Congo:
Congo has seen a lot of war and violence in recent years. After two decades of Marxist Leninism, multiparty elections took place in 1992. The results were disputed, and President Pascal Lissouba called new elections and won again. In 1997, Denis Sessou Nguesso, supported by Angola (of all countries....), toppled Lissouba during a war in which 10,000 people died in the capital city of Brazzaville. President Nguesso is on shaky ground, and his forces are still being attacked by the forces of Lissouba. Congo, therefore, is not the greatest place to visit these days.
Much of the country is covered in rainforest, with swamps and mangroves in the northern region. Safaris into the forest used to be possible, but are not recommended these days, with the power struggle continuing, and the threat of civil war erupting again.
Books: Congo Journey, by Redmond O'Hanlon