Democratic Republic of the Congo

The DRC’s National Parks and nature reserves cover around 12% of the country and are well worth the effort to get to, as they host some of the world’s most exciting wildlife-watching opportunities – the main reason why many people visit the DRC. As well as harbouring more bird species than other African countries, nowhere else in the world provides the chance to see the okapi (a bizarre giraffe-like creature) and bonobo (formerly known as pygmy chimpanzee). Moreover, sites for both mountain and eastern lowland gorillas lie firmly on the tourist trail at the world-famous locations of Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega national parks.

Even if wildlife does not float your boat, there is much to savour. The capital, Kinshasa, is one of Africa’s great cities. This is the home of musique congolaise, enjoyed all over Africa and beyond – and of the sapeurs (the DRC’s renowned snappy dressers). Kisangani, in a strategic location at the northern bend of the River Congo, is a historic hub for river transport; Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart stayed here when filming The African Queen. The city of Lubumbashi offers wide boulevards and Art Deco buildings, plus good hotels and restaurants in which to relax. Once rested, if the area is at peace, why not hike to the summit of Nyiragongo volcano and spend the night beside the world’s largest lava lake? With its wide-ranging coverage offering advice on everything from tour operators to accommodation, and security to visiting national parks, Bradt’s Democratic Republic of the Congo is your essential travel companion.