Goma

Understand

In 2002 Goma was destroyed by lava from the Nyiragongo volcano which buried most of the town’s streets, particularly the town centre. Since then, Goma has been a city under constant construction. The town is worth a visit. While Goma is reasonably safe, any visits outside of Goma should be researched to understand the state of the fighting that persists in the North Kivu province. In particular any trips out of the city should be planned with caution. The city is also the base to climb the Nyiragongo volcano along with some of the cheapest Mountain Gorilla tracking in Africa. It is also a good starting point to Kinshasa via Beni and Kisangani. Goma is considered to have a tropical savanna climate.

Getting there

By plane 1 Goma International Airport (GOM IATA). There are several flights from many towns of Congo to Goma. There is a daily flight from Kinshasa to Goma which is operated by CAA and Congo Airways. You can also fly from Addis Abeba with Ethiopian. (updated Aug 2019) Alternatively, it is possible to fly to Kigali KGL IATA -in neighboring Rwanda- by direct flights from Europe (France, Belgium, Germany, United Kingdom), United Arabs Emirates then by road to Goma (taxi (70- 100 USD) or collective public transport bus for around(10 USD).

By bus From Kisoro, Uganda, you can take a minibus in Bunagana at the Uganda border. However, as of May 2015, the road between Bunagana and Rutshuru is not safe. Crossing the border called le petite barriere at Cyanika into Rwanda to reach Goma through Musanze (former called Ruhengeri) and Rubavu (former called Gisenyi) is a much safer and faster option. From Rwanda there are hourly minibuses from Kigali to Goma, such as Atraco Express and Okapi Car. These will take approximately three and a half hours. From Butembo you can find a bus in Butembo bus station. They may leave early in the morning.

By boat There are daily ferries from Bukavu via Idjwi Island. There are several companies that offer the 2-5 hour trip. Prices vary from $10 to $40.

By foot From Gisenyi both towns are on the border and walking between the two city centers takes no more than half an hour.

Getting around

You can use boda-boda (motorcycle taxi) to get around Goma. The normal (local) price is ~500 Congolese Francs for the short ride.

See

The Nyiragongo volcano Lake Kivu Gorillas in Virunga National Park The Green Lake.

Do

1 Climb Nyiragongo Volcano. This volcano, famous for its lava lake, is a technically easy climb from the direction of Goma. A trip to the top should take ~6-8 hours, so most climbers spend the night at the top. The park was closed in May 2009 due to the rebel occupation but was reopened in March 2010; it closed again during the M23 siege of the city but it reopened on November 2014. The tour with the Virunga National Park costs USD$255 for internationals and USD$55 for Congolese and it includes the permit to the park as well as the lodging at the top of the volcano and guides. (updated Oct 2019) Hakuna Matata safaris. Offers a 2-day climb and tour of Goma. Owner is a native of the region and very friendly, but it can take time to track him down. It's better bring your own equipment when trekking the volcano as the stuff Hakunamatata safaris provide is of low quality (e.g. leaking tents) ~$200. Green Hills Eco-Tours, Goma (Nyiragongo Volcana), ☏ +250 788219495, [email protected]. 4-5. Local specialists tour guide organizing all kinds of tours in East D.R.Congo. Climb Nyiragongo live volcano, mountain gorillas and lowland tracking, Goma sightseeing tour, Ijwi Island tours. US$200.

Buy

Traditional jewellery. Congolese wood crafts and canvas drawings. These are available at Ihusi and VIP palace hotels, but if you're looking for a bargain check out the shop on the roundabout near the post in the centre of town. Other items, such as videos of the Nyiragongo volcano eruption, are available at the Don de Dieu shop on Rutshuru Road.

Eat

1 Le chalet (On the edge of the lake). Food is excellent and affordable. Considering the quality of the roads, it is quite far from the city center.

Budget There are many cheap restaurants which serve rice, meat, chips and beans. In addition, most also serve one of the traditional African staples ugali, which is made primarily from flour and water. Natural yoghurt (called maziwa) is popular, often sweetened with sugar. It's available at many small shops around town for about $0.5

Colibri Hotel. Quiet restaurant with a friendly staff.

Mid-range Salt & Pepper Restaurant. Good restaurant with Indian, Bengali, Chinese, and African food from $3 to $10. You will feel at home with the service and smiles from the staff.

Splurge VIP Restaurant. Specializing in grilled fish & chicken, dishes $4-$10.

Drink & nightlife

Goma has many kinds of Congolese beers such as Primus, Mitzing, Amstel, and Turbo King. The proverbial Congolese nightlife is superb, and Goma is no different. In many nightclubs the tunes are a mix of local and western, and so are the Punters.

Sleep

Budget Colibri Hotel, ☏ +250 782160547. A good budget option with spacious rooms in addition to gardens for campers and backpackers. Is also the location of the Goma branch of the "Go Congo" tourism office. 5$-10$.

Mid-range

Splurge 1 Goma Serena Hotel, 105 Avenue De La Corniche, ☏ +243 999 399330. From $200. (updated Jan 2020) 2 VIP Palace, 27 Ave de la Revolution, ☏ +243 973 318 468. $55–225. (updated Jan 2020) 3 Ihusi Hotel, 140 Blvd Kanyamuhanga, ☏ +243 813129560, +243 813532300. Popular top-end hotel in the centre. Has a lovely lake view and a swimming pool. $55–110. (updated Jan 2020)