national operator, CFCO has introduced a new "express" train named La Gazelle; however, it still takes a grueling 15 hours to complete the journey. On the plus side the train has air conditioning, a restaurant vehicle and power sockets. There's also slower services, generally not recommended for tourists. The train station, Gare de Brazzaville GPS -4.269557,15.288456 is located at Place de la Liberte.

By road

There is surprisingly no bridge between Brazzaville and Kinshasa. If you wish to take a vehicle across, it is feasible to pay extra and get a ride on the ferry. There have been reports the vehicle will require "disinfection" when crossing from Congo to DR Congo.

How to get around in Brazzaville

You may use local green taxis, even if they are in a poor technical condition. Much as you would anywhere, take a security-first approach to taxis - Refuse to hop into any vehicle that has two or more people in it already. One trip anywhere in town is XAF 1,000 (USD 2).

What to see in Brazzaville

Mosobrazza - Mausolée de Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza

Basilique Sainte-Anne of the Congo -4.268626, 15.284171 - Built by Roger Erell, 1949, one of the most beautiful modern churches in the world.

Palais du Peuple -4.282925, 15.265085 Nice colonial palace built in 1901, today presidential palace.

Cathédrale Sacré-Coeur This Catholic church was constructed by Mr. Augouard and offers views of downtown areas such as Poto Poto and Centreville and Kinshasa and the capital of DRC across the river.

Markets of Moungali, Poto-Poto, Bacongo.

Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Memorial -4.278390, 15.279302 Brand new marble construction in memory of and his family. Located next to the former U.S. Embassy.

Le Palais des Congrès Avenue Des Armees Across from the new Ministry of Foreign Affairs The Palace of the Congresses

L’Ecole de Peinture de Poto Poto – Poto Poto Painting School
Les Rapides in Djoué

Top Travel Tips

Zoo (no animals since the war)

Recreational Activities

If you enjoy outdoor sports, bring equipment that you may need, such as picnic supplies, golf equipment and sports attire. All equipment available locally is expensive. Photographic equipment and facilities are also available at double U.S. prices. The following clubs/hotels are open to paying memberships:

Tennis Club -4.269138, 15.252073 Close to roundabout going to Maya Maya Airport - Facilities include 10 clay courts with lights, a squash court, a swimming swimmingpool and a large café. Balls are supplied free. This club is located on the dirt road that is adjacent to the road leading to the National Stadium.

Brazzaville Golf Club -4.307243, 15.207430 ☎ +242 528 3643, +242 663 7127 - The club has a well-kept, nine-hole course (which by clever use of tees converts into an 18-hole course) with sand greens. It is on the grounds of the regional headquarters of the WHO, 20 minutes South from Brazzaville and has a spectacular view of the Congo River and the rapids.

Laico Maya-Maya Brazzaville Hotel. Offers monthly subscriptions for use of its tennis courts and pool.
Olympic Palace Hotel. Offers monthly subscriptions for use of its tennis court and pool. Monthly rates at Olympic are significantly higher than Laico Maya-Maya Brazzaville Hotel.
The market of Poto Poto is fabulous. Thit is the West African quarter.
The Bakongo neighborhood is great for wandering around; at night there are a plethora of plastic-chaired bars and street food to choose from.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Brazzaville

Basilique - façade principale - Basilique Sainte-Anne of the Congo

Eat at Mami Wata (great Pizzas in the afternoon, enjoy the view of Kinshasa over the Congo River) or Nenuphar (great steaks). For Muslims there are very few places to go out for eating like La Mandarine, one of the Lebanese Restaurants in the city. On the Avenue Foch are few restaurants and cafes where you can get dinner, Snacks, caffe. But at all the Lebanese restaurants one can find Halal food.

There are several great restaurants in Brazzaville. Any taxi driver can take you to one of these nicer places (5000-15000 CFA). Most places are closed on Sundays. Expect soft drinks to be overpriced here (1000 to 2000 CFA).

