The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s misfortunes have often eclipsed its good news, with ongoing armed conflicts and most recently an Ebola outbreak. Much of the world knows little of the country’s vibrant arts scene, and last weekend in the capital, Kinshasa, models showed off daring new looks dreamed up by local designers on the catwalk. (Photo by Olivia Acland/The Guardian)

Dancers perform during the annual Tartan Day Parade along Sixth Avenue on April 15, 2023 in New York City. Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, the New York City Tartan Day Parade featured many Scottish clans, Pipers, Dancers and Scottish dogs. (Photo by Andrew Schwartz/SIPA Images/Rex Features/Shutterstock)

“Just hanging out”. As full autumn hits the valley of Hallingdal in Norway, this bear chills out in a tree which seems to barely cover its weight. Photo location: Flå, Hallingdal, Norway. (Photo and caption by Jorgen Tharaldsen/National Geographic Photo Contest)

With six-inch fangs and weighing in at 600lb, Saber and Janda are no ­ordinary house cats. Yet these huge Bengal tigers live in Janice Haley’s suburban garden and are treated like ordinary pets. They are fed by hand, get strokes and cuddles, and white male Saber goes to sleep sucking on her finger. Janice’s life changed 20 years ago when she spotted an advert for a tiger training course in her local paper – and two years later arrived home with her first cub. Then in 2002 she bought Janda, who is now 12. Photo: The pair are best of friends. (Photo by Ruaridh Connellan/Barcroft Media)

This adventurous husband and wife who are PAID to explore the world will give you a serious case of wanderlust. The Best Job in the World author, Ben Southall from Petersfield, Hampshire and his stunning Australian wife, Sophee are the definition of couple goals. The loved up pair with a taste for the extreme, launched, The Best Life in the World, last year with an incredible 34,000 mile journey from Singapore to London – in a mustard Land Rover. Here: Ben Southall’s wife, Sophee, takes a moment in Turkmenistan . (Photo by Ben Southall/Caters News Agency)

American singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer, actress and model Tinashe is seen on July 23, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by gotpap/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

Merit: A Night at Deadvlei. The night before returning to Windhoek, we spent several hours at Deadveli. The moon was bright enough to illuminate the sand dunes in the distance, but the skies were still dark enough to clearly see the milky way and magellanic clouds. Deadveli means “dead marsh. The camelthorn trees are believed to be about 900 years old, but have not decomposed because the environment is so dry. (Photo and caption by Beth McCarley/National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest)