10 Highlights of Congo Democratic Republic

About the destination: Located in the far south-western reaches of the country, Kinshasa is the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the third largest city in Africa. Once dubbed Kin-la-belle, traces of the colonial city can still be observed along the nicer suburbs of Gombe and Ma Campagne where huge shady trees provide shelter to well-to-do homes and embassies that dot the area. The main road, Boulevarde 30 Juin, which runs parallel to the Congo River, is wide and spacious and is considered as Kinshasa's business center. On this road, there are high rise buildings that house the nation's banks and government offices. This area of Kinshasa is busy, yet not as chaotic as one would imagine. Some areas of Kinshasa are actually quite pleasant and safe. The warm and verdant capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo is abuzz with African rhythms and colors. One can still find vestiges of the European invaders, but Kinshasa now is a true African city.

About the destination: This likeable border town on Lake Kivu is unlike anywhere else in DRC, being home to an enormous UN and NGO presence that gives it an unusually cosmopolitan feel. Having been almost wiped off the map by the eruption of the nearby Nyiragongo volcano in 2002, Goma has done much rebuilding in the past decade and a half, and as a result the city has a surprisingly attractive centre. Indeed, it's fascinating to visit the parts of town that are covered in the lava field, and see how the resilient locals have gone back to their lives and rebuilt their houses in these new and challenging conditions. People generally visit Goma en route to tracking mountain gorillas, climbing Nyiragongo or trekking in the Rwenzori Mountains. The city itself has no proper attractions, but it's a great pre- and post-Virunga hang-out, with some excellent sleeping and eating options.