Before you go to Republic of Congo

• A passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date, together with onward travel documents, proof of accommodation and sufficient funds for the duration of your stay.
• Sufficient blank VISA pages (not endorsement pages) in your passport, with at least 2 consecutive/side by side blank pages.
• Two visa application forms per applicant properly completed and signed. Signature must be original on each application. Improperly completed forms may delay the processing of your visa.
• Two recent passport photographs in colour, front view and with a plain/light background.
• Computer generated flight itinerary from the airline or a travel agency or copy of airline tickets. A signed letter on the travel agency's letterhead confirming round-trip booking may also be acceptable.
• International certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever.
• A “Letter of Invitation” is required to apply for a visa. We need a scanned copy of the guests’ passport to complete this letter, which includes information regarding date of arrival, voucher numbers, trip code.
• Once the letter is complete, we forward this to our office in Brazzaville, along with a copy of the passport, to action accordingly.
• All letters need to be stamped by a Congo Customs Official and there is a charge of US$ 40.00 per person for this service which is added to your quote.
• A stamped copy of this letter will then be sent to you and must be given to the guest to apply for their visa.
• All guests must carry a printed copy of this letter of invitation with them, along with the visa, when they travel to Congo.

• Yellow Fever – you will need the relevant certificate as proof to enter the Congo. Please be aware that it takes 10 days for the vaccination to be deemed effective. If you have the vaccination at short notice and arrive in Congo within those 10 days, the doctors at immigration at Brazzaville Airport may refuse entry.

• Mefloquine doxycycline
• Atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone™)

• Typhoid fever – vaccination is particularly important because of the presence of S. typhoid strains resistant to multiple antibiotics in this region
• Hepatitis A or Immune Globulin (IG)
• Hepatitis B or Immune Globulin
• Meningitis
• Polio
• Rabies – if coming into contact with wild or domestic animals
• Tetanus/diphtheria

• Size and type of aircraft
• Size of the luggage pod and seats
• The strict weight restrictions in place on any itinerary which includes light aircraft transfers are for the following reasons:
• The aircraft are designed with a maximum bodyweight and luggage weight allowance.
• Most of our airfields are at a fairly high elevation and located in the warm to hot tropics. Therefore the permissible aircraft carrying capacity is reduced.
• The aircraft have physical space restrictions. Please refer to the images below for an indication on the cargo hold compartment limitations.

• Luggage, including camera equipment and hand luggage, is restricted to 20 kg (44 lb) per person.
• There will no option of excess luggage accompanying the guest to the camp. Any excess weight will have to remain in Brazzaville.
• Only soft bags will be accepted – no wheels, frames or rigid structures can be transported as they physically cannot fit into the aircraft.
• The maximum dimensions of the soft bags which can be accommodated are as follows: 25 cm (10 inches) wide x 30 cm (12 inches) high and 62 cm (24 inches) long. Should your guest require a bag, we do have a supply of soft nylon carry-all bags at a reasonable cost. These bags are ideal for use on light aircraft and are the correct dimensions. Please keep in mind that the baggage compartments on the light aircraft are only 25 cm high (10 inches), so the pilots must have the ability to manipulate the bag into the compartment.
• A collapsible wheeled luggage frame/trolley (separate to the bag) is allowed, as long as basic dimensions are similar to that of the bag.
• Whilst these weight and size allowances appear minimal, please bear in mind the following:
• Basic toilet amenities are provided and laundry can be done – although due to the climate, we cannot guarantee a same day turnaround.
• More formal attire is usually required only when staying in the more prestigious city hotel establishments. On a wildlife safari, casual clothing is the order of the day. Please refer to our suggested packing list as a guideline.

The important guidelines below must please be noted for all our air transfers within Congo: Passengers travelling on light aircraft:

• Each and every aircraft has a legal take-off and landing weight. This includes fuel, luggage and per seat passenger weight. We are unable to combine passenger weights as this may affect the weight and balance of an aircraft due to unknown variables of the group of passengers on the day. Any deviations from these weight regulations could affect the take-off and landing capabilities of the aircraft.
• Wilderness Air operates relatively small aircraft in wilderness areas where a number of factors influence the weight limitations of the aircraft: the length and condition of the runway, temperature and weather conditions, accessibility to fuel in these areas, as well as the distances flown. As safety and a quality air service are a strict focus for us, it is vital that we manage all weight and balance calculations ahead of time. We therefore require the weights of all guests prior to travel.
• As safety and a quality air service are a strict focus for us, it is vital that we manage all weight and balance calculations ahead of time. We therefore require the weights of all guests prior to travel.

• At least three fast-drying, collared shirts with long sleeves in green or brown colours.
• Three pairs of fast-drying, long pants in green or brown colours.
• 1 pair of closed walking shoes – lightweight/quick drying are ideal. Heavy boots can be difficult to dry.
• Should you wish to bring “old” shoes that you don’t mind getting wet or muddy and decide to leave them behind at the end of your stay, please feel free to do so.
• 1 pair closed river/waterproof shoes or “wellington boots” or lightweight fishing waders.
• 1 pair of comfortable shoes for when in camp.
• Socks – calf length or longer to avoid exposing ankles.
• Comfortable, casual and cool clothing for when in camp.
• One light fleece / jumper for cooler evenings.
• Raingear.
• Swimming costume.
• Sun hat, sunglasses.
• Anti-fog for camera lenses.

• Any required medication – enough for all of the time spent in Congo.
• “Epipen” injection kit for anyone who has a serious allergy to insect bites, bee stings, food products, etc. Consult your doctor for further information.
• Insect repellent – tropical grade. Those containing DEET work best. Natural products (citronella, eucalyptus, etc.) are not recommended.
• Anti-itch/anti-allergy cream for insect bites, skin reactions, etc.
• Sunscreen – non greasy types are recommended for the tropics.

• A good pair of binoculars is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to get the most out of animal and bird sightings.
• Day pack for walks / gorilla tracking. Include “zip lock” bags or a lightweight dry bag for electronic equipment and items vulnerable to moisture.
• Spare batteries, charging apparatus and spare memory cards for cameras.
• “Head torch” or flashlight for night walks and moving around after dark.
• Insect head-nets will be provided in camp when necessary.

• A copy of your passport and important travel documents.
• A printed copy of your travel, medical and evacuation insurance that includes the policy reference number, name of insurer, name/s of persons covered and the contact telephone number/s in the advent of a medical emergency. Please also include contact details of a friend / family member in your home country.
• A list of any relevant medical conditions, medications and allergies.