What to see in Democratic Republic of the Congo: 10 must-sees

Stop at Virunga National Park, Africa's oldest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site lying right beside Goma. Track mountain gorillas on a guided safari, watch elephants out on the savanna, and camp on the shores of Lake Kivu. At night, climb Nyiragongo volcano and gaze at the active lava in its crater, one of the few permanent lava lakes on the planet.

Walk through the rainforest of Kahuzi-Biega National Park, near Bukavu, where eastern lowland gorillas, or Grauer's gorillas, share their territory with elephants and leopards. Follow the trackers to a habituated gorilla family, watch them feed among the ferns, and camp by the lake within a pristine forest rich in biodiversity. The park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protects one of the last populations of this gorilla, and every visit with an official permit directly funds its protection and conservation.

Visit the Okapi Wildlife Reserve, on the Epulu River, home to the okapi, the "forest donkey" endemic to the Congo. Walk the open trails through 5,000 km² of rainforest and camp beside the stream while guides track the footprints of this endangered species. Learn how the Mbuti hunter-gatherers have lived alongside okapis for millennia, knowing every corner of the forest. This site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, combines active conservation and everyday Pygmy life, with accessible research stations and dense forest that is also home to elephants and chimpanzees.

Head down to the rapids of the Congo River, where the water forces its way between granite islands along 80 kilometers near Matadi. Navigate the currents, camp on the banks, and find out why Livingstone called this place Africa's "great flaw." Walk its trails among ancient geological formations, watch the wildlife and flora of the riverbanks, and feel the force of a river that no expedition has ever fully tamed.

Hike trails of volcanic rock to the summit of Nyiragongo, an active 3,470-meter volcano near Goma. Camp on the crater rim and watch the glow of the world's largest lava lake at night, its constant activity beneath the stars. During the ascent you'll cross geological formations and areas of alpine flora and fauna typical of the Virunga Mountains. The trek demands good physical fitness, but the sight of moving lava makes this volcano one of the most impressive in Africa.

Take in Kinshasa, the world's second-largest French-speaking city, where the central market, the Cathedral, and the Lower Congo set the rhythm of each day. Enter the National Museum, walk past the Palace of the Nation, and observe the daily life of a metropolis of 17 million people. Stroll its streets among fabric stalls and Congolese music, and see how tradition and modernity coexist in a cultural mosaic that only this capital can offer you.

Immerse yourself in Kundelungu National Park, on the outskirts of Lubumbashi, where the Kiubwe Falls tumble between wooded hills and savanna plains. Go on a guided safari with local rangers, camp by the river, and watch antelopes, buffalo, and birds from the natural viewpoints. Hiking trails cross the high plateau, and the dry season makes wildlife easier to spot. Bring your own tent, water, and an ICCN permit; the rains bring the Kiubwe Falls to their fullest, most powerful flow.