Best hotels in DRC

Not only is Virunga National Park a UNESCO World Heritage Site (and deservedly so), it’s also one of the most bewitchingly beautiful national parks on the continent, home to snow-capped mountains and glistening glaciers, active volcanoes and endless jungles. And now, there’s another reason to visit; Mikeno Lodge, a rather luxurious hideaway in the grounds of the park’s headquarters. 12 Congolese-chic (trust us – it’s a thing!) bungalows boast ensuite bathrooms, hot water and epic fireplaces to fight off the ubiquitous mists and a terrific team of staff who will do just about anything to make your stay as unforgettable as it should be.

There aren’t many camps that have a location as wonderful as Bukima. Meaning ‘The place where there are monkeys’, the camp certainly lives up to its name and in fact, goes one better with its proximity to the utterly magnificent mountain gorillas of Virunga National Park. Situated right on the edge of the forest in the rolling foothills of the Virunga Massif, the camp is the starting point for all gorilla treks in the area (not that there are many). Views are phenomenal with Mount Mikeno and Nyiragongo taking centre position and even though it’s not glamping, we think everything about Bukima Tented Camp is pretty much perfect.

Nyiragongo is an adrenalin-fuelled traveller's dream. If hiking the slopes of an active volcano and sleeping in a hut perched on the rim of one of the world's largest lava lakes sets your heart thumping, then this is the adventure for you. Watch the bubbling cauldron – from a safe distance – and get a sense of the Earth's fiery heart as the lava heaves, breathes and pops with hot gases. Stay overnight to watch the spectacle in the dark, and rise to appreciate the wide view from above the clouds before descending. Truly unforgettable, we guarantee it!

Around 15 minutes boat ride from the harbor of Goma, croissant-shaped Tchegra Island sits smack bang in the middle of Lake Kivu, a collapsed volcanic caldera that's now partly submerged in shimmering blue water. Return your heart rate to normal with a few days here after gorilla trekking in the Virungas or climbing Nyiragongo - the island is a haven of tranquility and with nothing but the eight tents of Tchegera Island Camp, you can expect peaceful nights and the most wonderful kind of silence in the stunning natural surroundings.

The latest string in Virunga’s bow, and operational since July 2016, Lulimbi Camp lies on the Ishasha River on the eastern edge of the park’s central sector. In fact, Uganda’s safari star Queen Elizabeth National Park lies just across the water. Lulimbi may be a mere 160 kilometres from Virunga’s iconic gorillas in their misty mountain habitat, but the camp could be on a different planet – think Out of Africa savanna with a bounty of classic safari wildlife, including elephant, hippo, buffalo, warthog and Ugandan kob. It’s the beginning of Lulimbi’s venture into modern tourism in the DRC, but we think it’s going to do very well…

Take a poll and you may find that observing gorillas up-close in the African wild tops many a bucket list. Yet, for many, just the thought of planning such a trip keeps it woefully out of reach. Re-opened to tourism in 2014, Virunga National Park in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo's (DRC) is making this goal ever more attainable. Virunga is a professional conservation operation that is gaining a reputation for quality hospitality too. The park's newest addition, Kibumba Tented Camp, provides excellent, good-value lodging. It's the answer for anyone who's ever dreamed of meeting gorillas.

Ngila is a brand new luxury tented camp in the Gorilla Sector, and will boast some of the best views in the entire park. Besides from the luxury facilities, there is a plethora of activities to enjoy including a stroll through the bamboo project, birding at the forest edge and a fascinating briefing on the gorillas that call this place home, then it's time for a spot of gorilla trekking in this lush corner of Virunga National Park.

Perched on the northern shores of Africa’s Great Lake Kivu is Goma, the capital of North Kivu. In the heart of this vibrant and unique city is Goma Serena Hotel. Inspired by the allure and grace of the DRC’s rich heritage, Goma Serena Hotel is graced with beautiful waterfront surroundings, tropical ambiance, an Olympic-size swimming pool and the best spa packages in the city. Goma Serena Hotel is a relaxing sanctuary after a day of travel or exploring the city. Savour delicious international cuisine and signature cocktails at one of three distinctive restaurants and lounges. All of the hotel’s 109 rooms have been intricately designed to provide magnificent views of Lake Kivu as well as the full range of modern comforts discerning travellers seek.