It would be plenty to be one of the greatest shot blockers in basketball history. But Dikembe Mutombo, 41, a center for the Houston Rockets, has dedicated his off-court time to humanitarian organizations ranging from CARE to UNICEF. The Georgetown University–educated polyglot (seven languages), who came to the United States on scholarship to study medicine, spoke with Condé Nast Traveler's Dorinda Elliott about why he gave $15 million to build a 300-bed hospital in his hometown, Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and what he learned from Nelson Mandela.

CNT: Why do you do all this good work?

Mutombo: Since I was a child, I wanted to make a difference. I decided that when I became rich, I would use some of my profits to do good, to be part of change, maybe inspire people.

CNT: What were some of the most moving moments in your humanitarian work?

Mutombo: I took a trip with CARE from Nairobi to the border of Kenya. We were in the middle of nowhere, and you could see refugees coming across the border from Somalia. We watched children die after walking for days and days. We were distributing food, and we thought we were doing some good. But in a situation like that, you just don't know if what you are doing is enough.

CNT: What impact do you think your hospital will have?

Mutombo: It's already having an impact just by being built. It gives a lesson to people who might be hesitant about contributing to the lives of others: This shows them that we can be part of the solution. Everybody said this can't be built by one person. Most people said forget it. But I said let's try.

CNT: What do you think of the celebrity do-gooder thing? Angelina, Brad—everybody is out saving the world.

Mutombo: I think it's so good. I hope we can use our fame and a little bit of our fortune to touch the lives of others. We've been blessed. We should now bless others.

CNT: You spend a lot of time on the road. Do you like it?

Mutombo: I have a passion for travel. I love to see the world and learn the history of other cultures. Every year, my children and I take a trip to South America or Europe. They love southern France. You can get on a boat and cruise the Mediterranean. Daddy leaves the phone behind. It's great to get away from everybody.

CNT: So for you, travel is a form of escape?

Mutombo: Travel is a way for me to reflect more on myself, on what I want to accomplish, and a chance to connect with my kids.

CNT: What about Congo as a destination?

Mutombo: Congo is known for its beautiful mountains and nature. We have so many national parks with wild animals. Without the conflict of recent years [between the government and rebel forces], many people would have visited. Kinshasa has started enjoying a peaceful climate, and money has been flowing in. It's sad to see that violence has broken out again recently. But someday I hope to show my children the hospital I built.

CNT: What's been your most instructive travel experience?

Mutombo: I went to South Africa in 1992 and learned about apartheid. Nelson Mandela had just been released, and we met with him in a secret place and visited the prison where he had lived. There were people who didn't want him to come to power, and his supporters were moving him every night to different safe places. From that trip, I learned a lot about struggle and freedom. We take so much for granted. People think of travel for work or play, but it can also be a lesson that will change your life.