DR CONGO HIGHLIGHTS

1 Lwiro Chimp Sanctuary

Visiting the Lwiro Chimp Sanctuary and spending time with the community at the Pole Pole Foundation offers a truly eye-opening insight into this little-visited part of Africa and its endemic wildlife.

2 Virunga National Park

Not only is Virunga Africa’s oldest national park, it’s a haven to some of the rarest wildlife on Earth. Of the 900-plus critically endangered animals left in the world, roughly a third live here. For a large chunk of the past couple of decades, this Unesco-listed site has been closed due to war and political instability, but in the last few years it has reopened a number of its sections.

3 Mount Nyiragongo

Rising out of Virunga NP, this volcano is home to the world’s largest active lava lake, and treks to its crater reveal thrilling views from the top ( pictured).

4 Lake Kivu

This vast lake stretches across the border into Rwanda. There’s plenty to see, with the large central island of Idjwi reached via boats from Goma and offering a quiet escape and caves to explore.

5 Orchids Safari Club, Bukavu

Spacious grounds, lakeside views and a general air of colonial decadence make Orchids Safari Club an enticing bolthole to sip a cool cocktail or two and recline by the lapping shore.