Goma

Goma is a tourist city that is the capital of Northern province of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the extreme east on the border with Rwanda.

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's climate is considered as tropical savanna climate

By plane
Alternatively, it is possible to fly to Kigali -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.

Get 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.

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.

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



Drink
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.



Stay safe
The biggest danger in Goma during the day is crossing the busy roads. At night don't walk anywhere besides the main nightclub zone of Blvd Kanyamuhanga. It is advised to not leave valuables in hotels. Rebels have been responsible for killings of gorillas and the security situation remains precarious within the Virunga Park.

An outbreak of Ebola in July 2019 has been brought under control in February 2022.

Go next

 * Rubavu
 * Kisoro
 * Bukavu