Le Jardin (French) soft bread, lovely t-bone, great outdoor ambiance, sometimes live music first class place
Etoiles de Jade (Moroccan: great tagine, Vegetarian dishes, sometimes they don't have everything on the menu)
Mami Wata (Continental) right on the Congo River, $30 Sunday night buffet, Pizzas, seafood, Pastas and salad.
Chef David (There are several in town. Thit is the best Pizzas in town and the best one is near Downtown.) They also do carry-out.
L'orchidee (French) is one block up from the roudabout in front of the Ministry of Finance. Great lobster.
La Mandarine (Lebanese: ice cream! the best patisserie in town. also a great brunch place)
Noura I and II (Lebanese) Hotel de Ville are. Known for Chicken shwarma.
Hassan Burger (Lebanese), Avenue E.P. Lumumba, Hotel de Ville Area Between FESPAM headquarters and Belgian Embassy. ☎ 81 2334 or 666 2004.
Les Bougainvillers Av. de l'amitie Centre Ville
Pizzeria Royale aka River Bar on the corniche next ot the Brazza Mausoleum. Good Pizzas, affordable drinks, great view of the Congo river.
Le Renouveau located at the junction across from the roundabout at Pharmacie Mavre. Serves local, fast food and some grilled dishes.Has a well stocked small bar inside.
La Pyramide (Lebanese) located around 6 blocks west of Park North Shop. Wonderful tabouli!
Le Bambino (Congolese and French) close to Exotic Palace.
Pizzeria Centrale across from Le Renouveau, close to the roudabout at Pharmacie Mavre. Serves grilled dishes as well. Make sure to go a bit late (after 20:00) or be prepared to wait a while for the Pizzas.
L'Sympathique (French) Down the street from Pharmacie Mavre. Good value, lunch and dinner.
Le Missala (fine dining) located at the Olympic Palace.Italian cef presents a cotinental menu with flare. Expensive, elaborate, excellent.

Street food is mostly limited to beignets and manioc in the downtown area. Egg sandwiches and avocado and salami sandwiches are found at random. At night there is Meat on a stick.

Hippocampe | Across from Radio Congo {{! Centre Ville, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo Hippocampe is a welcome alternative. The Vietnamis and some of the local dishes are good and the restaurant is a nice place to read or chat with fellow travelers. Finally and the location is convenient. It serves a good buffet at a reasonable price of FCFA 8000 on Friday and Saturday evenings with a wide variety of dishes.

K-20150526 144553 - Head office of Equatorial Congo Airlines at Airport Brazzaville

Beer: Primus, N'Gok, Mutzig, Heineken, Guinness, Turbo King.

Ram Dam. This nightclub is located at Plato next to Nanu Fer restaurant. Cover charge is 5,000 CFA per person and includes one drink. All drinks, including water, are extremely expensive. Local, French and English music. Opens late.
Boom Boom Afrique. This lounge is located on the road that goes to the Beach and the road where Score Supermarket is located. Plays a good mix of French, American and African music. Thit is a lounge, not a dance club. No cover charge.
Diplomat. Local hotspot where you can listen to local bands, see local dancers and enjoy local karaoke. There is a disco and dance floor located in the back via a separate entrance. Cover charge.
3 D Bar. Located close to Exotic Palace restaurant, across from the roundabout close to Pharmacie Mavre. This bar/lounge is a favorite among the young and hip crowd in Brazzaville. Thit is a lounge-type bar with seating at the bar, outside on the patio-area or upstairs in the lounge area. No cover charge.

Château Rouge Avenue Foch -4.277176, 15.277336 - New nightclub located above the Chinese restaurant called Restaur Ant De Ta Paix in the Hotel de Ville area (located on the same street as La Mandarine and Noura restaurants). Cover charge is 5,000 CFA per person and includes one drink.

Les Rapides is a bar that any taxi driver would know. It provides a great view of the river and you can run around in the river if you want.
La Maison Blanche (Plateaux) is a local club with three levels, great street Meat and local music.

No Stress -4.270697, 15.288894 - A lot of foreigners and expats. Most of the taxis will know how to get there but you can always ask for instructions at the reception of your hotel.

Shopping in Brazzaville

Brazzaville is a expensive city, as you will find all kinds of things but almost four times the price in Dubai or elsewhere. For example if you are looking to buy a can of Pepsi Cola which is 1 UAE Dihram in Dubai and you will get it for XAF 750 (Central African CFA Franc) which is equivalent to 5 UAE dirhams. Same goes for other things. So if you are planning to come here, bring usual day to day usage stuff along with you.

There is a huge market close to the Gothic Church where one can buy nice African wear and bright colored materials - an adventure in itself.

