Travel advisory · Republic of CongoSome governments advise against travel to parts of Republic of Congo.The warnings cover only these areas: 50 km strip along the Central African Republic border.Advice depends on your passport. Read your own government's advice before you book.Official advice
- 50 km strip along the Central African Republic border · avoid all travel · Canada, New Zealand, UK
Also named by one government: Brazzaville–Pointe-Noire railway (Italy), 10 km border strip with DR Congo and Cabinda (Angola) (France), 30 km strip along the northern border with the Central African Republic (France), Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire peripheral districts (Italy), Pool department (New Zealand), RN1 road (Brazzaville–Pointe-Noire) at night (Italy)
| Government | Advice | Updated | Read the advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (FCDO) | No advice against the whole country (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
| United States (State Dept) | Exercise increased caution | Oct 2, 2024 | Read the advice |
| Canada (Global Affairs) | Exercise a high degree of caution (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
| Germany (Auswärtiges Amt) | Besonders aufmerksam sein; keine Reisewarnung | Oct 22, 2026 | Read the advice |
| New Zealand (SafeTravel) | Exercise increased caution (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
| France (Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs) | Vigilance renforcée sur l'ensemble du territoire (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
Checked daily from the governments' published advice; last checked Nov 2, 2026. RoamLedger summarises official advice; it is not advice from any government.
Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park
A remote lowland rainforest park in northern Republic of Congo, known for western lowland gorillas and forest elephants. Most trips reach it by light aircraft.
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Nouabalé-Ndoki is a national park in northern Republic of Congo, set in the Congo Basin rainforest. It lies in the Sangha region, close to the borders with Cameroon and the Central African Republic, and it is part of the Sangha Trinational protected area, which links parks in all three countries. The park became a national park in 1993.
The park is known for its lowland forest and its wildlife, especially western lowland gorillas and forest elephants. Mbeli Bai, a forest clearing, draws animals to its open water and mud. Access is limited. Most visitors fly in and stay at a camp in or near the park, and the park is run with the Congolese government and conservation partners. The trip suits wildlife watchers who are comfortable with basic camp life and remote travel. Plan several days, because much of the trip goes to getting in and out.
Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park in five
- Get a Congolese visa before booking flightsMost visitors need a visa for the Republic of Congo. Confirm the rule with a Congolese embassy or consulate before you pay for flights.Visas and entry
- Book the park through a licensed operatorPark permits, boats or charter flights and camp beds are normally arranged through operators. Ask for the full cost and what is included in writing.
- Carry CFA francs in cashCard payment is unlikely at forest camps and in Ouesso. Bring enough cash in small notes for tips and supplies.Money and costs
- Ask a travel clinic about malariaMalaria is present in the rainforest. Get prevention advice and repellent before you leave home.
- Pack soft bags for small aircraftLight aircraft used for transfers have strict baggage limits. Use soft duffels and weigh your bag at home.Luggage
Things to do in Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park
See all attractions in Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park
Need to know
- Currency
- CFA franc (XAF)
- Entry
- Visa needed for most visitors; apply through a Congolese consulate
- Emergency
- Confirm local police and ambulance numbers with your operator
- Tipping
- Customary for guides and trackers
- Time
- UTC+1, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDry season
- FebruaryDry season
- MarchHeavy rain
- AprilHeavy rain
- MayRainy season
- JuneShort dry spell
- JulyDrier season
- AugustDrier season
- SeptemberRains return
- OctoberHeavy rain
- NovemberHeavy rain
- DecemberRains ease
Right now in Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
25
- Feels like
- 27°
- Humidity
- 68%
- Wind
- 5 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 80%
Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park
01:36 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today32°20°80%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 32°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 80%.
- Wed33°21°76%Wednesday: Rain. High 33°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 76%.
- Thu27°21°69%Thursday: Rain. High 27°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 69%.
- Fri31°22°47%Friday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 47%.
- Sat31°21°67%Saturday: Drizzle. High 31°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 67%.
- Sun30°21°69%Sunday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 69%.
Updated 09:40 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 587.8 XAF
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Before you go to Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park
Rules for Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, checked
- Yellow fever vaccination proof is usually required for entry; check the requirement with a Congolese consulate before you travel.
- Park rules bar hunting, collecting and removing plants or animals; ask your guide before taking any item out of the park.
- Do not feed or approach gorillas or other wildlife; keep the distance your guide sets, even when animals come close.
- Confirm with your operator what the park fee, guide and transfers include, and get the total in writing before you pay.
Plan around Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park
Country basics and the wider trip
Read the guideVisas and entryVisa rules and how to apply
Read the guideMoney and costsCash, CFA francs and where cards fail
Read the guideGetting aroundFlights to Ouesso and onward transfers
Read the guideWhere to stayCamps and lodges near the park
Read the guideTravel insuranceMedical cover and evacuation from remote areas
Read the guideNouabalé-Ndoki National Park FAQ
Do I need a visa for Nouabalé-Ndoki?
Most visitors need a visa for the Republic of Congo, and the park is reached through the country. Confirm the rule with a Congolese consulate before booking.
How do I get to Nouabalé-Ndoki?
Most trips fly into Brazzaville or Pointe-Noire, then continue north to Ouesso. From there, the operator arranges the final boat or light-aircraft transfer.
Can I visit the park without a tour operator?
Plan to book through a licensed operator, which arranges permits and transfers. Ask for the cost and inclusions in writing.
What wildlife can I see in Nouabalé-Ndoki?
The park is known for western lowland gorillas, forest elephants and chimpanzees. Sightings are not guaranteed in dense forest.
When is the best time to visit Nouabalé-Ndoki?
January, February, July and August are the drier months and the best times to go. Heavy rain is common from March to May and October to November.
Do I need malaria tablets?
Ask a travel clinic for malaria prevention advice before you go. The park is in rainforest where malaria is present.