Places / Africa / Democratic Republic Of The Congo
Goma
Not been yet
The UK Foreign Office currently advises against travel to all or parts of Democratic Republic Of The Congo. This guide is for a safer time. Check the latest travel advice.
At a glance
- Region
- North Kivu
- Population
- 1 million
- Best time to go
- June to August, December to February
- Main airport
- Goma International (GOM); many travellers use Kigali (KGL)
- Coordinates
- 1.68°S, 29.22°E
Visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Goma sits on the northern shore of Lake Kivu, right on the border with Rwanda, in the shadow of Nyiragongo, one of the world's most active volcanoes. Black lava from past eruptions runs through the town itself.
Eastern Congo has been unsettled for many years, and the security situation can change quickly. This guide is written for a safer time: check the latest government travel advice before making any plans.
Things to see
-
Photo: MONUSCO / Neil Wetmore, CC BY-SA 2.0 Nyiragongo volcano
A steep cone holding a lava lake, glowing red at night when it is active.
-
Lake Kivu
A deep, clear highland lake ringed by green hills, cool enough to make the town's climate pleasant.
-
Photo: Yvette Kaboza, CC BY-SA 3.0 igo Virunga National Park
Africa's oldest national park, home to mountain gorillas, volcanoes and savannah.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Guido Potters, GFDL Lava fields
Solidified lava from the 2002 eruption still covers parts of the town, a reminder of the volcano's power.
Things to do
-
Photo: Cai Tjeenk Willink, CC BY-SA 3.0 Climb Nyiragongo
An overnight hike with park rangers to huts on the crater rim, when the park is open to visitors.
Find tours -
Photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/deepphoto/ d_proffer, CC BY 2.0 Gorilla trekking
Habituated mountain gorilla families live in the Virunga forests, visited in small guided groups.
Find tours -
Photo: Steve Evans from Citizen of the World, CC BY 2.0 Time on the lake
Watch the fishermen's boats, or swim and relax at a lakeside hotel.
Where to stay
Lakeshore
Hotels with gardens on the water, the most pleasant places to stay.
Hotels in LakeshoreTown centre
Simpler guesthouses close to the market and offices.
Hotels in Town centre
Getting around
Arrange transport with a reputable operator or your hotel; independent travel around the region is not advisable.
Visitors have often flown to Kigali, travelled by road to Gisenyi in Rwanda and crossed the border on foot.
When to go
The drier months, roughly June to August and December to February, are best for hiking. Goma's altitude keeps it mild all year, with rain possible in any month.
Plan your trip to Goma
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.