Groceries

Currently and there are two major grocery stores in Brazzaville, as well as a few convenience type stores which carry some of the same products. Below is a list of supermarkets and convenience type stores: Casino (used to be Score) is the second largest supermarket with Park North Shop new super market recently inaugurated. Everything is overpriced here, but if you need your frozen Pizzas.☎ 81 03 35. Park North Shop (close to the Mpila roundabout and Tower Nambemba). ☎ 548 2936 Ste. Regal (located close to Park North Shop, on the same street as Tower Nambemba). ☎ 527 5260

With enough patience, shoppers can find most of the brands what they are looking for which they are accustomed.

The major grocery stores and a few other stores have a good selection of imported fruits and vegetables, but prices are a bit expensive. You can get a wide selection of local and fresh fruits from local markets around town. Below is a list of the local markets frequented by Americans and expatriates:

Marché De La Plaine (located around the junction from Casino supermarket). Here you can find a good selection of local fruits and vegetables. Be prepared to bargain for good prices.
Marché Du Plateau (located close to BDEAC, across from Nenuphar restaurant). Here you can find some local fruits and vegetables, but you will find a better selection at the Marché de la Plaine. As always, bargaining is a must.
Total Market (located in Bacongo). Thit is a large local market where you can find a good supply of fruits and vegetables and local food products at fair prices. All prices are fixed and displayed on products, so no need for bargaining.
Marché de Poto Poto (in Poto Poto). Thit is the West African part of town.

Butchers and Meat Stores

There are two good butcher stores in town that sell both local and imported meats and seafood. There are also a few stores that sell frozen Meat and seafood.

Nénu Viande (located on the same street as Exotic Palace, close to Park North Shop). This store is run by a French butcher. It has a good selection of local and imported Meat, but a limited supply of seafood. Check with the butcher to find out when seafood arrives. It also has an excellent selection of sausages. You can call and place an order for pick up later the same day. ☎ 81 4659 (general number).
Casino Supermarket (located on the same street as the Brazza mausoleum): The Meat section of this grocery store has a good selection of meats and seafood.

'*Guenin or Coup:' Located opposite the entrance to the ‘Beach’. Store sells frozen Meat, fish, Chicken, etc.

Bakeries

Local bread, white and whole wheat, is of good quality. You can buy fresh bread from 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 (located down the street and around the junction from Score, next to the Marché de la Plaine fruit and vegetable market)
Exotic Palace Ex. La Manne (across from Pharmacie Mavre, close to the roundabout),

Bread is affordable and sells out quickly. The best times to shop are between 9 and 11AM on weekdays and between 8:30AM and 10AM on the weekends. However, "street bread" can be found throughout the day for 100-150 FCFA. You can also find imported white and whole wheat bread from a few grocery stores, but they are expensive and sell out very quickly.

Small boutiques (mostly run by north Africans) are on every corner. You can find soap, Pasta croissants, basic goods here. They are reasonably priced.

Craft Shops/Souvenirs

Marché du Plateau Craft Market (located across from Nenuphar restaurant, close to BDEAC). Here you find a selection of crafts, mostly from the neighboring area. Bargaining is a must.
Tala Na Miso (located on the same road as the Marché du Plateau craft market). This store specializes in wood carvings and some brass work. Shop owner gives a good deal if you are a frequent client.
Poto Poto Painting School (located in the Poto Poto area). Excellent selection of paintings from local artists. School is one of the best places to find local paintings.
La Paille et La Poutre (located across from Park North Shop). This store stocks nice crafts, mostly imported from South Africa. Very expensive, but good quality items.
Open Air Painting Market (next to the post office). Here you can find paintings by local artists. You can also find copper items and wooden sculptures. Bargaining is a must here.
Souvenir D’Afrique (a few shops down from Marché du Plateau, on the same road). Here you can find local souvenirs and trinkets.

