National Geographic (@natgeo)

Photos by @brentstirton | Great news from Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo: It's reopening for tourism on February 15. This is absolutely one of the most unique national parks in the world. For me it’s the best mountain gorilla experience out there, not to mention the cheapest and the most authentic. The Kibumba camp will reopen in the gorilla sector, and tourists will once again be able to see these incredible animals. When a magnificent silverback looks directly at you, it is unquestionably a life-changing experience for your comprehension of animal intelligence. Nyiragongo, the largest active volcano lake in the world, is also reopening. You can overnight up at 11,000 feet and watch dawn break over the rim. I don’t have the words to describe how primal and beautiful the view is over the surrounding park. Chigera Island in Lake Kivu is also reopening; this place offers a private island experience, allowing you to look back at Goma and the active volcano sector with a view like no other. This is truly a different travel experience, and you are supporting people who do the some of the most difficult work in the conservation world.#