Lava lake in Nyiragongo active volcano, Virunga National Park, near Goma on Lake Kivu in Democratic Republic of Congo.

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Virunga National Park lies on the border of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and straddles the border with Rwanda and Uganda. It used to be famous for vast herds of hippo and wildlife, but wars, genocides, rebel movements and poaching have decimated most populations as vast numbers of refugees have fled between Rwanda, Uganda and DRC. The park itself has been used by rebels as a hide-out and base to launch attacks on government officials and wildlife guardians. Tourism has suffered greatly, but recent moves to curb rebel activity has led to the resurgence of backpacking to this amazing park.

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Size: 4928px × 3264px
Location: Near Goma in the Rift Valley of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Photo credit: © Michael-John von Horsten / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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