Olympic Palace Hotel Craft Shop (located at Olympic Palace). Here you can find local crafts, but they are expensive. You can get better prices at the local craft markets listed above.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Brazzaville

Brazzaville - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Brazzaville, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Brazzaville. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Brazzaville and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Brazzaville. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Brazzaville. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Brazzaville: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Brazzaville.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Brazzaville: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Brazzaville, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Brazzaville.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Brazzaville, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Brazzaville, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Brazzaville and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Brazzaville, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Brazzaville, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Brazzaville without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Brazzaville is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Brazzaville.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Brazzaville is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Brazzaville, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Brazzaville Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Brazzaville

eHalal Group Brazzaville is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Brazzaville. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Brazzaville.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Brazzaville ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Brazzaville. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Brazzaville, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Brazzaville are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan 2024 Celebrations in Brazzaville

Ramadan 2025 in Brazzaville

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Laico Hotel Maya Maya - formerly Le Meridien Brazzaville | Boulevard Lyautey, BP 588 ☎ +242 81 03 03 +242 81 5549 from 215EUR Refurbished 2009 to 2011.

Olympic Palace Hotel | BP 1050 ☎ +242 81 34 36 +242 81 00 30 100.000 for old room, 150.000 for new room, 180.000 for double room - The new section of the hotel is the only one in Brazza that keeps westerns standards. The whole hotel arguably the best in the town (Air France personnel has moved from Laico to Olympic in last months, so now all the airlines have their air crews there, even the ones landing in Kinshasa, DRDC). The only drawback is the loud music till the morning once a week, when weddings take place. Free internet in the restaurant for anyone.

Hotel Hippocampe, +242 668 60 68 Price: 26,000-36,000 Friday CFA/night, depending on the room. Average price for a meal: 5,000 Friday CFA food + 2,000 Friday CFA drinks 7,000 Friday CFA (€11). Owned by a French-Vietnamese couple. Staff is very nice. Food is good, though most of it is non-Congolese. It has warm water and wireless in some rooms and in the restaurant. Very nice outdoors restaurant.
Hotel Oriental, Price: 30,000-40,000 Friday CFA/night, depending on the room. Nice hotel opened in May 2012 by a Lebanese in the quieter Bacongo neighborhood (on the road leading to "Case De Gaulle") - A restaurant is expected to open later in the same 3 storey building... It has air-con and brand new big flat screens in every room. Staff is very nice.
Hotel Bikomou Quartier de l'OCH
Hotel Mpama 141 Av. Loutassi
Hotel Marina, BP 1947, +242 81 16 05. All rooms are of a good standard, double bed TV, mini bar, all en-suite, internet in some rooms (2000/hr) but you can also use for free the connection at the "Business center", doesn't compare to Olympic Palace, but much more central and perfectly comfortable, breakfasts are expensive at 10,000 much rather visit the Manderin near by. Staff don't speak a lot of English so communication can be a problem sometimes. Avoid the hotel restaurant at all costs. Very expensive and their foos quality is average. As in most of the hotels if you are travelling on your own you need to give them a deposit before you get a reservation. 85,000 for a room.

Hôtel Belle Ville | Alphonse Fondere ☎ +242 81 55 62
Bougainvilliers | BP 646 ☎ +242 81 11 56
Hotel des Ambassadeurs | ☎ +242 548 00 00
Hotel du Boulevard | BP 1547 ☎ +242 537 04 07
Hotel Etoile | ☎ +242 944 90 00
Hotel Saphir | BP 1307 ☎ +242 81 01 25
Villa Lys Hotel | 93, avenue du Dr Jamot ☎ +242-5950002 117-208 Check-in: 15:00 / Check-out: 11:00 In a former life and the Hotel Villa Lily used to be, for a part an office building and for another part an apartment building.

Hotel Mikhael's - 67, Nelson Mandela Avenue -4.270957, 15.281218 ☎ +242 05 366 66 60 An elegant boutique hotel situated in downtown. Within walking distance from the city’s main attractions, ten minutes away from the international Maya Maya Airport and surrounded by natural richness. Equipped for business conferences and receptions, it is the ideal meeting place for entrepreneurs.

Cope in Brazzaville

Embassies & Consulates in Brazzaville

United States | Brazzaville@;Brazzaville@ 70-83 Section D, Maya-Maya Blvd ☎ +242 06 612-2000 Opening Hours: Monday - Thursday 7:30AM Monday - 5PM, Friday 7:30AM Monday - 12:30PM

News & References Brazzaville

More Muslim friendly Destinations from Brazzaville

Pointe-Noire — the nation's second city and a beach resort, a 15 hour train ride away at the Atlantic Ocean
Kinshasa — the capital of DR Congo is just across the Congo river